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.

Non-stop flood-lit dancing, with the dance bands on a flood-lit wagon, and community singing, led by Mr B G Lampard-Vachell, were some of Torrington’s expressions of joy at the VE Day proclamation.

Torridge Vale Dairies Illuminations presented an especially pretty picture, and a hug bonfire was lit at St Giles on VE night by Sgt T Hocking, who only the day previous had returned from prisoner-of-war camp in Germany.

Torrington certainly made up for the disappointment caused by the inclement weather of May Fair. Streets, etc. were profusely decorated and various celebrations including floral and maypole dancing, which on VE Day-2 was all the more enjoyed by the addition of fancy dress, took place on both days. Local bands and others gave their talented services and there was no stinting of music and jollity.

A formal announcement of the cessation of the European War was made at noon on Tuesday in the Square to a large gathering of townspeople by the Mayor of Torrington (Ald L S Hutchings) who attend in state accompanied by other civic representatives.

Mayor’s Address

‘The long-awaited day has not arrived: the terrible was in Europe is over and the United Nations today rejoice in victory over an enemy who for years has violated not only the conditions of warfare but had perpetrated crime which have shocked the civilised world’ declared his worship.

In their rejoicing they remember there was still the task of defeating Japan, but this would be done with the same determination and resolution.

Torrington had been delighted to welcome home local boys who had been prisoners of war in Europe and devoutly hoped to have the opportunity of expressing richly deserved measure of their gratitude.

As Mayor he wished to pay tribute to all sections of Civil Defence and war organisations. They had given of their services unstintingly and had been always ready but they were thankful they had been spared the devastation that befell many places. On this great day they did not forget the fallen, those who had made the supreme sacrifice that others might live.

This was followed by a short open-air thanksgiving service, conducted by the Vicar (Rev C J Barker), music being provided by the Home Guard band. An address was given by the Rev A J Adams, President of the Free Church Council. Other thanksgiving services took place on the evening of VE Day at the Methodist and Baptist Churches, and evensong took place at the Parish Church.

Presentation

A huge Union Jack presented by the glove-workers of Messrs James Tapscott and Sons, Ltd was handed by Mr Charles Ebsworthy to the Mayor, who received it on behalf of the Borough. The flag described by the donors as ‘a token of gratitude not only to our local men and women but to all who have made the supreme sacrifice’. It was afterwards flown outside the Town Hall.

The celebrations continued on Saturday night with more dancing in the streets, including fancy address. The Mayor and Mayoress were among those participating.

Gazette article dated 15 May 1945

Naval Display On The River

A Grand Climax To Two Happy Days

Never was the River Torridge, in the full beauty of an evening tide and sunshine, seen to better advantage than on Wednesday evening, when, through the kind cooperation of Rear-Admiral H H C Franklin, a striking array of light naval craft came in formation up the river.

There were assault and landing craft of many kinds and they were explained, with some interesting references to the active service they had seen, by a naval officer at the microphone.

The review evoked very great enthusiasm among the large crowd assembled all along the Quayside and on the bridge and it was, indeed, an occasion that will long be remembered.

The May and Mayoress (Ald. And Mrs H W Fulford), with civic party, went aboard the Admiral’s vessel, which had arrived at the head of the miniature fleet and then sailed down between the larger craft which anchored on each side of the river while smaller craft came around them in formation.

‘A grand sight’ was the general verdict.

Shades of Brighton

What will especially impress it upon the minds of the schoolchildren was the fact that they were taken short trips up and down the river – the boys in landing craft and the girls in ‘Ducks’ the last mentioned kindly being made available by the military. When it was announced on the Sports Ground that the vessels would shortly be arriving there was a grand exodus of children. A thousand children with but a single thought – to get down on the Quay and early in the queue. However, order was marshalled out of their enthusiasm by teachers and other helpers and they trooped aboard their respective vessels. The boys had the advantage in that many more could be accommodated in a tank landing craft than could girls in a ‘Duck’ and there was a little heart-burning at first that all would not have an equal chance, but the problem largely solved itself as the evening advanced and in the final trip a tank landing craft was crowded with people, children and adults, and it was as good as a tonic to see it setting off – shades of Brighton and the immortal ‘Nice day for a sail, sir: any more for the Skylark!’ It was a great success, and the length of the trips were not stinted, either.

To conclude the day there was dancing in the Park and at the Market, the ‘SOS’ Group of the Welcome Home Fund Committee organised a very successful dance.

The dance not only met a need for such entertainment but raised a most useful sum for the Bideford Welcome Home Fund. The Mayor thanked all associated with the effort. Music was provided by the Arcadians dance band.

There was some dancing in the streets and singing, also fireworks, but it was quieter than the previous night.

A number of street teas for the children have been arranged.

Gazette article dated 15 May 1945