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DeathsA Selection of News Articles Related to Deaths

First local repatriation

19 January 1962

First Bideford POW to be repatriated

19.1.1962 Harry Yarde death

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...

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Mr Webber

2 June 1950

Members of Northam Golf Club, which he had earlier served for twenty-eight years as secretary, were bearers at the funeral at Northam Parish Church on Friday of Mr T J F Webber, formerly of 6 Searle Terrace, Northam.

1950 Mr Webber golfer


Mr Webber, who was 89, died on May 22nd. He was a retired postal official.
The funeral service was conducted by the Rev E B Bridger (Vicar). Mrs D Kelly was at the organ.
Immediate mourners were: Mr George Webber, Mr Leo Webber, Mrs L Webber, Mr Norman Webber, Mrs N Webber, Mr and Mrs R Jeffery, Mrs Wrey, Mrs W Chapman, Miss Esme Webber, Mr George Wrey and Mr Fred Webber, Mr Leonard Spry and Mr John Spry.
Other attending were: Mr and Mrs W Mills, Mr and Mrs C Gale, Rev H P D Pinhey, Rev J C A S Muller, Messrs J H Taylor, S Heard, W A S Bromell (also representing Mr and Mrs E H Trapnell), R T Bennett, J Jeffery, Mesdames W Kelly, W E Babb, Jenkins, E Beaumont, Jeffery, W Littlejohns, H Glover, A Mitchell, Burch, Hill, E R Rendle; Misses F Kelly, J Shutt, R Barber (also...

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Rev H C A S Muller officiated at funeral

3 February 1950

A seafaring career was recalled by the death of Capt William Morse, aged 81, of 2 Pimpley Road, Northam, and formerly of Appledore.

1950 Capt Morse

Capt Morse commenced his seafaring life as a lad in the coasting trade in the Bridgewater district and came as a young man to Appledore. In 1896 at St Mary’s, Appledore, he married Miss Ellen Day, eldest daughter of the late Mr and Mrs John Day. There were three children, of whom two survive. Mrs Morse died in May 1907. In March 1908, Capt Morse married Miss Mary Cook, daughter of the late Mr and Mrs Cook, of Irsha Street, Appledore, who predeceased him.
After sailing in the Guernsey built ship Danube, he served in the Gannet between Appledore and Lundy Island under the command of the late Capt Fred Dark. For several years he was mate of the Cornish sailing ship Margaret Murray and in 1891 was caught in a devastating blizzard while on passage from Cornwall to the Continent with china clay, but the ship managed to reach safety.
Capt Morse commanded the...

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3 February 1950

3 February 1950

3.2.1950 in memorium

Beer – in ever-loving memory of Emmanuel (Mannie), who died February 1st 1949. Also his dear wife, Fanny, who died March 12th 1949. From their loving children, Rosedown, Hartland.

Blight – in loving memory of Harry, who passed peacefully away on February 4th 1949. Greatly missed by his wife and family, 31 Westcombe, Bideford.

Clements – in cherished and loving memory of Linda, beloved mummy of Janet and Keith, who fell asleep February 4th 1949. Sadly missed by Janet and Keith, her man and sisters, Appledore.

Mills – treasured memories of Mahahla Mills, beloved mother of Ern and Jim, who passed to Higher Life February 3rd 1949.

Parker – treasured memory of our darling daughter, Ethel Joan, called Home to rest February 6th 1936. From man, dad, brothers Douglas, Gerald (London).

Short – in cherished remembrance of our dear father, Edward Denis Short, who was called to the Higher Life on February 2nd 1939. Fondly remembered by sons and daughters (14 Richmond Terrace) and...

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Mr Cecil Smith

26 November 1954

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...

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21 July 1950

21 July 1950

21.7.1950 in memorium

Bate – in proud and everlasting memory of our adored and so devoted husband and father, Charles Henry Bate, Captain RD, RNR, (Ret), on this the fifth anniversary of his passing (July 21st 1945). His was an outstanding soul – he reached the pinnacles of love, kindness and truth, unaware of his super attainments, far-reaching influence and wonderful personality and the power to command. He won the deep respect of all his shipmates and many friends, the outcome of his splendid character and devotion to duty as he saw it. “Unseen, unheard, yet always by our side”. For ever yours, Nora and Bunty

Craner – in loving memory of Mam, who passed away July 17th 1949. From her loving husband, son and daughter.

Edwards – treasured memories of my dearest Dad, William, who passed away July 24th 1949. Goodnight and God bless you always. Doris, Ralph and Baby Kay.

Guard – loving memories of my dear husband, William Kendal, passed away July 24th 1942. Sadly missed by his wife, son, daughter...

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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.

2.3.1973 Smallcorn chorister

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

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