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.

On Sunday, May 13th, the sixty ninth ‘Forces Show’ was given at the Strand Cinema, Bideford, and drew the usual weekly crowd of Forces, being the first show of the VE period and, following the thanksgiving parade, the atmosphere was particularly jubilant.

To mark the occasion the patients of the White House were once again the guests of the evening. Those who could walk reached the theatre in time to see the usual Sunday night queue. Transportation was provide to bring and return those who could not walk. The variety part of the programme was provide by COXE of Westward Ho! with their band ‘The Bunch of Keys’ vocalist members of the ATS and a number of sketches, and the first hour slipped by all too quickly.

It is the custom at all these shows for Mr A E Battrick, the organiser, to thank the artists at the end of the variety session, make known the following week’s programme and deal with any matters of interest to the Forces generally. On this occasion Captain Burton, Administration Officer of COXE was introduced and on behalf of all ranks at COXE presented Mr Battrick with a handsome carved oak tray bearing the Combined Operations badge in silver. In a short speech, Captain Burton said that in organising and keeping these shows going week after week Mr Battrick had contributed immeasurably to the comfort of the Forces in the area, and had made a personal friend of them all. He could not express in words the gratitude they felt.

Replying, Mr Battrick said it was the sincere desire to promote friendship which prompted the original idea of ‘Forces Night’. He had succeeded a hundred-fold and he, himself, had benefitted to the extent of friendship more than anyone. While he deeply appreciated the presentation he felt that it was he should be making one. He could not find words to express his thanks for the way the ‘Forces’ had received and appreciated the efforts made on their behalf. The film which followed was ‘Two Girls and a Sailor’ and gave another two hours enjoyment.

It is understood that ‘Grumiaux’ the famous Belgian violinist, is to give a recital at the next Forces show and will be followed at a later date by Solomon, the world famous pianist. These two great artists are, of course, assured of a most welcome and appreciative reception.

The full Gazette article dated 22 May 1945

Appledorian Sank Doenitz

Mentioned in dispatches

The man who actually sank the submarine U-68, which was Admiral Doenitz’s (Hitler’s successor as Fuehrer) first command, is Mr J A Screech, of 77 Dillwyn Road, Sketty, Swansea, son of Mrs Screech and the late Capt W Screech, of Vernons Lane, Appledore, who has been skipper of the famous Swansea pilot cutter ‘Roger Beck’ for more than 20 years.

Mr Screech served in the Royal Navy during the last war in several large ships including the battleship ‘Revenge’ and the armed merchant cruiser ‘Oceanic’. Later he was posted on defensively equipped merchant vessels and spent eighteen months plying between Salonika and Port Said. It was when he was serving in the Blue Funnel vessel ‘Myrmidon’, 6,278 tons gross, that the encounter with Doenitz occurred. The ‘Myrmidon’ was in convoy east of Malta when the U-boat attacked at 2am, sinking one of the vessels. At 6am she attacked again on the service. Mr Screech, who was in charge of a 12-pounder anti-submarine gun, opened fire on the U-boat as soon as she was sighted, and the submarine was quickly sunk.

Admiral Doenitz and 18 members of his crew were the only survivors. For this distinguished service Mr Screech was mentioned in dispatches.

Gazette article dated 22 May 1945

Appledore’s VE Joy

Appledore continued its VE celebrations on Thursday May 10th when in several streets in Appledore, impromptu tea parties were held for the children.

When the children had finished the housewives who organised the occasion sat down to a tea party for themselves. The Vicar of Appledore (Rev H C A S Muller) visited most of the parties taking part in the streets and other places and said a few words, and caused much enjoyment by singing ‘Two Little Girls in Blue’.

In the evening there was more street dancing, the people dancing in the western part of Irsha Street collecting £2 for the Red Cross as their victory thanksgiving.

On Wednesday afternoon, the St Mary’s Church School, held their celebration tea, arranged by Mr T Parsons (headmaster) and a large staff of willing helpers. The Vicar attended and expressed his thanks to all who had assisted.

On Friday evening, schoolchildren, aged 4-16 years, from St Mary’s Church School and Appledore Council School, with their teachers, parents and friends, and members of the Appledore Youth Club, were taken for a trip up the river to Bideford and home again in an LCT. Led by the Rev H C A S Muller, the children enthusiastically showed their thanks to the Royal Navy for taking them for this much enjoyed ‘trip on the river’.

On Saturday a carnival wagon with people in fancy dress came round the streets in Appledore, adding to the festivities of the day. Tea parties continued to take place along with bonfires and dancing, while in Irsha Street, during an interval in the dancing, exact impersonations, causing much amusement, of famous personalities, were made by a sailor from HMS Appledore. Further open air dancing took place in the park.

Although there was a large drain by Bideford on HM Forces stationed at Appledore, the parade held to St Mary’s Church, Appledore, on Sunday May 13th, was, nevertheless, large and representative.

Assembling on Marine Parade, one minute’s silence for the fallen was observed before marching to the Church via the Quay, Irsha Street and Torridge Road, led by the Boys’ Brigade Band.

Organisations present included the Royal Navy, Naval Patrol, representatives of the ships in harbour, Royal Engineers, RAF, Home Guard, Special Constables, Civil Defence, WVS, representatives of Northam Council, Red Cross, Appledore Boys’ Brigade, Girl Guides, etc.

The church was filled to overflowing by the large congregation. The Vicar of Appledore conducted the service assisted by the Revs R W Mould, B Hardy, and A R Richards. The Vicar gave a short but impressive address in which he urged everyone to re-dedicate their lives. Miss Barrington presided at the organ.

PC J E Harris (Appledore) marshalled the parade, assisted by the Vicar.

Victory peals were rung during the day on St Mary’s Church bells.