Commemorative

Christmas Eve at the Front

An interesting letter has just been received by Mrs Packer, of Broadclyst, from her husband, Corpl Packer of A Company, 1st Battalion Devonshire Regiment, who is serving with the Expeditionary Force in Northern France. In the course of a letter he describes a remarkable incident which occurred on Christmas Eve between the British and German trenches.

Torridge-Side’s Joy And Thankfulness

Two Memorable Days

Tuesday, 8 May, will go down in history as VE Day marking the victory of the Allied cause against Germany and her policy of aggression.

An eagerly waiting world received intimation of this longed for news on the previous night.

At 3pm on Tuesday our great Prime Minister, Mr Churchill, broadcast an official message concerning Germany’s acceptance of unconditional surrender.

Monday had been a very expectant day and there were a number of rumours that ‘it has happened’ but the position was finally clarified in a broadcast in the evening.

Following the week of wholesale surrender of huge German Forces, it was obvious that the end of the war in Europe was becoming a matter of days and then hours and the flags began to appear and Torridgeside, like the rest of the world, began to set in motion its arrangements to mark this great milestone of our time – on the road towards world peace. In the midst of our joy at the liberation of Europe, we did not forget that there is still a cruel and fanatical enemy to overcome in the East – Japan.

Below, and elsewhere in this issue, there are given accounts of some of the happenings in this district on VE Day and the day following, both days being observed as holidays. It will be understood that owing to war-time difficulties it has not been possible to give detailed accounts of all events. It is hoped to give further accounts and pictures in our next issue.

It was certainly market day with a difference on Tuesday! Shopping was done much earlier than usual and the stalls in the Pannier Market, quite a number of which were unoccupied, had ceased trade to all intents and purposes by dinner time. Most of the country folk returned to their own parishes to share in the VE observances there.

The flags started to go up in real earnest on Monday evening, and especially when news came through on the wireless that VE day was to be on the morrow. It almost seem that street vied with street in friendly competition to see which could put forward the greatest show. Some of the small streets of the town were particularly well done. The official streamers of bunting were draped across the Bridge and along the Quay.

Shopping occupied the first few hours on Tuesday but soon summer frocks and sports coats were making their appearance and the band of the 5th (Bideford) Batt. Home Guard began to liven proceedings with music.

The Bridge end of the Quay was well thronged at three pm to listen to the broadcast of the Prime Minister’s speech. The Mayor and Mayoress (Ald and Mrs H W Fulford), the deputy Mayor (Ald F E Whiting) and Mrs Whiting and the Town Clerk (Mr F C Backway) appeared at the balcony of the Town Hall and at the conclusion of Mr Churchill’s speech and the sound of ‘Cease Fire’ the Mayor addressed the gathering.

The Town Clerk then called ‘This is a historic occasion. You are entitled to let-off steam. Take your time from me for three cheers’ to which the crown readily responded.

Peals on the bell of the Parish Church rang our merrily.

On the afternoon tide BARC oarsmen took a turn up and down the river.

In the evening special thanksgiving services were held at Bideford Parish Church, conducted by the Rector (Prev. W N Manning) and the Rev T R Gibby; a united Free Church service at Bridge Street Methodist Church, in which Revs R Pyke, Preb W M Manning, Rev Robt H Parsons, and Rev W J Farr took part, and other clergy and ministers attended in support, also the united choir of Free Churches; and at the Church of the Sacred Heart, conducted by Father C Scanlan; and at other places of worship.

At the Free Church service a collection (331) was taken for the starving children of Europe.

At the above mentioned and at the numerous other services held throughout the district, congregations filled the Churches to capacity. A very reverent feeling of thankfulness for the victory of our cause prevailed.

Later in the evening there was music on the Quay and the King’s speech was relayed through amplifiers.

The fun became fast and furious as the night advanced with many signs of jollification, including singing in the streets, occasional dancing, impromptu flood lighting, the discharge of fireworks (with an especially brilliant display from Chudleigh Fort) and other illuminated effects. Many hundreds of people were happily parading the streets until a late hour.

The full Gazette article is dated 15 May 1945

Westward Ho!

Successful celebrations at Westward Ho!

An effigy of Hitler, dressed in a swallow-tail coat, given by a well known resident, taken around with children ringing handbells and telling all that the burning of same would take place later that evening; dancing taking place around this bonfire until 12 midnight, a collection for the Westward Ho! Welcome Home Fund realising £16; community singing and some amusement in fancy dress concluded on Thursday one of the series of very successful celebrations at Westward Ho!

Previously, on VE evening at the Kingsley Gym, a crowded Victory concert was presented by the ‘Geneva Revels’ in aid of the Church Roof Fund. The King’s speech was heard during an interval. On Wednesday evening a whist drive in aid of the Westward Ho! Welcome Home Fund and a dance at the Top Camp took place.

A grand victory dance took place in the Kingsley Gym on Friday evening, including many old fashioned dances and competitions. Mrs Douglas Lane and Mrs Bouverie were the judges.

On Saturday, the children and their parents assembled in the park and marched to the sands, where, by kind permission of the military, amphibious ‘Ducks’ waited to take them for a trip around Bideford Bay. Some 600 people took trips.

Afterwards the children were given tea and ices. Later, dancing took place in the park followed by a bonfire, with thunder flashes, etc. At about 11pm a massive crowd assembled around the bonfire to sing the latest songs with music on a piano-accordian by a soldier. Three special cheers were given for the men still fighting with the South-East Asia Command.

Rosettes, made and sold in aid of the Welcome Home Fund, sponsors of which were Mesdames Hutchings and Day, realised £7 3s. The Committee wish to thank all associated with the celebrations, especially Messrs Wills, Jeffery, and Mr Wiley for the loan of his radiogram.

Gazette article dated 15 May 1945

Prisoners Of War

Six Bideford ‘Old Boys’ Welcomed Home

Geneva’s Great Greeting

Bideford Senior School Old Scholars’ Association had a special welcome for six Old Boys – J Bowden, H Eastman, J E Evans, F C Mower, S Raymont, and A W Smale – at their Club night on Tuesday, which was specially organised to do them honour and attended by the Mayor and Mayoress (Ald and Mrs J W Fulford). Mr C S F Harding (former headmaster and president of the Association), and Mr J E Down (present headmaster).

Prominent in the hall was a large banner, ‘Welcome Home from BSSOSA’ above a large Union Jack, and the party struck up a cheering note when they arrived and were officially welcomed by the Mayor, who said that was one of his most pleasurable duties.