Deaths

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.

First Bideford POW to be repatriated

The death occurred at Bideford Hospital on Wednesday, following a brief illness, of Mr Harry Yarde, a well known Bidefordian, at the age of 65. He was the first Bideford prisoner of war to be repatriated from Germany during World War 2, and received a civic welcome home.

Mr Yarde resided with his sister, Mrs A J Prouse, 33 Meddon Street, Bideford. The youngest of seven, he was born at Parkham, and for many years helped on farms at Buckland Brewer and elsewhere, and later became a familiar figure in Bideford. His surviving brothers and sisters are, in addition to Mrs Prouse, Mrs Squire of Avon Road, Mrs Stanbury of Bowden Green, and Mr T Yarde of Providence Row, Bideford.

The Bideford Gazette carried a full account of his return by the last train one evening in November 1943. He was greeted by the Mayor, the late Ald J H Sharley, members of the Council, and a guard of honour from Bideford Home Guard.

The day after his return, he was out greeting Bidefordians smoking a cigar. He was an amiable character, who produced many a smile.

The full Gazette article is dated 19 January 1962

48 Years Service to Grammar School

Death of Mr Cecil J Smith

To hundreds of Old Boys of Bideford Grammar School, Mr Cecil John Smith, of ‘Rhianva’, Abbotsham Road, Bideford, whose death after a short illness occurred on Tuesday, was affectionately known as the ‘Mr Chips’ of the school which was the scene of his life’s work. Mr Smith, who was 78, died at Bideford and District Hospital.

He retired from the staff of Bideford Grammar School in 1945 after 48 years unbroken service, for very many years being second master of the school.

High tribute to his service was accorded at presentation ceremonies at that time. He had, it was stated, come to Bideford 1897 when the school premises were in North Down Road and had seen the school move to its new buildings in Abbotsham Road and consolidate its position as one of the best in North Devon.

At one Old Boys’ dinner, where he was always a most popular speaker, Mr Smith revealed that he had had the honour and pleasure of having Mayors of Barnstaple, Bideford, Torrington and Launceston as former pupils.

It was recalled at another ceremony that in 1904 the school had fallen on bad times – the attendance had gone down and down until there were only 17 boys left. The governors had wondered whether to continue. They had decided to do so and asked Mr Smith to take charge of the school and, with the help of his wife – to whom Mr Smith paid tribute – he did. In nine months there were 38 pupils, and the dangerous corner had been turned. Then Mr J S Fergusson, for whom Mr Smith had the greatest admiration, was appointed headmaster and for 26 years he and Mr Fergusson worked together, and the School’s numbers went steadily ahead.

Since his retirement from full time teaching Mr Smith had assisted local schools in a part-time capacity. Mr Smith entered liberally into the social life of the town and district. He had been a director of the Bideford and North Devon Building Society since 1920 and was chairman last year, the Society’s centenary year, and had served as chairman previously. On many occasions he had been appointed to serve on Bideford Manor Court Jury and was elected foreman a number of times.

For 59 years Mr Smith had been a devoted member of Bideford Baptist Church. He was a deacon for 49 years and was recently made a life deacon in recognition of his services. He served as Church secretary for 25 years, had been a local preacher for over 40 years and for some 30 years he taught Sunday School. For a period he was the secretary of the Bideford and Torridge District Sunday School Union. Mr Smith had served as treasurer and member of the Committee of the former Bideford Music Club and was keenly interested in chess and mathematical problems.

He leaves a widow, a son, Mr C W Smith, and daughter, Miss M M A Smith.

The full Gazette article is dated 26 November 1954

Instow Man’s 65 Year in Choir

A chorister for 65 years and for 37 years people’s warden at Instow parish church, Mr Herbert Bruce Smallcorn, of 2 Marine Parade, Instow, has died at his home aged 73.

Mr Smallcorn was a former secretary of Instow Rifle and Social Club, and was vice-chairman of the local branch of the Conservative party. He served in the First World War and was a member of the Royal British Legion.
The funeral took place at Instow parish church, followed by cremation at Barnstaple. The Rector, Rev R A Edwards, officiated and Mrs Pearce was the organist.
Immediate mourners attending were: Mrs E Smallcorn, Mr and Mrs T Smallcorn, Mrs R Watson, Mrs A Lockett, Mr R Wilkinson.
Gazette article dated 2 March 1973