D Day – 6 June 1944
The Normandy landings were the landing operations and associated airborne operations on Tuesday, 6 June 1944 of the Allied invasion of Normandy in Operation Overlord during World War II. Codenamed Operation Neptune and often referred to as D-Day, the operation began the liberation of France (and later western Europe) and laid the foundations of the Allied victory on the Western Front.
The amphibious landings were preceded by extensive aerial and naval bombardment and an airborne assault—the landing of 24,000 American, British, and Canadian airborne troops shortly after midnight. Allied infantry and armoured divisions began landing on the coast of France at 06:30. The target 50-mile (80 km) stretch of the Normandy coast was divided into five sectors: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword.
The 5th and 7th Battalions The Devonshire Regiment fought in North West Europe, with the 12th Battalion training and fighting as airborne troops, and landing in Normandy in June 1944. It was intended that the 2nd Battalion, as part of the veteran 50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division, would take part in the D-Day landings, landing on Gold Beach, behind the 1st Hampshires. However, owing to bad sea conditions and a high tidal surge, three of the four rifle companies were carried over a mile to the east before they could make landfall and had to make their way, on foot, to their assigned assembly point. The battalion continued to fight throughout the Battle of Normandy and the liberation of North-West Europe.
What was happening in North Devon around that time?
May 23, 1944
On the home front – the Countess Fortescue, wife of the Lord Lieutenant, will open the victory garden fete planned for July 5th at Porthill (by kind permission of Mrs Oliver) is aid of the British Red Cross.
The last invasion of English soil and the prompt expulsion of the enemy by the forerunners of the Home Guard were recalled by the 150th anniversary on May 15th of the formation of the Royal Devon Yeomanry. On 15th May 1794, the ‘First Troops of Volunteer Cavalry’ for the County of Devon assembled at Pynes, near Exeter. Other troops quickly mustered throughout Devon to form two Brigades. These volunteers were soon to be put to the test. In February 1797, the French Black Legion – a raiding force of four men-of-war – landed at Ilfracombe. The approach of the Devon Volunteers led to the hasty withdrawal of this sabotage gang with nothing more than a damaged farmhouse to their credit. Later the Devon Yeoman acted as mounted police in emergencies until the coming of the ‘Peelers’ enabled them to concentrate on military training.
Girls of West Bank School in Bideford ringed the main school buildings with pennies for ‘Salute the Soldier’ Week, this gaining £10 10s. Their total raised was £510.
Friday May 12th, ‘Salute’ by the National Fire Service at Bideford Sports Ground proved both interesting and instructive to the large crowd attending. Admission was by purchase of Savings Stamps and the men and women of the N.F.S were very attentive towards swelling their Group Savings total this week.
It was a happy day of many memories when Mr and Mrs William Glover, of 2 Lansdowne Terrace, Bideford, celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary. Both are Bidefordians born and bred, and before her marriage Mrs Glover was Miss Eliza Taylor. They have two sons – Mr W E Glover and Mr F J Glover, and there are three grandchildren and one great grandchild. Among the visitors were the Mayor of Bideford, Mr J H Sharley, the Deputy Town Clerk, Mr L Rose, Dr and Mrs M Littlewood, Dr and Mrs Denny and the Rev and Mrs F Hobbs. A telegram from the King and Queen headed a host of such greetings.
Mr Charles Perham’s social, organised on behalf of ‘Salute the Soldier’ which was held at the Council School on May 12th, proved, as usual, a great success. There was a large attendance of both juveniles and adults and a very enjoyable time was spent. Music was provided by the Clovelly Dance Band. The total proceeds amounted to £17 10s.
The wedding was solemnised at St George’s Church, Monkleigh, on Thursday, May 11th between Miss Edith Emily Tanton, eldest daughter of the late Mr George Tanton, and of Mrs Tanton, of Littleweare, Gammaton, and Mr Wilfred Harry Jenkins, fourth son on Mr and Mrs Jenkins, of Clayhidon. The bride was attended by Misses Phyllis and Mary Tanton, and the duties of the best man were carried by Mr Eric Wicks. The bride’s two brothers, Trooper W Tanton and Gunner R Tanton, who are serving in HM Forces, were unable to attend. A reception was held at the home of the bride’s parents where over 30 guests were present, among whom was Mrs Silvester, of the Chantry, Monkleigh, former employer of the bride.
The competition for guessing how much Parkham would raise in ‘Salute the Soldier’ investments was won by Mrs M Honey, Mr G A Copp and Mr J H Withcombe, each estimating the figure to be £7,250, and the prizemoney will be divided equally between them. The actual figure was £7,267.
The Railway Executive Committee encourages you to ‘hike or bike’ at Whitsun.
The new Rector of Weare Giffard with Landcross, the Rev G C F Edwards, was instituted to the living by the Bishop of Exeter, Dr C E Curzon. The Rev G K Walton, formerly of Weare Giffard, has gone to Beyton.
Births announced this week include a daughter, Fiona Elizabeth, for Peter and Marjorie Berry; a daughter, Susan Elizabeth, for Sylvia and Herbert Broomhall; at Bude House, Appledore, a daughter, Marlene Mary, to Mr and Mrs W Davies (nee P Whitaker); and a son, Richard, to Elisabeth and Christopher Morley-Smith.
Marriages announced – Cork-Smale; Hopkins-Hockridge; and Manley-Tucker-Callcott.
May 30, 1944
On the home front – fish paste with mint leaves is an entirely new and satisfactory appetiser to many. A gift of National Savings stamps to the value of £14 by the Clovelly ‘Salute the Solder’ Committee to the Royal Alfred Aged Merchant Seamen’s Institution is gratefully acknowledged. The Merrymakers concert party, Bideford, has once again distinguished itself during the ‘Salute the Soldier’ Campaign and has raised nearly £100 in the Torrington and Bideford areas with the opening show at Torrington Senior School. Those taking part in the concerts included Misses Sylvia Deene, Doris Alms, Jean Hannaford, Messrs J Gorrell, N Brockman, C Craddick Valentine Vox and J Roy Ellis.
There is a water shortage.
United States military personnel may marry British subjects, it has been reaffirmed in a recent announcement from the Headquarters of the European Theatre of Operations. Before the marriage takes place, however, the soldier or officer concerned must first obtain permission two months in advance from his commanding officer. This delay is to ensure that the applicant will enter into the marriage without violating any of the laws of the United States.
The local N.F.S has put in 17 attendances in response to calls in the area during May, but as far as Bideford locality is concerned there have, fortunately, been only minor outbreaks. On Sunday evening, under C/O. C Morris, the N.F.S were called to a rick fire at Westleigh House, the rick being partially saved. A chimney fire at 3 Myrtle Grove was attended.
The following farms are to let from Lady Day – Cockington, Alwington; Part of Giffords Ford; and New Swan Farm, Alwington and Parkham.
Appledore properties for sale – One End Street.
A large attendance and spirited bidding marked the sale at Friendship’s Café, Bideford, of Burrough Farm, Northam, the property for the past 26 years of Mr John Heywood and which was eventually sold to Mr A Reed, baker of Appledore, for £10,000. The name of Burrough, in conjunction with Burrough House, adjoining the farm, has well-known historical associations, made famous by reference in Kingsley’s ‘Westward Ho!’
Mr and Mrs J I Sharp, of Bridgeland Street, Bideford, receive a letter from ‘Pippo’.
At a recent investiture, held by the King at Buckingham Palace, Col. Archibald Valentine, whose home is at Instow, received the insignia of the D.S.O and of a previous award of the O.B.E for services with the Devonshire Regiment.
Littleham and Landcross invested over £7,000 and doubled their ‘Salute the Soldier’ target.
Captain Edward Bruce, of Applecroft, Northam, and five other ranks, are praised.
Devon County War Agricultural Committee announces that houses for agricultural workers at Crosspark, Woolsery, and Natcott, Hartland, are now ready for occupation with a 11s weekly rental plus rates. Food ration books will be issued at Bickington (Home Guard Room) and Instow (Tennis Pavilion) on Wednesday, June 7th, and Fremington and Yelland (Parish Hall, Fremington), and Westleigh, on June 8th. Lieut.
Ted Lamey, youngest son of Mr and Mrs W J Lamey of Chanters, Appledore, was saved with a flying tackle by Gurkha Rifleman Durgaraj Pun.
Two Torrington brothers – Sergt Reg Stapleton, RA and LAC W H (Bill) Stapleton, RAF, sons of Mr and Mrs A Stapleton, of Calf Street, Torrington, have spent a memorable four days together in Cairo.
At the Strand, Palace and Gaiety cinemas there are films aplenty.
The wedding took place at the Congregational Church, Appledore, of L/Cpl William Rankin Smith, R.E. and Miss Doris Bertha Goodwin, the younger daughter of Mr and Mrs Alfred Goodwin, of 6 One End Street, Appledore. In attendance was Hester Saunders and John Saunders. The reception was held at Radford’s, Bude Street.
Ldg Cook Frank Clegg, RN, and Miss Annie May Bailey, ATS, were married at St Nectan’s Church, Hartland, with the reception taking place at the bride’s home. The cake was made by the bride’s aunt who lives at Sowden Cottage.
The funeral of Mr Everrett Richard Cook took place at St Margaret’s Church in Northam. The coffin was draped with the Union Jack, Mr Cook being an ex-serviceman and a member of the Home Guard.
His many friends heard with deep regret of the death of Mr Charles William Davey, which took place at his residence, Flagstaff Cottage, West Bucks, on Saturday May 20th. He died at the age of 75 years. Mr Davey, a man of fine physique, was a well-known personality, having been engaged in agricultural work connected with his threshing machine, recently carried on by his son. Full of good humour, he could recall many exciting experiences. For 21 years he served in the Royal North Devon Yeomanry and was the proud possessor of the Queen’s Medal. The name of Sergeant Davey will long be affectionately remembered by those who served with him.
Cecil Thomas Lee Fowler of Eastleigh Manor, Westleigh, was fined £1 and £3 for failing to record the movement of two pigs.
The wedding took place at the Methodist Church, Woolsery, of Miss Edna May Boundy, daughter of Mrs W A Daniel and the late Mr T Boundy, and Mr Arthur William Heywood, only son of Mr H Heywood of Elmsworthy, Kilkhampton, and the late Mrs Heywood. The bride was given away by her stepfather, Mr W A Daniel, of Kennerland, and her attendants were Misses J Wicketts, Kathleen Boundy and Margaret Harding.
Births announced this week include a daughter, Caroline, to Francis (nee Dunn), wife of Tom Cock, of Gorwood, Buckland Brewer; a son to Mr and Mrs H Finn, of The Quay, Appledore; a son, Eric, to Doreen, wife of Petty Officer T Goddard; a daughter, Margaret Lesley, to Mr and Mrs L J Langdon (nee Margaret Westcott) and a son for Marjorie (nee Way), wife of Lieut S E Thomas, RNVR.
Marriages for: Guntrip-Merrick; Jewell-Stevens; Maddams-Holwill; Payne-Langdon; Smith-Lang.
June 6 1944
On the home front – among questions uppermost in the minds of men in the Forces when not actually engaged in fighting are housing and employment – problems that will have to be tackled immediately hostilities cease. The Ministry of Works and Buildings, in conjunction with the Federated Societies of Master Builders and Operatives, has been giving serious consideration to the future of the building industry, with particular reference to the education and status of the apprentice and recommendations were outlined in a recent Government White Paper. In order to attract the right kind of youth a scheme for pre-apprentice training has been inaugurated and has become operative in many parts of the country.
Today British airborne forces are highly trained, powerfully armed and numerous. Since the dark days after Dunkirk they have grown and strengthened marvellously. The airborne forces are all specialists in their different techniques. They wear the famous dark red beret and the light blue shoulder badge of a winged horse bearing the helmeted rider who brandishes a spear. Airborne forces already have many victories to their credit. A parachute battalion captured Oudna airfield and nearly took Tunis City at the beginning of the North African campaign. An airlanding brigade group seized the vital bridge of Syracuse on the first night of the invasion of Sicily, and a parachute brigade group carried the bridge at Primo Sole, the key to the plain of Catania and Northern Sicily.
Among the substantial items of local support during the ‘Salute the Soldier’ week it should be mentioned that on behalf of Bideford Industrial Cooperative Society Ltd, a cheque for £1,000 was received for investment. While Torrington and District are looking back on a week of splendid achievement in its “Salute the Soldier” National Savings Campaign, “The soldier deserve a salute and in my opinion it is long overdue” declared Col H D Goldsmith, speaking at the opening ceremony at Torrington.
The Devons have been fighting in Burma. Some 40 miles from Imphal, they have been among the troops who have held the road linking Tamu and Palel against repeated Japanese attacks aimed at the cutting of our lines of communication. Fighting in almost impenetrable jungle among the foothills and upon heavily timbered peaks over 5,000 feet high, they have offered a successful resistance to may hard-pressed attacks. The attack of April 28th, which the Devons helped to crush, was particularly formidable.
In Sicily the Devons took their revenge. They seized the beaches at Cape Passero at dawn and within nine days had captured Leonforte on the British right flank, where they linked up with Canadians. Later, in some of the fiercest fighting in the Sicilian campaign, the Devons stormed up almost sheer hillsides against furious machine guns and automatic fire to capture Regalbuto Ridge. Among those taking part in Anzio landing in Italy was Lance-Corpl Harry Andrews, Royal Corps of Signals, of 1 Queen Street, Bideford, elder son of Mr and Mrs Andrews, of Douro, Orchard Hill, who has sent an account of the operation as seen through the eyes of an ordinary soldier. Lance-Corpl Andrews, who in civilian life was employed in the office of the Devon Trading Co. volunteered for service as a despatch rider.
A message from Col A W Valentine, DSO, OBE.
From a ninth Air Force Thunderbolt Base in England. Imagine the surprise of RAF Warrant Officer Kenneth Short at the sergeant’s club when he was conversing with Sergeant Joseph H Masse and inquired as to what part of the States the latter was from. “Biddeford, Me.” was the reply. WO Short is the son of Mr and Mrs Charles Short, of Bideford and the husband of Mrs Phyllis Short. He is the father of two children, Elizabeth Ann Short, aged four and Geoffrey C Short, age two. A brother, Harold Short, is a petty officer in the Royal Navy.
The sales of Lucozade will be restricted to chemists and hospitals.
Water supply items at Hartland formed the principal topic for discussion at the meeting of Bideford Rural District Council, including a letter from Mr Theo Beer, baker, asking if the Council would reconsider the question of a water supply to his bakery. In support of his application he stated that he supplied bread in the parishes of Hartland, Clovelly, Welcombe and parts of Woolsery, also 1,500 pasties weekly under the Pasties Scheme, and that his bakery was in no way connected with is private dwelling house. On a vote it was decided by ten to eight that the question should be deferred for three months.
For sale in Langtree village.
A well attended and enjoyable whist drive was held in the Monkleigh Village Hall in aid of the Red Cross and Prisoners of War Parcels Fund. Miss Jo Souef-Simpson was the MC and Mrs Stanley-Baker and Mrs Elliot were the door stewards. The event was organised by members of the Women’s Institute and the Women’s Voluntary Service, who are to be congratulated for the sum of £28 10s.
The War’s effect was obvious at an annual meeting when only ten ‘potwallopers’ attended the Annual meeting of Parishioners of Northam to transact business connected with the Burrows. The meeting was held in the Kingsley Room with Mr F Cork (Appledore) presiding. The attendance was a striking contrast to that of a few years ago but it was mentioned that many who would otherwise have attended were either away on war service or had other calls upon their time. It was reported that the Royal North Devon Golf Club’s donation, had subsequently been made up to £12 10s for 1942. A similar donation had been received last year.
As most of the Parkham residents know, the profits of the various events organised during ‘Salute the Soldier’ week were invested in War Savings for the benefit of the proposed Victory Hall. With the sum recently invested, there is a total of £672 1s 9d in the Victory Hall fund which was started just twelve months ago.
The Royal National Life-Boat Institution has a vacancy at Appledore for a motor mechanic.
Cllr G H Braddick’s appearance is welcomed.
Mr S G Kelly’s service at the Royal North Devon Golf Club in Westward Ho! is acknowledged.
The May meeting of the Women’s Institure was held at Alwington Village Hall. Mrs H J Mapleton presided. Mrs Jeffery was thanked for offering to take in the eggs to Bideford Hospital collected annually by WI members. Mrs Allin was congratulated on selling war savings certificates to the value of £560 during ‘Salute the Soldier’ week.
Lending a motor cycle to a sailor to go for a ride led to harry Prouse, sawyer, of 10 Kimberley Terrace, Northam, being summoned before Braunton Divisional Bench for permitting the use of a motor cycle uninsured against third party risk. Defendant, who said he was only doing the sailor a favour, was fined £1 with a month’s driving disqualification.
Whitsuntide at Clovelly was the quietest on record. There were no visitors and with the exception of a few cyclists, chiefly young women, there was an entire absence of road traffic.
Three sisters, Kathleen, Vera and Joan, of the bride were bridesmaids at the wedding at Bideford Baptist Church of Craftsman Ronald Arthur Payne, REME, and Miss Evelyn May Langdon, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Langdon, of Rose Lea, 2 Wimborne Terrace, Bideford. The honeymoon was postponed owing to short leave.
The wedding took place at St Anne’s Church, Bucks Mills, of Miss Vera Elizabeth Ellis, second daughter of Mrs and the late Mr James Ellis, of Bucks Barton, and Mr Eric Ernest May, only son of Mr and Mrs E H May of Clements Hill, Frithelstock. The bridesmaid was Miss Joyce May and the best man, Mr Reg Hambly. The honeymoon was spent at Ilfracombe.
By special licence, Pts Wilfred John Abbott, RAMC, and Miss Nellie Elizabeth Squire, younger daughter of Mr and Mrs Fred Squire, of Taddiport, Little Torrington, were married at Little Torrington Parish Church.
Merry peals were rung on the bells at the wedding at the Holy Trinity Church, Weare Giffard, of Mr Frederick Leonard Kinsman, and Miss Dorothy Lily Clarke, SRN, third daughter of Mr and Mrs F Clarke, of Hillsboro, Landcross. There were five bridesmaids – Misses Connie Clarke, Marion Miller, Margaret Gilder, Maureen Rookes and Dawn Glover. Messrs F Colwill (Northam) and F Pidlar (Weare Giffard) were ushers, with Mr Reg Kinsman as best man.
The funeral of Mrs Hannah Maria Saunders King, aged 80, of 3 Churchfields, Appledore, took place at St Mary’s Church with Rev H C A S Muller officiating.
Mrs Alice Ellis, 11 High Street, Clovelly, passed peacefully away on May 30th. She was the widow of Mr John Ellis, the well-known and talented local artist, and the daughter of the late Captain John and Catherine Jewell. Before her marriage, Mrs A Ellis was a teacher under the headmastership of the late Mr John Seldon at the Clovelly Council School
A well-known personality, and one who will be missed by many friends, Mr William Henry Eastmond, of Windy Cross, Torrington, died after an illness which overtook him about six weeks previously. A glover-cutter by trade, Mr Eastmond had given over 50 years to community service. A funeral report is given 13 June 1944.
The death occurred of Mr Sidney Boundy, of Ford Mill, Woolsery, at the age of 64. He had been in poor health for some time, and leave a widow and grown-up family.
Household furniture and effects, property of the late Mrs F Leman of The Gables, Raleigh, Bideford, is for sale.
Births announced – a daughter, Jennifer, for Nellie (nee Langdon) and Ronald S Beer; a daughter, Janet, to Mr and Mrs W A Box, a son to Ivy (nee Bowden) and Wilfred G Couch, of Hillside, Glen Gardens; Michael, a son for Mr and Mrs R Evans, of Hillside, Mines Road; a son to Phyllis Irene and Ernest Hopkins; a son for Margaret (nee Grunsell), wife of T Palmer, Royal Marines; and a son, David Graham, for Wendy and Captain G H Stokes, CB, DSC, Royal Navy.
Marriages for – Auvray-Nicholls at the Baptist Church, Bideford; and Kinsman-Clarke, at Holy Trinity Church, Weare Giffard.
The Red Cross Agricultural Fund appeals for ‘rural pennies’.
June 13 1944
Dominating the week has been the news of the opening of the great ‘Second Front’ assault on Hitler’s Europe. Outwardly there was perhaps little to indicate how very dominating it really was, but the exchange of news and the quiet groups talking for a moment – wondering where George was, would Sid’s ship be there, was Harry at that very moment going into the attack in his plane – made it a day of pride and anxiety to be remembered. His Majesty the King, in a broadcast on Tuesday night, called us to dedicate ourselves anew in the crusading spirit of the dark days of 1940 when our Nation and Empire stood alone against an overwhelming enemy and with backs to the wall. Now once more a supreme test had to be faced. This time the challenge was not to fight to survive but to fight to win the final victory for the good cause.
Flying Officer John Andrew, RAFVR (No 78 Squadron), whose home is at Bideford, has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. The Air Ministry bulletin announcing the award says: “Flying Officer Andrew has taken part in many successful operations against the enemy, in which he has displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty.”
All ranks of a Battalion the Devonshire Regiment wish to express their thanks to Lord Fortescue (Lord Lieutenant) and the people of Devon for the many papers and packs of cards which have been received during the last few weeks. They are most grateful.
New Street, Bideford is proud of its achievement in ‘Salute the Soldier’ Savings and wants the lads and lassies from the street who are away in the Forces to know that the folks at home are backing them to the hilt through savings and in other ways. The Street’s ‘Salute’ target was £40 and their result is £132 1s. On the slate in addition to the target and result, are the words ‘You’re fighting fit – mothers’ doing their bit – chins up, boys, we are proud of you all.’ Incidentally, New Street claims to have initiated the idea of paying tribute to those now serving away by arranging displays of their photographs – an idea that was very successfully developed throughout the area during ‘Salute’ week.
Sergt Tom Kelly, RTR, only son of Mr and Mrs T Kelly of 18 Geneva Place, Bideford, who was killed in action in Italy last month, is mourned and affectionately remembered by many friends of school, choir and sporting days locally. On leaving Geneva Senior School, where he was top boy and captain of the school football team, he served an apprenticeship with Messrs W H Elliot and Sons as a motor mechanic.
Two Appledore sea-faring families were united by the wedding of Mr Albert Sowden Cawsey, Shipwright, and Miss Ada Doreen Jewell. The bride is the granddaughter of the late Capt Benjamin Jewell and Mrs Sarah Jane Jewell, who at the age of 96 is the oldest woman living in Appledore. The Vicar of Appledore officiated and Miss Barrington presided at the organ. The bride was given away by her cousin, Mr Stanley Rees, and in attendance were three small bridesmaids – Misses Audrey Doris Cawsey, Marlene Cawsey and Prunella Ress. The duties of best man were carried out by Mr Edwyn George Cawsey, and Mr William Cawsey and Mr Robert Whte were ushers. Master Henry Bennett and Miss Prunella Rees presented the bride with tokens on leaving the Church. Workers of Messrs P K Harris and Son presented the bride and groom with a cheque. Flags were flown outside the bride’s home for the occasion.
Mr Robert de Stapeldon Stapledon, youngest son of Mr and Mrs E A Stapledon, Wellesbourne, Northam, has been awarded the OBE for services rendered in the Administrative Office of the Office of the Minister Resident for West Africa. Mr and Mrs Stapledon were recently home on short leave and have now left for the Gold Coast.
Sergeant Dale E Kampen, USA, and Miss Margaret E Balsdon, younger daughter of Mr and Mrs B G Balsdon, of 13 Chingswell, Bideford, and granddaughter of the late Alderman A R Adams, JP, are married
Appledore women - Florence May Cook and Bessie King Curtis alias Vincent - are fined.
For failing to perform Fire Guard duties at the Fire Guard Post at 62a Mill Street, Bideford, George Babb of 20 Bowden Green, was fined £1 by Bideford Borough magistrates. Defendant pleaded ‘not guilty’.
Births announced this week – twins (boy and girl) to Vera Burbridge, wife of Flt-Lieut Peter Burbridge, DFC, (missing); a sister for David, to the Rev and Mrs T R Gibby; a son, Martin William, to Jenny (nee Moore), wife of William Hill; a daughter to John and Ethel Keen; at 12 New Quay, Appledore, to Joan (nee Bellamy), the wife of Ernest Schiller, a son, Michael Ernest; a daughter for Mr and Mrs J O Spearpoint (nee Margaret Northcote, SRN); a son for Mr and Mrs A Stevens; and at Myrtle Grove, Bideford, a son, John William, to Mr and Mrs R Stone.
Marriages – at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, Kampen-Balsdon; St Mary’s Church at Appledore, Murts and Oatway; Tuckert-Brinton at St Budeaux, Plymouth.
June 20 1944
Corpl. George Bennett, is one of the first ‘wanderers’ to return from three years of duty in Africa and elsewhere.
Looking very fit after several trips across the Atlantic, Quartermaster Eric Braund of the Merchant Navy, son of Mr and Mrs Harold Braund, The Quay, Clovelly, has been home on twelve days leave.
Among those to broadcast messages home from India was Gnr OFC Dick Taylor (SR) RA, youngest son of Mrs K Taylor of 23 Geneva Place, Bideford. His wife and baby daughter live in Birmingham. Gnr Taylor says he is in good health and send good wishes to his relations and friends. Before joining up with the first Militia, Gnr Taylor had served his apprenticeship with Mr Arthur Beer, Builder, Bideford. He went to France, and wa in the 1940 evacuation from there. He has an older brother serving with the RA in England. He is the youngest grandson of Mrs Kate Eastman, Bideford’s Centenarian.
Here, surely, is a local record for evacuee billeting! Mrs O'Brien, writing from Richmond Farm, Appledore, states "There are 11 of us - 6 children and 5 grown-ups and we have been in the same billet since our arrival, October 1940, and in perfectly happy conditions." Mr William Rendle of Richmond Farm, in a footnote, adds that they have all been one big happy family.
An early Appledore shipbuilder and owner, a Mr Yeo, who built the present Richmond Dock some seventy or eighty years ago, must have been closely associated with Prince Edward Island. Many of his ships were built there and then brought to Appledore for completion at his new yard. Many Appledore shipwrights, first class craftsmen of the old wooden ship days, went across to help in the building of these ships and Appledore sailors made what must have been a pretty hazardous voyage across the Atlantic. Mr Yeo built and occupied Richmond House, now known as The Holt, the present residence of Capt the Hon. Denys Scott.
Films you can see at the Strand, Palace and Gaiety Cinemas.
At the invitation of the Women's Institute at Hartland, an enthusiastic audience was entertained in the Church Hall by the Geneva Revels Concert Party, who put over two hours of fun and enjoyment. An appreciation of their effort, made by Mrs W Pillman met with thunderous applausse. Proceeds were in aid of the local Women's Services Gift Fund.
There was some criticism by members of Torrington Rural Council over cottages for agricultural workers, two of which, erected by the Council at Gammaton, were stated ready for occupation, apart from a few small alterations. These cottages had polished floors, but Mr G Ford felt they should have built something more simple, that a farm worker could live in.
The funeral of Mrs Florence McCullum, aged 68, of 45 Market Street, Appledore, took place with the Vicar, Rev H C A S Muller, officiating. Mrs McCullum was the youngest of six daughters and two sons of the late Capt John Rapson and Mrs Mary Rapson, of Myra Court, Irsha Street, Appledore. She married Mr Archibald McCullum, who predeceased her in 1913.
Much sympathy was occasioned by the sudden death at his home Windmill, Northam, of Mr Charles Bellew, late CPO, Royal Navy. He had served in many parts of the world, and in the last war took part in the Battle of Jutland on HMS Orion and afterwards in the Q boats. After the war he served under General Ironside at Archangel in the Russian revolution.
The wedding took place at St Mary’s Church, Appledore, of Lieut John Murts, DSC, RNVR, and Miss Mulyneaux Pendarves Oatway, assistant schoolteacher at Fremington, only child of Mr Penhorwood Oatway, His Majesty’s Examination Officer, RN, and Mrs Oatway, of Lyndhurst, Marine Parade, Appledore.
Births – a son, Christopher John, for Cynthia and John Burgess; a daughter for Betty, wife of LAC Chambers; a son to Mr and Mrs Victor C T Clark; a son to Palmera, wife of Frank Gill; at Ravenswood, Westward Ho!, a daughter, Jennifer Mary, to Lena (nee Berry), wife of Mr A T Kelly; a daughter for Mona and Geoffrey Leonard; and a daughter for William and Alice Passmore.
Mr and Mrs Stoneman, Beara Cot, Bideford East, wish to thank all friends for congratulatory telegrams and letters on the occasion of their Golden Wedding, June 14th.
June 27 1944
The great Allied Expeditionary Force was made waterproof so that it might reach the shores of France with all its engines working. The story of the waterproofing has been told at Shaef Headquarters. The whole of the capacity of the steel sheet rolling industries of Britain was taken over for one of the greatest 'rush jobs' of the war. Two hundred and eighty factories were engaged night and day, and the whole huge task was telescoped into one-quarter of the time it would normally have taken.
When you write to Normandy - the GPO gives you some good advice. As the first landing craft touched down on the French beaches on D-Day, the first batch of mails for the invasion Army was actually on its way across the Channel. Since then there has been a continuous flow of letters and parcels and reading matter between this country and Northern France. The Army Post Office has done a good job of work in being off the mark at the sound of the signal, and maintaining a smooth stream of correspondence. Soldiers' mail may seem a small part of the greatest military operation in history, but our Army Commanders know better. In spite of tanks, aircraft and secret weapons this is still a war of man: and letters from home mean a great deal to these men.
HMS Ilfracombe, commanded by Lieut Commander R K Hart, RANVR, was one of the fleet of minesweepers that swept the Channel down which HMS Arethusa passed with the King on board during his recent visit to Normandy. Since the day of the assault, the Allied Minesweeping Force, which consists of over 200 vessels, have been constantly at work broadening channels through enemy minefields and keeping the assault area clear of mines. The entrance to the swept channel down which all the military supplies flow to France has already been christened 'Piccadilly Circus' by the men of the minesweepers.
The news was received at Appledore with much regret of the death while on operational service, of Sergeant-Pilot Samuel Lester Squires, husband of Mrs Annie Squires of 20 Greysands Crescent, Appledore. Since receiving this tragic news, she has received a letter from her husband written on the day of his death.
Son of Mr Martin Coles Harman, the financier and owner of Lundy Island, Lance-Corpl John Pennington Harman, of the Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regt, of London who charged two Japanese machine gun posts at Kohima, Burma, and wiped them out, has been awarded the V.C. posthumously. News of his death and gallantry have been received with sorrowful pride on Lundy and in the Taw and Torridge estuary where he had made many friends.
Among the first party of British nurses to arrive in the Normandy beachhead was Nursing Officer Joan Sapsford QAIMNS, second daughter of Mr and Mrs F J Sapsford, of 18 Castle Street, Northam, and a great niece of Miss A Aughtie, who lived for many years in Northam and was a well known nurse. Sister Sapsford, who is 28, was trained in London and went across to France in 1939. She returned to England and after nearly four years in the Middle East has returned to France.
To be let by tender - Lendon House and accommodation lands, Abbotsham.
Higher Venn, Woolsery, for sale by auction.
Births – at Homeside House, Appledore, to Mr and Mrs Bignell (nee Betty Carter), a son, Larance Ernest; to Catherine, wife of Ernest Ohanlon, a daughter; at 4 Underdown, Clovelly, to Gladys (nee Branch) wife of Frank A Pickett, RN, a son; to Margaret (nee Philips), wife of W C Squires, of Orchard, Monkleigh, a daughter, Margaret Joan; at 35 Torrington Lane, Bideford, to Sergt and Mrs C J Stevens (nee Joyce Schillers), a son; at Cleave, Weare Giffard, to Mabel, wife of Frank Wilton, a son;
Marriages for Crombie-Wilkinson, and Williams-Moore.
July 4 1944
Writing from ‘Somewhere across the Channel’ Lance-Corpl F Waldron asks if readers have ‘a few books or anything in the reading line for the Bideford boys out here.’ After four years he supposes there cannot be much left but adds, ‘Tell them to have another look, they may find something.’
Fire Guards in Bideford and Northam Districts are requested to make every endeavour to attend a lecture to be given by Mr H Trapnell, Regional Officer, at Bideford Town Hall, on fire spread and methods of combating it. The Mayor of Bideford, Mr J H Sharley, will preside.
North Devon Master Bakers are putting the paper shortage to good account on behalf of charities and the public are assisting in their generous gesture. The price of forgetfulness on the part of the housewife to take her bag to collect her confectionery is now a contribution towards the Red Cross and The North Devon Infirmary, for on all bakers' counters there is to be found a collecting tin, with an explanatory note.
Cpl J D Ashplant, RAF, is mentioned in the King’s Birthday Honours list.
In aid of the Red Cross Appeal, there’s a Victory Garden Fete at Porthill with the Royal Marine Band in attendance. The Organising Sec. is Mr F T Upton, Esq.
Appledore was saddened by the news that Corpl John William Taylor, Royal Engineers, has lost his life at the landing of his section on the beach in Normandy early last month. He was the second son of Capt John Taylor who commands the ketch ‘Rosetta’ and of the late Mrs Sarah Taylor, and he served his time as a mason, working with Mr Oswald Raymond. He married Miss Ethal Craner, youngest daughter of Coxswain and Mrs George Craner, of 26 Irsha Street, and leaves a 3 year old daughter and 1 year old son. Taking part in the same landing was Regt Sergt-Major John Hammond, whose wife resides at Greysands Crescent. A memorial service was held and detailed in the newspaper on 18 July 1944.
Friends in Bideford district will regret to hear that Pte Stephen L Molesworth, of Culworth, who was wounded in Normandy, has, on evacuation, had to have the lower part of a leg amputated. More happily, Pte Molesworth is reported to progressing satisfactorily.
News of the death through enemy action in Southern England of Craftsman Eric George Mills, REME, eldest son of Mr and Mrs Frank Mills, of Southwood, Buckland Brewer, has been received with very deep regret. He leaves a widow, who was formerly school teacher at Buckland Brewer School, and an infant daughter.
Congratulations to Wireless Telegraphist William Pickett, RN, on qualifying as Leading Telegraphist. He is the younger son of Mr and Mrs Frank Pickett, Underdown, Clovelly. Following his success he has been home on a week’s leave.
Anticipating the end of the war and the desirability of preparing a welcome for members of HM Forces on their return home, a committee was formed at Clovelly and the following officials appointed: Mr T E Finch, Mr A Burrow, Mr R Tridgell, C Littlejohns and O Parsons. It was decided to inaugurate a ‘Welcome Home’ Fund and arrangements were made to hold a whist drive and dance.
Congratulations to the four local lads - Caleb Jennings, William Rowe, Leslie Rowe and George Smith - who have joined the Hartland section of the Army Cadet Corps. William Rowe and George Smith are also juvenile members of the Clovelly Home Guard.
Lower Twitchen at Buckland Brewer is for sale.
The Meddon Council School has been closed owing to dwindling attendance. Desks, etc. have been removed to Harton School. Mrs Williams has been appointed to East Anstey School. Mr William Lee, of Meddon has obtained a motorbus and contracted to bring in the remaining dozen children daily. They first enjoyed the six-mile ride on June 19th. Meddon School and teacher's house were built about 60 years ago by Hartland School Board. Mr Charles Heddon was master many years before he was transferred to Putford.
Mr and Mrs W H Luxton, of 2 Woodland Terrace, Bideford, celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. They held a family gathering or near relatives and friends but it was a great disappointment that neither of their two grandchildren could be present – Gerald, aged 20, is serving with the RAF, and Kathleen, aged 15 is in Bideford Hospital recovering from an operation.
Linda Ethel Maud Fiddes, of 4 Waterloo Terrace, Clovelly Road, Bideford, was fined £1 for driving an army lorry when she was not the holder of a licence to do so, and £2 for driving the lorry without having a policy of insurance. Mr T Oerton, on behalf of the defendant, said she was unfortunately persuaded by a very persistent American soldier to give her a lift to her home. She had always been interested in cars and asked the soldier how it was driven. She very foolishly followed a momentary impulse and drove the lorry a short distance. She now very deeply regretted her action.
Study your child -- no. 12. Bodyguard Soap advertising.
Births announced – to Roma, wife of Arthur Banks, RAF, a daughter, Joy Marilyn; a son to Jane and Charles Brownrigg; a daughter to Mr and Mrs H Hall (nee Freda Jewell); at 3 Kimberley Terrace, Northam, a daughter, Susan Ann, to Doris Lott (nee Holman), wife of G Lott;
July 11 1944
The death of Herbert (Bert) John Walters of Bideford is announced.
The Brewers' Society encourages you to put the stopper back in.
A Bideford paratrooper, Mr R Phillips, of Barnstaple Street, Bideford, who landed on D-Day, left a Normandy battle zone at 1pm one day last week and at 5.45pm, after being home for tea, was having a leisurely haircut at Messrs Beer's saloon. Just another sign of the times!
Mr and Mrs E H Trapnell of Bideford and Westward Ho! received a post-card from their second son, Lieut Peter Trapnell, RA, who has been a prisoner of war since the fall of Singapore, indicating that he is in No. 2 prisoner of war camp, Thailand, and this his health is excellent. A similar message was received yesterday regarding his elder son, Eric, of the Royal Corps of Signals. He is at the same camp.
When it was reported that Appledore British Restaurant had been closed from July 1st but that the County Education Committee were at present feeding schoolchildren there, the meals being cooked at Northam British Restaurant, mr H Ford expressed the opinion that this job was going to cost the public more than if the British Restaurant had been kept open at Appledore for the children. When the chairman observed that the Council had to pay no-one, Mr Ford said it came out of the rate or taxes, one way or another.
Miss Molly Arnold, only daughter of Mr and Mrs Arnold, Clovelly Court Stables, who is serving as a St John ambulance driver somewhere in the South-West of England, is home of fourteen days' leave.
Mrs Ker, Instow, will be most grateful for gifts of lavender later in July or August to be sold as in previous years for the Red Cross Prisoner-of-War Fund. Date to be announced later when required, and day of sale in Bideford.
Mr F Burrow, hon. secretary of Bideford Baptist Sunday School says 'In our Primary School we have three sets of twins - Graham and Jean Prosser, David and Roger Stephens, and Keith and Kenneth Marker. This might be of interest to many readers and I should be glad to know if it constitutes a record.'
Births - at Hacremai, Westward Ho! to Kathleen (Kitty) and James Fraser Erskine, a son, Robert James; to Clara and James Pickard, a daughter.
Marriages for Hedden-Wilson, and Palmer-Jones.
July 18 1944
Major M L Cruickshank, son of Lieut-Col and Mrs J E Crucikshank, of Little Meadow, Limers Lane, Northam, has been awarded a bar to his Military Cross for operations in Italy. He is in command of a reconnaisance unit of an Indian Infantry Brigade, and was in Cairo Hospital for an appendix extraction when he received news of his second award.
Warrant Officer Reuben (Roddy) Lee, RAF, second son of Mrs Lee and the late Mr James Lee, of 4 Railway Cottages, Bideford, seen with his family taken in the Middle East, where they have been since the outbreak of war, has recently been mentioned in despatches for a second time. Of Warrant Officer Lee;s 17 years in the service, 13 years have been spent abroad. He was married in Egypt, his wife being formerly a governess, and came home with her nine years ago. W/O Lee attended Bideford Old Town School and Bideford School of Art, Science and Commerce, and was a member of Bideford Rowing Club.
Once again, this time owing to the ‘flying bomb’, this district has become a reception area for officially evacuated children from London districts. It was four years ago last month that the biggest evacuation reception of schoolchildren took place here. The number of evacuees received this time does not approach that of June 1940 but the task of finding billets has not been proportionately easier for the position nowadays is influenced by a number of factors not so much in evidence four years ago. Much accommodation has previously been occupied by self-evacuated people and by visitors. Many local people who were able and willing to take evacuees before are not now available. Inevitably, too, there were also a few unfortunate experiences, arising from the last evacuation and those who felt themselves the victims may have felt hesitant in volunteering this time. There was comparatively short direct notice of the parties’ arrival – only 24 hours in some cases. Despite these difficulties, a goodly number have been accommodated with little trouble. Those who went around finding billets in addition to those who had volunteered, found it could be rather a trying experience in some cases.
Bideford and District Hospital Week July 22-29 is announced. £2,000 is urgently needed. Events include a fete and fun fair at Moreton (by kind permission of Mr D S Shilcock), Hospital Weeks by Buckland Brewer, Northam, Appledore and Hartland, a fete at Belvoir, a Boxing Tourney, gift days and a Horse Show & Gymkhana.
Parkham's first efforts in connection with the Hospital Week appeal was a whist drive held in the Parish Room. Mr Melvin acted as MC and there were about 12 tables; prizewinners were Mr Coad, Mr Horrell, Mr L P Blight, Mrs B Ford, Mr J D Smith, Miss D Ley. Refreshments given by friends were well patronised and the effort brought in the sum of £8 13s 9d for the fund.
The funeral took place at Alwington Church of Mrs Emma Jenkins, Rollstone Cottage, Alwington, widow of Mr John Jenkins, who predeceased her 14 years ago. Mrs Jenkins had been in failing health but retained her happy and cheerful disposition to the end. She was 77 years of age and will be greatly missed by her grown up family of thirteen children, forty eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
A contribution of £20 9s 6d has been received by the Red Cross Agriculture fund, Rural Pennies Section, from Mrs G M Tucker, Buckland Brewer, being proceeds of a dance held.
Furniture and effects from The Vicarage, Northam, are for sale.
Considering a reply from the County Court branch of the Lord Chancellor’s department, in which an apology was tendered for the failure to communicate with the Council at the proper time concerning a decision from June 24, for the period of the war, the County Court and its office at Torrington had been closed by being merged with that of Bideford, Torrington Town Council decided, on the proposal of Cllr B G Lampard-Vachell, to give their approval to the step provided it was for the period of the war only. “Let them see we are watching” commented Cllr Lampard-Vachell, and Cllr J Quick, who seconded, observed “I think we should try to keep Torrington on the map.”. But Cllr F R Hodge was afraid the Court had “gone for ever.”
Births for Ackland, Allen, Davis, Hill, Mitchell, Paddon and Short.
July 25 1944
News has been received that Arthur, the 18 year old second son of Mr and Mrs Ernest Blight, of Knotty Corner, Alwington, was killed in action in Normandy at the end of last month. He took part in the early landing on D-day. He was of a happy, cheerful disposition and well liked by all who knew him. He was an excellent marksman. His elder brother, John, is also serving in Normandy.
Announcing fines in a number of cases before Bideford County Magistrates in which contravention was alleged of the Cream (Production and Sales) Order and the Food Rationing Order, the Chairman, Mr H A Lomas, said the cases were serious because if the regulations were widely disregarded the whole system of rationing in this country would break down. It was important the Ministry of Food should insist on the regulations being exactly carried out. The Bench did not think there was any really deliberate intention to either defraud the revenue or to interfere with the system and did not propose to inflict anything like the heavy fines they might or which had been inflicted in other cases, but a much more serious view would be taken of any repetition. There were summonses against Lily Matilda Brooks, of Ashbury Farm, Langtree, for selling cream or butter to Matilda Jane Turner of 3 Allhalland Street; Minnie Webb of Purvyese, Old Barnstaple Road, George William Pearson, 41 Lime Grove, and Eileen Grigg, Netherdown Farm, Weare Giffard.
A fine of £5 was imposed by Bideford Borough magistrates on David Herbert Griffiths of 7 Elmsleigh Terrace, Bideford, for contravention of a billeting notice served by Alfred Ernest Blackwell, a billeting officer acting under the authority of Minister of Health. Mr Griffiths had pleaded ‘not guilty’.
As this was the first case that had come before them and in view of the defendant’s frank statement and the manner in which the inspectors had spoken of the case, and of defendant’s previous record, they had decided to dismiss the case under the Probation of Offenders Act on payment of costs of the court of £1 and an advocate’s fee of one guinea, announced the Mayor of Bideford, Mr J H Sharley, presiding over Bideford Borough magistrates, to John Brooks, of Londonderry Farm, Bideford, who had entered a plea of ‘not guilty’ to a summons alleging that between March 5 and 11 he supplied 59¼ gallons of milk in excess of the quantity stipulated in his permit and another summons alleging that between March 19 and 25, he supplied 54¼ gallons in excess of his permitted quantity.
Red Cross appeal – Penny-a-Week Fund.
Extracts from letters received at Bideford Borough Evacuation office.
Messrs Chope, of High Street, Bideford, whose windows were recently dressed as part of a national ‘Make Do and Mend’ campaign, has had the distinction of being awarded one of the twelve prizes open to the whole country. Congratulations!
Edgehill Girls’ College, Bideford, has no vacancies.
Mr and Mrs Sydney A Cole celebrate their golden wedding anniversary.
Before the war Buckland Brewer’s annual ‘day out’ in the form of a garden show and fete was in the ‘super’ class of its kind, for the parish is fortunate in possessing an exceptionally strong and happy community, family spirit. It was evident when the parish revived the fete portion of this popular function to help the Bideford Hospital Week appeal, that they have not lost the spirit and ability to organise such events and that after the war there will be yet bigger and better shows and sports. Over £200 was realised. The chairman of the representative organising committee was Mr John Steer. Mrs P Heale was the secretary and Mrs W Prance the treasurer. Mr Frank Andrew was the sports secretary. Mr P F Heale was the convener for the sports.
The first of a series of ‘make-do and mend’ meetings was held at Hartland’s Women’s Institute. Members brought some of their problems and were given practical advice and help by Miss Heywood, vice-president. Leonard Clark has won a London County Council Scholarship and Graham Nicol has earned a place at Shebbear College.
“We have been let down and I hope it will be a lesson to us” was the opinion of Mr R Clements when Torrington Rural Council discussed the cost of houses erected for agricultural workers.
Showing at Torrington Cinema.
£150 from fete held at Westleigh House, Westleigh.
Western Counties Building Society reduces interest rates for borrowers.
Births - Edith and Charles Braund of Jubilee House, Bucks Mills; Clara (nee Tucker) and Charles Cox, a daughter, Glenda Joyce; to Christine and W H Hammett, a son, William John, a brother for Joan; Sylvia and Sapper Warman, RE, a daughter; to Mr and Mrs R Westacott (nee Dorothy Glover), a son.
Marriages for Butler-Tithecott and Honkala-Brend.
The Normandy landings were the largest seaborne invasion in history, with nearly 5,000 landing and assault craft, 289 escort vessels, and 277 minesweepers participating. Nearly 160,000 troops crossed the English Channel on D-Day, with 875,000 men disembarking by the end of June
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