Evacuees

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.

Remembered by many friends at Clovelly as Harry, the evacuee who lived for eight years with Mr and Mrs W Beer at Crosslands Farm, Higher Clovelly, Mr H C Clements was married at All Saints’ Church, Fulham, recently to Miss Patricia Mary Baker, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs W Baker, 867a Fulham Road, Fulham.

Mr Clements is the youngest son of Mrs C Clements, 338 Wandsworth Road, Fulham.

The wedding service was conducted by the Rev Dr A G Hawes. The bridesmaid was Miss Claire Baker and Mr L A Clements, brother of the bridegroom, discharged the duties of best man. Messrs S Ellis, J W Baker and T Middleton, friends of the bride and groom, were ushers.

The full Gazette article is dated 7 April 1955

American children's gifts 6th October 1942

Another symbol of the ties uniting the English speaking people of America and those of this country, is the plaque at the Queen Street evacuee hostel, Bideford, commemorating the gifts sent to the children of this country by the youth of America. The plaque was unveiled by Mayor of Bideford, Mr G H Braddick.

Mr E Blackwell (Chief Billeting Officer) said the plaque was given by the British War Relief Society of the USA, and commemorated sending £25 worth of toys and gifts from America.

Special praise is due to Mrs Scali for her work and Mrs Symes, the matron at the Duart sick bay and to the matron of the Westcroft Hostel.

People present were: Miss Bates (Devon County Medical Department), Mr F C Stillman (Assistant Billeting Officer, Bideford Rural District), Mr Owen (Deputy Chief Billeting Officer, Barnstaple), a large number of voluntary workers and the children from the hostels at Queen Street and Westcroft.

"Re-evacuated" home 3rd July 1945

A mixed atmosphere of happiness excitement, tears and sorrow prevailed on Bideford station when the last big "re-evacuation" this time of "unaccompanied" children returning to their own homes, took place.

The Borough children assembled at the Bethel (by kind permission of the Rev. R H Parsons), where the Mayor and Mayoress of Bideford (Ald. and Mrs H W Fulford) addressed them, saying that it was "Au Revoir" and not necessarily "Goodbye." The Chief Billeting Officer of the Borough, Mr A R Blackwell, wished them god-speed and then called for three cheers for the Mayor and Mayoress as representing the foster parents of Bideford and District which, needless to say, were heartily given.

Among those on the station to see the evacuees off were the Mayor and Mayoress of Bideford, Cllrs J H Sharley and J H Bright with their wives, the Chief Billeting Officers of the Districts concerned, evacuation officialls, W V S, ministers and clergy, and many others.

Letter sent by Mr A E Blackwell to Education Officer, L.C.C. Mr E G Savage.