SPECIAL EDITION SUPPORTED BY

1945–2005 WORLD WAR TWO SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY SOUVENIR ISSUE SUMMER 2005 BOMBS STRIKE TOWN CENTRE By RON CLARKE, Harrington Museum, and BEN BROWN, Aviation Museum N the afternoon of August 3, 1942, the Welling- O borough Carnival Parade was under way. It was a welcome break from wartime austerity and the streets were lined with onlookers, sometimes four or five deep. Luftwaffe wreaks havoc: The scene in town centre after the German strike. The fete was usually held at Bassetts Close, but this had The rescue services soon ar- been taken over by the Fife and rived to deal with the wounded. Forfar Yeomanry, and the ven- The final bomb fell near to the ue of the parade had changed to third, and hit Copes Baker’s 3,500 evacuees perish in French footsteps the Wellingborough Public Warehouse, devastating the School playing fields on area and injuring many people. in ’s fog Road. People in the cinemas heard the German attack on ship Those who did not fancy the sirens and four explosions. By GARY COOMBES PRIVATE “H” of the VDF fete made their way to one of By GORDON HALL and LINDA the four cinemas, and, by late AIR RAID (Home Guard) was on duty at GROOM (taken from Wollaston Finedon Cross-Roads on a afternoon, the town centre was Roll of Honour 1914–18, 1937–39) almost deserted. Gerald Pratt thought the foggy autumn night. By this time, the Luftwaffe bombs were part of the “Movie- ON June 17, 1940, the Germans He heard footsteps in the was on its way. The crew of two tone News” he was watching were advancing through , direction of . As Dornier 217E-4 medium bomb- with his father in the Regal and sweeping all before them. they got closer, he challenged ers, and other aircraft, were re- Cinema. The Manager eventu- The 16,000-ton Cunard liner the unseen individual. No re- ceiving instructions for a bomb- ally appeared and said that “Lancastria” lay five miles off ply. He again issued the chal- ing raid over East Anglia under there had been an air raid but St Nazaire, and troops, R.A.F, lenge. Again, no reply. the auspices of Seven Squadron, that the show would go on. personnel and civilian refugees, Raising his rifle, he shout- 2nd KampfGruppe. Approximately 10 minutes including women and children, ed again. A tall man, with a after the attack, the second were being evacuated from large nose and dressed in a SEPARATED Dornier, piloted by Erich France. The exact number on French uniform, appeared. Beyerer, spotted the dust cloud board may never be known but It was General Charles de As they crossed south over over Wellingborough as he was almost certainly exceeded Gaulle, Leader of the Free Cromer, they separated. One air- heading towards . 6,000. The “Lancastria” was at- French. (See also page 4.) Guessing what had happened, tacked by German aircraft. craft flew north to attack Charles Bellamy of Wollaston. Beverley in Yorkshire. One made Beyerer turned right towards She sank rapidly and only its way to Norwich, and one to the town to drop his bomb load about 2,500 of those on board R.A.F. Cottesmore in Rutland. and further add to the mayhem. were saved. Sadly, Charles The two remaining aircraft However, he did not succeed. As Bellamy, Aircraftsman and 2nd headed for the Leicester area. he turned right, he nearly col- Class 947377, 98 Squadron, Royal lided with two Supermarine Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Scott the dog’s active service Following a south-westerly course to the Midlands, one air- Spitfire Vbs from 485 Squadron died aged just 20. OVER the years, Robert Page all day. After some time, Rob- craft came across the Nene RAF, based at RAF Kings Cliffe. Winston Churchill forbade had many dogs to help him on ert’s brother Bert wrote to tell Valley and decided to follow it. They had been vectored into the publication of the news in the the farm, but perhaps the most him that Scott would have to be Seeing a built-up area to his area by the air defence control- interests of public morale – outstanding, and last, farm dog put down, as he could do noth- right – Wellingborough – he ler at R.A.F. Wittering after the hence the story was not general- he had was Scott. ing with him. turned and lined up for attack. ly known despite being Britain’s When Robert was called up, However, Robert offered him At 6.10 p.m. the aircraft TO PAGE 4. worst maritime disaster. Scott sat pining in his kennel to “War Dogs” who accepted dropped four 250 k.g. bombs on him after three months. the area. Three months after being ac- The first landed in Market cepted, Robert got a postcard to Square, narrowly missing the say that Scott had been posted Regal Cinema, which was overseas. Unfortunately, he packed with people. It exploded A SUPERB CELEBRATION later received a telegram stat- near Anne’s Pantry Café, where ing that Scott had been invali- a waitress, Mrs. O’Hara, two ded out and would need to be R.A.F. men and a young boy were collected from Wellingborough killed. Three more were killed OF OUR WARTIME EFFORT railway station. in nearby streets and buildings Scott had been badly injured — many others were injured. By in Egypt, where he was on guard the time rescue services arrived THE opportunity for Wellingborough Heritage Centre It is, however, hoped that they go some way to com- duty. The vets had done a mar- there was a thick brown dust to work in partnership with the Borough Council of memorate and celebrate the wartime effort and spirit, vellous job on the large wound hanging over the area. Wellingborough has enabled this wonderful supple- not only of the storywriters, but all who lived through, on the middle of his back. Half ment about life in the town and district during the fought, died and survived the period 1939–45. of one paw had been shot away DEMOLISHED Second World War to be produced. To find out more about life in those days, visit the and he was almost deaf and Thanks must go to Jennifer Bell, of the Economic “Long Road to Peace” exhibition at the Centre. blind. They had sewed him up so The second bomb struck Development section, who has co-ordinated this sup- efficiently that the scars barely Thompson Stables at the rear of plement with the heritage centre. DONATIONS showed and eventually the hair the Post Office on Midland grew over. Road. Shrapnel and blast de- FRIENDSHIPS If any members of the public feel that they have a Scott was renowned for his molished a number of buildings story to tell or have objects or images connected with ability to stand still. Soon after and although several horses Many of the stories and images have either come the town and its borough during the Second World he returned home, he appeared were killed, there were no hu- from the museum collection, from publications that War (or in fact any other period), the Heritage Centre in the Wellingborough Hospital man fatalities, although many the museum sells, or have been provided by people or would be pleased to receive any donations of items or procession on the back of a were injured. organisations, who over the past 18 years in which the loan of photographs or documents for copying. truck. Many people asked The third bomb hit houses in Wellingborough Heritage Centre has been in exist- I hope that you enjoy this supplement and that it whether he was stuffed as he Winstanley Road, near the ence, have formed friendships and links. will give everyone, both young and old, an oppor- was so still. However, it just Gospel Mission. Many houses These stories show aspects of life in Wellingborough tunity to reflect on this important period of history. showed his training and tem- were wrecked, but as most peo- and the surrounding villages during the Second World Mr. Jon-Paul Carr, MA, Curator, Wellingborough perament, because Robert’s ple were either at the cinema or War and are not intended to give an overall view of Heritage Centre, Croyland Hall, Burystead Place, brother, Gordon, had simply the fete, there were no deaths. wartime life as space does not permit this. Wellingborough NN8 1AH, Telephone (01933) 276838. told him to “sit!”. 2 WELLINGBOROUGH LINK SUMMER 2005 Memories of growing up during the war ARTIME as a small child was an exciting time, W from the arrival of batches of evacuees with strange accents, to the trying on of the awe-inspir- ing gas masks. School was different too. Lessons were interrupted for air raid drill when we had to crawl underneath our desks to shelter, writes Cllr. EILEEN HIGGINS. Sweets were strictly rationed, lingborough. We were joined by but we never went hungry. I evacuees who came from Lon- have no doubt that our parents don. They lived on the third made great sacrifices to ensure floor and it was hard work car- that this was so. rying buckets of water up and Eileen Higgins and George Hangar—the war held many happy memories for them when they were children. I only remember being badly the other stuff down! affected by the war on a dread- I had a large family, six sis- ammunition there were 10 tons ful Bank Holiday weekend—we ters and one brother. My father of the “necessities of life” and heard that my mother’s brother had served in the First World luckily they loved children so I was “missing presumed killed”. War and knew how important it was never short of chocolate. Entertainment was very dif- Sywell ’drome does its bit He was only 16 years my senior, was for soldiers to relax, there- ferent back then, we didn’t have and more like an elder brother. fore our house was open to any- By BEN BROWN the training of future R.A.F. His death was later confirmed. one in uniform. televisions and the radio was for was estab- pilots, leading to the establish- The end of the war, V.J. Day, dad who wanted to listen to the lished in 1928 and quickly be- ment of six Elementary Flying is a vivid memory. I was at Girl latest updates on the war. So we TENSION came a fashionable place to be Training Schools (6.E.T.F.S.) at Guide camp at Castle Ashby, a would play out in the streets. seen at and to fly from. the aerodrome by 1938. very hot week during which we British, French, Americans ———————— Many future R.A.F. pilots were plagued by wasps and were and Canadians were all treated In the 1930s aviation was new, passed through Sywell, learn- all sporting signs of our strug- equally in our house, although Sharpshooters exciting and daring, and Sywell ing to fly on the legendary de gle with them! We had some there was tension in the town was the home of many private WITHIN minutes of Home Havilland Tiger Moth biplane, jolly celebrations which lasted when the Americans arrived. aircraft, often shown off at Secretary Anthony Eden’s before moving on to North well into the night. Perhaps spectacular aerial pageants. Sunday mornings would see ‘Home Guard’ speech in 1940, men American Harvard or Miles that is where I found my taste By the mid-1930s, our house filled with Americans. were clamouring to join up. Master advanced trainers else- for parties! They had never had fried toma- Lieutenant-Colonel Herbert Aviation Ltd, based in Surrey, had established a repair and where. From there, they could toes and would turn up with fry- Sotheby was Commander of the go on to fly anything, from I WAS just seven when war ing pans and eggs; I think my Ecton Platoon Home Guard. maintenance facility at the aerodrome. The company also Hawker Hurricane fighters to broke out on September 3, 1939. I mother and sisters spent all They were a fine body of sharp- Short Stirling bombers. remember it well because it was morning cooking breakfasts. shooters thanks to an indoor undertook flying lessons to my mother’s birthday, Once the Americans arrived, rifle range he had built in the augment its income. Many students were from writes the Colonies or Occupied GEORGE HANGAR. there was no problem with food. old Riding School at Ecton Hall, With the clouds of war loom- I lived with my Aunt in Wel- It was said that for every ton of where he lived. ing, Brooklands assisted with Territories, and Sywell had a strong affinity with the Free French, many of whom trained at Sywell. NEWS FROM THE AREA’S VILLAGES BUSY Indeed the Cross of Lorraine It was the same with food. cutting, which has all been (the Free French symbol) was You had a ration book and all filled in. My father was too old incorporated into the 6.E.F.T.S. (Taken from “Bozeat 2000—The (Stories from Earls Barton taken the pages had different mark- to be in the war. He was in the squadron crest. So busy was the Story of a from “Looking Back at life in ings on them. There would be so Home Guard. airfield at the time that a sec- Village” by Philip Bligh.) Earls Barton” organised by Earls much for meat, so much for ond landing ground was estab- Barton Museum.) something else. If you had used lished at Denton. PILOT SAVES VILLAGE : MARGARET HARRISON: In the your points up, you couldn’t Wilby Many thousands of students Bozeat folk, to this day, tell the war, things were very tight with have any more until the next earned their wings at Sywell story of a young pilot who saved page became valid. (The village between 1939–45 by a food. My mother used to eke us resident.) before the war ended. Some did their village. There is a plaque out so she used to go without to My husband was in the war and not survive training, or opera- in the church in memory of this let us children have it, being five he came through it all right. LIFE IN THE VILLAGE: During tional sorties thereafter. event, and each Easter Sunday of us. In the house we lived in MOLLIE COPE: The day war the war, Wilby met a lot of dif- Brooklands Aviation was also there is an Easter Lily in the down Station Road, when the was declared, my mother cried ferent faces, including evacuees active on the maintenance side. church to remember this young air-raid siren sounded, we used because she knew that the boys from the Romford area, and Almost all of the 11,000 Vickers man. We still have Americans to all cram in a little under-the- would have to go. She had five even French Canadian soldiers Wellington bombers would have visiting us who ask to see the stairs cupboard. You used to sit brothers in the First World War, on their way to Dunkirk. passed through Brooklands for memorial. in there and you could hear the all in France at the same time. Unfortunately, several ser- maintenance, battle damage The citation in the church German planes going over. Fortunately they all came vicemen from the village were repair or upgrading at one time reads: “A few days before Every window had to be home, which was an absolute lost. My family was lucky. My or another. Christmas 1944, during the blacked out. You weren’t al- miracle. brother was called up at just 17 A hangar was constructed at Second World War, Lt. John lowed to show even a glimmer of My brother Clem, he joined years and six months. Two of Sywell early in the war for the Ahern, 22-year-old US Air Force light down the side of the cur- the Air Force, brother Ted went my sisters worked in munitions, assembly of Armstrong Whit- pilot, found his plane had got in- tains, otherwise you’d have the into the Army. Clem was away the third was sent to work in worth Whitley bombers. to difficulties. He directed his Air Raid Warden, who patrolled for four years, and when he the Land Army at . crew to bale out, saying he would the streets, knocking on your came back, he didn’t know me, I was still at Victoria School, COMBAT follow them when the plane was door saying: “You’ve got a bit of because I was just a little girl Wellingborough, but later work- past the houses in Bozeat. He light showing there.” when he went away. I was a ed in the office of the munitions was never to follow his crew, for We used to sit in there, all of young woman when he came factory. When they proved less than after clearing the houses of us at night, on a wooden form home. He went to Italy, North We all helped each other with ideal in combat, production was Bozeat he was killed when the that father fixed up and we used Africa and France. food, those who had chickens switched to Mk. II Avro Lan- machine crashed. It came down to sit in our night clothes if the Ted went to the Middle East; supplied the eggs and when they caster bombers (with radial, in a field behind Red Gables sirens had gone after we had he was away for four years. Then stopped laying, they went into rather than Merlin in-line en- Farm occupied by Cyril Drage. gone to bed, until the All-Clear the war ended but my two the stew pot! gines) some 100 being built, then The farm buildings were dam- siren went. younger brothers still had to go The older men went out all- roaded to Bitteswell for flight- aged by the blast, but the farm- HAZEL BIGGS: I was 12 when and do two years—Barry and day on Saturdays to catch rab- testing. er’s family were unharmed.” the war started. Gradually Renny both went into the Army. bits, which were later sold for 6d. In all, more than 3,500 people In gratitude to Lt. Ahern, things became very short. You They both went to Egypt and My father kept pigs. We were were involved at Brooklands who gave his life for Bozeat, the had clothing coupons for what the Middle East. only allowed to keep half and Sywell and its other sites in villagers made a house-to- you were wearing, I think you MICHAEL STREETON: I think the rest were divided between Northampton. house collection for his mother had 20 coupons and they lasted my worst memory of the war other families and the Ministry In addition, local garages and in America, organised by the you for 12 months. If you had a was when the two bombers col- of Food. On the whole, we didn’t coachbuilders in the Northamp- Women’s Voluntary Service. pair of shoes, it took about sev- lided over —two do too badly as a family and my ton and Wellingborough areas The American Air Force showed en coupons, and if you had a Fortress bombers. We were in mother was a wonderful cook. often worked on Wellington its appreciation by presenting coat, it took about 18, so if you the second classroom down at For me the blackout was hor- bomber sub-assemblies as part the plaque. Four hundred peo- had a few things, you then had Mrs Halliday’s school, and rible. No street lights or house of the shadow-factory scheme ple gathered in the church when to search around other people these two bombers collided and lights showing, we cycled every- for Brooklands. it was handed over by an for spare coupons. crashed, killing all the occu- where with a tiny lamp half Sywell may not have been on American Air Force chaplain. If you had stockings they cost pants. That was quite frighten- blacked out—very scary! the frontline of combat during The service was conducted by three coupons and if they started ing; it was one of the biggest The whole village celebrated the war, but the many people the Rev. S. F. W. Powell and the to ladder, you had to mend bangs I’ve ever heard in my life! the end of the war with a grand based there helped to train and lesson read by Rev. E. Hardwick, them—you hadn’t got enough We had had a bomb north of party at Manor House, owned by equip the pilots of Allied Air the Methodist Minister. coupons to get any more! King Street, near what was the George Thompson. Forces. Spitfire presentation WELLINGBOROUGH LINK SUMMER 2005 3 helps the war effort VILLAGE NEWS By BEN BROWN, Sywell Aviation Museum Defence Volunteers (later the Grendon ARLY in the Second World War, Lord Beaverbrook Home Guard) and the women By Mrs. JOAN HILL the Women’s Royal Voluntary E originated the idea of “Presentation” aircraft, Service (W.R.V.S.). following on from the success of “Tank Banks” in the WARTIME MEMORIES: August I was ‘volunteered’ as Chief Above: “Wellingborough”. 3, 1942 saw many of the villagers Great War. Below: “The Shopmate”. Fire Officer for the village, but on “Hanging Hill” watching the the duties were not too exciting. An individual, organisation cricket match and witnessing or town could present the cost We only had to be out on watch if the German planes fly over as the sirens went and at harvest of an airframe. For a Spitfire, they were chased by the R.A.F. this was set at £5,000, although time we had to patrol the vil- the real cost was nearer £12,000. That day, Wellingborough lage, as it was thought the enemy An aircraft would be allocated was bombed and my sister re- might drop incendiary bombs on to bear the name of the donor, or turned home very upset as she the ripe cornfields. Why they any caption they chose, on the described how her tea had been would want to waste their bombs side of fuselage. ruined by ceiling plaster fall- on this I could never imagine? ing on to her plate (she was in a Aircraft types other than Grendon Hall was taken over house in Knox Road). It was by the military. It was staffed Spitfires were also presented, not until after this that we but there were more “present- by Americans and Free French heard about the damage and Officers, who were being trained ation” Spitfires than any other. loss of life. Many towns and organisations to be dropped behind enemy had “Spitfire Funds” and went Unless they were in reserved lines in France. It was often to great lengths to raise the occupations, the young men and very sad as we would only see money—details of 975 are re- women were either drafted or them for a couple of weeks be- corded. volunteered into the Services; fore they embarked upon their those left behind had to work in mission. Unfortunately we Since the majority of Spit- factories making ammunition, would never hear what hap- fires presented were Mk. I, II or parts, etc, in Wollaston or Wel- pened to them. V, this represents about 11 per lingborough, which was a cycle- cent of the total production. WS3816 coded FY-K was named Supermarine Spitfire Mk. V We were surrounded by many “The Shopmate”. WS3817 was named “Welling- ride of three or six miles. different people and nationali- Wellingborough presented Built at Vickers Supermarine borough” and flew first a day The men joined the Local ties. There was an Italian two Spitfires in 1941, both spon- at Castle Bromwich, it flew first later than “The Shopmate”, on Prison Camp off the road to sored by the “Northampton- on presentation August 22, 1941 August 23, and saw service with Earls Barton. Some of the pris- shire Evening Telegraph”, and and was assigned to 611 92, 417, 242, 243 and 501 Squadrons oners worked on local farms and handed over by Mr. John White. Squadron R.A.F. It had a very R.A.F. It had a landing accident YOUNG TRIO were even allowed to live there. Supermarine Spitfire Mk. V short career, failing to return just prior to D-Day on March 24, Canadians and the Pioneer from operations on September 1944 and was then relegated to Corps were at Castle Ashby and 20, 1941 after force landing in being a training aeroplane. DEFENDS American Air Forces nearby. MEMORIES enemy territory. It was cap- She survived the war and was Life in the village was very tured by German forces, possi- Struck Off Charge and scrapped THE TOWN different to that in towns as we bly flown, and then scrapped. on September 18, 1945. were not subjected to life in air- By Mr. JOHN RAYMOND raid shelters. OF AN Mayor’s Consort WHAT the “unbeatable” Goer- EVACUEE ing’s German Luftwaffe did not (Taken from “Wollaston Remem- realise when they unleashed Children say thank-you (Taken from Isham “In Touch”, bered” by Ernie Bryan.) bombers and started the Battle of Britain was that they were with thanks to Mr Jenkinson who EDIE BAYES (nee Madden) looks WHEN the war ended in May owned by Mrs. Jinks. Dr. Smith provided us with this extract.) back at her evacuation from Wal- 1945, the Children’s Hostel at 28 arranged for it to be used as a matching themselves against thamstow. Harrowden Road had no flags to hostel. the most highly-defended air- V.E. DAY, MAY 8: Celebrations wave, so they made a banner. Twelve children, aged five to space in the world. Elm Street and observance of Victory in EVERY day for a week, my This was designed and made nine, stayed weeks or months in Wellingborough and its ap- Europe began in the village friends and I went to Chapel End by Miss Ruth Lavender and until it seemed they would fit proaches, Harrowden Road and with a special Thanksgiving School in Walthamstow with Miss Margaret Johnson, and into ordinary billets, and a Miss Hatton Park Road, were partic- Service at St. Peter’s, the Par- our suitcases. Then, on the two friends who often visited Hardy arranged for their move ularly well defended. ish Church, on Tuesday evening, Friday, buses came into the play- and were in the district at the and filled the vacancy with an- Our small squadron, known conducted by the Rector, the ground to take us to the station. time, with suggestions from the other child. locally as the Three Musketeers Rev. R. A. Leathley. It wasn’t until I looked out of children. Help was received from the and aged between three and Later in the evening, villag- the window that I realised my It was a “thank you” to all the Wellingborough Girls’ High four, flew three Spitfires with ers paraded round the streets, mum and dad weren’t coming. people who had made the four School, Air Raid Wardens Mr. arms outstretched, equipped bearing an effigy of Hitler, There they were, with my lit- years in Wellingborough such a Gawthorp and Mrs. Hickling, only with one leather pilot’s which was burned on a huge tle sister, waving to me. I cried. happy time. Dr. Arthur and Dr. Pearce (who hat, but with the sound of regu- bonfire. A firework display held I was 10 years old and had never In 1941, Ruth and Margaret looked after the children’s lar bursts of machine fire emit- near the bonfire was a great at- been separated from my family were working as Moral Welfare health), Fr. Chambers and Fr. ting from pursed lips. traction for all the children. On before. I realise now I’m older, Workers in the East End of Keightly, and the congregation At home, as air-raid protec- Wednesday evening an enjoya- how they must have felt. London, from where the chil- of All Hallows, and The Avenue tion against collapsing mason- ble dance and social was held in Although we were rather poor, dren were gradually being and Park Street schools. ry, a brown steel frame was as- the Church Hall. owing to dad’s disability (he evacuated. Dr. Smith, the The American Red Cross sup- sembled downstairs, equipped Talking to some of Isham’s had been gassed in the 1914–18 Medical Officer for Health for plied 7 lb. jars of delicious jam, with cream wire mesh at the 1945 youngsters reveals that war), I was rich in love and care. Northamptonshire, sent an and barrels of powdered milk entrance to protect against fly- most can remember the bonfire Carrying our cases, we got on S.O.S. to London County and sweetened cocoa powder— ing glass—the Morrison being held in Dunkley’s Field a special train. We all wore tags Council for workers to go and and not quite so successfully Shelter. below the South Street houses, with our name on and gas masks help settle the more disturbed knitted jumpers and frocks! but they are a bit vague about a over our shoulders. When we ar- evacuees in the county. The banner was presented to This is where my mother and tea party also held in Church rived at , we So the Misses Lavender and the Wellingborough Heritage I slept when the air raid siren Street, in the area in front of Mr. were given a bag of fruit and Johnson applied, and duly ar- Centre in 1989, where it is now on went at night followed by waves and Mrs. Joe Farby’s shop. “But some chocolate, then we divided rived at 28 Harrowden Road, show. of bombers passing over on we’re bound to have had jelly!” into groups. Four of us waited their way to Coventry. My was the unanimous retort outside the Boot Inn for our fos- father, however, on his occa- A clear account of the celebra- ter parents. Three, a girl and a sional visits home from the tions in Orlingbury Road, Isham, brother and sister, went to services, refused to get up for can be given. It must be remem- houses in Wall Terrace, since the Germans. bered that there was no great demolished. Then Laura At my infants’ school, The length of time to prepare for Phillips came along. Avenue, a brick shelter was built these ‘instantaneous’ celebra- “I must have a gel,” she said, on the right of the present gates tions—most of the menfolk were “she’s got to sleep with our Pat.” and adjacent to the fence. There still away from home—times As I was the only one left, it we practised the drill of evacu- were difficult indeed. was ‘Hobson’s Choice’, so she ating the school and putting on Nevertheless, in Orlingbury took me up the yard to her tiny our new gas masks. I was disap- Road out came the trestle tables, cottage. I’d never been in a pointed to find mine was a along what would be now num- house like it. The door opened standard issue, whereas some bers 78 to 92. Out, too, came the straight into the living room, others had gas masks designed wind-up gramophone belonging no bathroom, toilet or running to represent Disney characters. to Beattie Floyd (now Mrs. water. From D Day, V.I. Doodlebugs— Frank Terry) to provide the mu- On Sunday September 3, I or flying bombs—began to ap- sic. Up went the bunting and went with the neighbour’s chil- pear, and we were joined by our flags, on went the paper hats. dren down the ‘Rec’. There were third evacuee. I remember their All the families—Gibsons, swings and a see-saw. I thought distinctive noise as they ap- Floyds, Dyers, Foxs, Tydeswells it was lovely, so much green and proached but it was reassuring and Prescotts—had cooked and space. But my foster mother to know that if you heard them, made what they could. There was none too pleased—the you were safe, for when the en- were plenty of rock cakes! Sabbath was not the day for gine cut, it still had some dis- Celebrations went on all day that sort of thing. Harrowden Road Hostel youngsters proudly display their new banner. tance to glide. long. 4 WELLINGBOROUGH LINK SUMMER 2005 Local man’s courage BOMBS FROM PAGE 1. German planes had been spot- ted by an Observer Corps post in at Arnhem rewarded . In his combat report, Pilot N 1938, the Government cause Robert was a farmer, he Officer Black, flying Spitfire I announced that it was only went for one. He felt proud BM208, noted: “After contact, I and smart in his dress uniform, followed the enemy aircraft going to introduce con- with his silver-topped cane, over Wellingborough. I fired scription. which he still has. several bursts without effect Robert Page did not like the In 1939, three days before war and the Dornier climbed into idea of this and so volunteered was declared, Robert was in a the cloud layer. I followed and for the Territorial Army. He cornfield when a dispatch rider soon broke cloud in a position served for over a year with handed him his call-up papers. behind the aircraft. Having ex- Company of the 4th This was the start of his hausted my cannon magazines Northamptons. Second World War career which I fired a three-second burst with Although everyone else had would take him to Ireland, the my machine guns, after which to go to camp for two weeks, be- Normandy beaches in France the Dornier seemed to falter, General Charles de Gaulle (front, centre) at a visit to Finedon Hall. and Arnhem in Holland. before diving into the ground In September 1944 Robert was and exploding near Finedon/ in Arnhem, near to the Dutch Cranford.” border, where his unit had to Considering the devastation General de Gaulle pictured at Finedon Hall cross over the Albert Canal. caused by the bombing, the cas- ualty list was remarkably low, FINEDON and the Fighting Professor of Chemistry at the shoe-making and farming. All BAILEY BRIDGE but the damage was considera- French, taken from an article Sorbonne and the Belgian art- of them are involved in the gen- ble, with some 593 buildings be- from “The Picture Post”, October ist, M. Joseph Lacasse, at the eral upkeep of the house. In be- A Bailey bridge was put up ing damaged or destroyed. 10, 1942. suggestion of General Charles tween work, there is leisure in and Robert took a troop and his The Dornier had brought the At the stately mansion of de Gaulle, it provides a wide the spacious grounds or on the headquarters over before the War to Wellingborough! Finedon Hall in Northamp- range of interests. bowling greens, or whatever bridge was blown up by the ———————— tonshire, men of the Fighting Every man works as he pursuit they choose. Germans. For three days, they French, who have been severely pleases. In the laboratory, Col. Finedon Hall is entirely self- had to hold off the German in- wounded in battle, are being Baranger continues his re- supporting. The school not only fantry and artillery until a new Museum/Historical made whole again in new sur- search into malaria, helped by maintains itself, but makes bridge could be brought up. roundings. several of his pupils. In the stu- money too. The profits go into a As the men were so few, Society contacts They call it a “school” and not dio, M. Lacasse has set up an art pool. One half of the earnings Robert had to keep his ar- a “home” as the men are here school where pupils learn paint- are divided between the mem- moured cars in action all the Wellingborough Heritage not to be looked after, but to ing and sculpture. In the library, bers of the school; the other half time. Instead of going back to Croyland Hall, Bury- Centre: learn to look after themselves. many men continue the studies is set aside for the use of those Robert each time for ammuni- stead Place, Wellingborough, Established in October 1941 the war interrupted. Others are who leave to take their place in tion, Robert had to go to them. Northamptonshire NN8 1AH. by Col. Baranger, formerly involved in building, carpentry, the world. This was done at great risk— Tel. 01933 276838. Open Mondays, every time he went to them he Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays came under fire. and Saturdays 10 a.m.—4.30 p.m. However, by building up his Admission free (donations wel- speed behind houses and tear- come). Disabled access and NEWS FROM THE VILLAGES ing across country, before hid- parking. Free parking nearby. ing behind the armoured cars Refreshments. Shop. kept chickens, and so alerted assembled trucks, Jeeps and for protection, he got through. The Sywell Aviation Mus- Although there were quite a Sywell Aerodrome, Sy- the police. ambulances from knockdown eum: number of casualties, they had well, Northamptonshire NN6 By Cllr. TIM ALLEBONE The spy was found hiding in a kits in huge crates shipped from America and brought by rail to no medical staff and were un- 0BN. Tel. 01604 890925/844582. BRISTOL BEAUFIGHTER ditch and arrested. His belong- railway station. able to evacuate them. Robert Website: www.sywellaerodrome. CRASH: On March 24, 1944, a ings included a suitcase full of Many a living room fire was arranged for them to be put up co.uk/history. Email: BBrown@ twin-engined Bristol money and maps of the Coventry fuelled by these crates, and in a cow pen and tended them sherwooddunham.com. Open Beaufighter crashed at Easton area. His task was to have iden- many a garden shed could be with field dressings. Easter to end of September, Maudit. tified Coventry-based muni- tions factories in preparation found in local villages, made of Weekends and Bank Holidays, Number R2069 of 51 OTU, for a bombing mission. the white wood from Wisconsin WALKING WOUNDED 10.30 a.m.—4.30 p.m. Admission Cranfield, , was on free (donations welcome). Free Billy Walker, who was in the and elsewhere. a training flight, making a mock The worst case that Robert parking, aircraft viewing area, Home Guard, was later teased Notwithstanding the pres- attack on a Flying Fortress. had to deal with was a “walking hotel, restaurant, bar, toilets, about his encounter with the ence of a guardhouse and fre- My father, Lt. Richard wounded”. As a man walked into full disabled access. German, especially as he had quent patrols, “Nuston Depot”, Allebone, was on leave from his the pen, Robert could see that 102 High been awarded the Military as the Americans would spell it, Wollaston Museum: Royal Artillery regiment. He half his face, his ear and one eye Street, Wollaston, Northamp- Cross in the First World War. became an “adventure play- watched, with his father, Frank, had been blown away. The explo- tonshire NN29 7RJ. Tel. 01933 666121. The spy was taken to ground” for local children. as the aircraft developed an en- sion had sealed and stopped the Open Sundays from Easter to Prison, where he was hanged. After the Invasion of Europe gine problem over the church, bleeding, but all Robert could do September, 2.30—4.30 p.m.; other there was a gradual scaling- turned away from the B17, and was administer morphia. times by arrangement. Admission down of activities. attempted to make an emer- Some years later, they were free. Irchester THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM gency landing in a grass field THE COLD: The following infor- reunited and Robert was Finedon Local History Society: west of the village street. (Taken from “Irchester at War”, amazed at the skill of the plas- Friends’ Meeting House, High mation was recorded by Mr. The aircraft crashed into the produced by the Irchester Parish tic surgeons. They had taken Street, Finedon, Northamptonshire David Carr, from Mrs. Fanny top of a tree just behind the Historical Society.) one of his ribs to build a jaw- NN9 5JN. Tel. 01933 681025/680700. (Gert) Sewell, shortly before her Limes farmhouse garden, 200 bone and used skin from vari- Open Saturdays and Sundays 2—4 IRCHESTER BOMBING: In the 85th birthday on May 2, 1967. Mrs yards short of its intended land- ous places to rebuild his face, p.m.; other times by arrangement. early hours of the morning on Sewell ran a general store at 1 ing area. although it was still deformed Admission free. May 20, 1941, a lone German London Road, Little Irchester. My grandfather ran to tele- and had one ear missing. (above bomber dropped five bombs on She recalled that during the Earls Barton Museum: phone for help and my father At the age of 26, Robert was Jeyes the Chemist) The Square, the village of Irchester. war a German was employed at was the first on the scene. The awarded the Distinguished Earls Barton, Northamptonshire One dropped on the Pits, the the tannery of Nicholson Sons & wooden aircraft had totally dis- Conduct Medal. “The Evening NN6 0NA. Tel. 01604 811735. Open site of the Country Park, anoth- Daniels Ltd. at Little Irchester. integrated and the two-man Telegraph” stated: “By his ener- Mondays—Saturdays 10 a.m.—4 er on land adjoining 23 Gypsy The German would often visit crew, both Australians, were gy, enterprise and great person- p.m. Admission free. Disabled Lane, one on the motor garage in The Cottage public house in the killed. al courage, S.S.M. Page played a access. Wollaston Road, and a further village, at lunchtimes. The accident site was cor- two on Road. One such time, Mrs Sewell large part in the Squadron’s suc- Irchester Parish Historical cess; his outstanding devotion Mrs Jan Arnold, 32 doned off and guarded by R.A.F. The first bomb in Farndish was working in her shop and the S o cie t y : to duty and example being a Farndish Road, Irchester, North- personnel until the wreckage Road landed in the garden of No. wireless could be heard in her great inspiration and encour- amptonshire NN29 7BE. Tel. 01933 was removed. 36 and didn’t explode. The sec- living accommodation. The agement to his comrades during 353578. Usually meets at Irchester SPY PARACHUTES IN: During ond exploded at the junction of German walked in, but was un- a very trying day.” Community Primary School on the the war, a German spy para- East Street and Farndish Road, decided as to what to purchase, second Thursday of each month at chuted into a field just outside destroying 15 houses, and a leaving the shop in a hurry. 7.30 p.m. Easton Maudit. chapel, and causing the death of Mrs Sewell mentioned this He chatted in perfect English six adults and three children. visit to a local man—Charlie to one of my grandfather’s farm- Such was the devastation, it Hutchings—who told her that workers, Billy Walker, by the left a crater big enough to fit a he had possibly visited her shop Thanks church for 20 minutes, estab- double-decker bus into. in order to finish listening to lishing where he was. He noticed THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE: the news, as The Cottage’s radio THE Borough Council of Wel- a farm cart with W. Penn, December 1941 saw the entry of had been switched off. lingborough would like to Easton Maudit, on it (as with America into the Second World The man again visited the thank the Heritage Centre, signposts, such names and iden- War. The U.S. turned out a total shop while Mrs Sewell was lis- in particular, Jon Paul Carr tification marks should have of 3,200,436 military transport tening to the wireless, so she (Curator) for his help and been painted out). vehicles between 1939–45. turned it off and he immediate- advice in compiling this sup- Walking towards Yardley Quite a few came to Knuston— ly left the premises. The inci- plement. A big thank-you Hastings, he called at Percy a sprawling conglomeration of dent was reported to the police, must also go to Ben Brown, Keggin’s farm to buy eggs, tell- Nissen huts, workshops and con- who followed the man to Spring of Sywell Aviation, and to all ing the farmer he was staying crete hardstands in the fields Hill at Wilby, and saw him with those who have contributed with a Mr Penn at Easton and parklands of Knuston Hall. a radio transmitter contacting stories and photographs. Squadron Sergeant Major: Maudit. Mr Keggin became sus- When the “Yanks” arrived, en- another German. He was ar- Warrant Officer Class II picious, as he knew Wally Penn gineers and construction teams rested as a German spy. Robert Dudley Page, D.C.M.