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.

Sir –

May I take up a little of your valuable space with a letter of thanks to the bakers in Bideford and district.

As Bread Officer it has been my duty to arrange the supply of bread. This could not have been done without the fine cooperation of all the bakers. As I am now leaving the district, I am taking this opportunity to place on record the difficult task these bakers have carried out. Labour has been scarce, yet with it all, I am proud to say, the public have had a good loaf of bread. I wonder how many people have realised how difficult it has been to carry on. To the bakers, masters and operatives, I say on behalf of the Ministry of Food, ‘Thank you. You have done a good job.’

James W Morrison, Bread Officer, Bideford and District

Gazette letter day 15 May 1945

Bideford’s Thanksgiving Parade

United Church Service Relayed To Chapel

Official Stand Down Of Civil Defence Units

Impressive indication of the general spirit of thanksgiving and of the combine war effort of the Fighting Services and Civil Defence units (for whom it was the official stand-down parade), was given at Bideford on Sunday when nearly 2,000 accompanied the Mayor (Ald H W Fulford) and Corporation to a united thanksgiving service held at the Parish Church and which was relayed to an overflow congregation at the Bridge Street Methodist Church.

The Rector of Bideford (Preb W N Manning) was assisted in the service by the Rev R E Clarke, the Mayor’s Chaplain, and Rev T R Gibby. Bideford Parish Church was filled to overflowing, and a portion of the parade, together with a large number of the public, filled the Methodist Chapel, while hundreds of people waited on the Quayside for the march past and parade after the service.

At the Parish Church Mr R Harper was at the organ and Mr W Westacott at the tympani.

The collection was for Christian Reconstruction in Europe.

Excellent arrangements had been made for the parade which was formed up in New Road in two sections, fighting service and civil defence units under the direction of the Marshalls, Messrs F A Pearson and P J V Fulford.

The fighting services, led by the combined Home Guard and Town Band, entered by one entrance, and the civic procession and civil defence units by another.

The Mayor of Bideford was accompanied in procession by the Town Clerk (Mr F C Backway), his chaplain, the Rector, Rear-Admiral H G C Franklin, magistrates, aldermen and councillors, together with public officials, including representatives of Ministries of Food, Fuel, and the National Savings Committee, the Police and Special Constables.

The full Gazette article is dated 15 May 1945

Joyous Appledore

Flags, flags, and still more flags!

That was one impression of Appledore on VE Day and the day after. With bunting from pre-war Regattas and with ships’ flags, Appledore presented a very gay scene. From Appledore Quay, the docks and shipping looked a mass of colour. Fairy lights were prominent and pictures of their Majesties and Mr Churchill were to be seen in many windows.

Celebrations at Appledore started on Monday evening, when fairy lights in Irsha Street set the pace and heralded singing, dancing and other frolic – with somebody’s piano out in the street – until 11.30, ending with Auld Lang Syne and the National Anthem.

On the Tuesday morning, a Victory peal of bells was rung by the St Mary’s Church bell-ringers. At 10am HM Forces attended a service at St Mary’s the Vicar of Appledore (Rev H C A S Muller) officiating and giving an address, supported by Rear-Admiral H G C Franklin and Comm. Ommaney, Lt Howe, RNVR, presided at the organ. At 11am the schoolchildren of St Mary’s Church School attended a special children’s service at St Mary’s. At 6.30 the bells were rung once more and at 7pm a thanksgiving service took place.

Effigies of Hitler, Goebbels, Mussolini and Co. were to be seen in different parts of Appledore, and with much rejoicing were subsequently burnt.

On Tuesday afternoon, as a result of a solo accordionist playing in the streets, a fine collection was made in aid of the Welcome Home Fund. Starting from South Road, a victory parade of schoolchildren, carrying flags, etc. led by the 1st Appledore Boys’ Brigade, Company and Band, marched through Appledore, stopping at the Park, where after a hymn, and prayer by the Vicar of Appledore, and a short address by the Rev A E Green, children’s sports took place, arranged by Mr J E Harris, Mr J Boyles and others.

On VE night, Appledore hit the heights with bonfires, taking place, the scenes being illuminated with fairy lights. The day after VE Day was somewhat quieter. At 5pm at the Council School, Richmond Road, schoolchildren and members of Appledore Youth Club were entertained to a sumptuous tea, and at about 5.30 people assembled on the Quay to watch the miniature naval review setting off for Bideford. On VE night 2, the frolic of the evening before was re-enacted again, bonfires with rockets and dancing and singing proclaiming the town’s joy at the great news.

15 May 1945