Girls Being Called for Service
Bromley’s W.R.N.S. Cadets Young girls who are approaching the age when they will be called for the Service, and whose preference is given to the W.R.N.S., have formed themselves into
Latest Extracts Added
Whilst trawling through the newspapers of 1914-1942, Pam has come across many interesting articles which give us an insight into life both at the front line as well as back at home.
Arthur Bellringer
Corproal Bellringer Councillor’s Son Missing at Singapore Corporal Arthur Bellringer R.A.S.C.. second son of Councillor Mrs Bellringer, of West Wickham, is officially reported missing at Singapore. The official intimation, however,
W. J. Bennett, Acting Leading Seaman
Missing Acting Leading Seaman W. J. Bennett Acting Leading-Seaman W.J. Bennett, who has been posted missing, is the son of Mr and Mrs Bennett, 41 Gundolph Road, Bromley. He joined
Wedding: Edgar Hewett and Miss Harrington
The wedding of Lieutenant Edgar Alfred Robert Hewett, only son of Mr and Mrs Alfred Hewett, of Woodlands, Swanley, and Miss Ethel May Harrington, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs
Private AG Sales
Killed in Action Private A.G. Sales, of the 3rd Monmouth, who enlisted on August 30th, 1914, went to the Front on May 11th 1915, and in the engagement at Ypres
Private Harry Gordon Symonds
Private Harry Gordon Symonds was a member of the 11th Battalion Middlesex Regiment, and died on the 5th March 1916, at the age of 30, and is commemorated at the
Private Herbert Bramwell Rook
Private Rook served with the 6th Royal Went Kent Regiment during the first world war. He was educated in Orpington and was a ‘zealous and useful’ member of the Baptist
Miss Winifred Tremain
Experiences of a local nurse in France Praise for British coolness and tact Miss Winifred Tremain, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Frederick Tremain, of Orpington, is very happy in
Plane Models from Junk
Modelling is not just for boys, my husband has given himself the task of making a model of every plane that flew during World War 1. Not a huge task
Windmills
Windmills The repercussions of war are as unexpected as they are inexorable and endless. The latest of victims are our few ancient windmills. Of recent years about half-dozen of these
Wedding of Mason & Lovely
Mr T.G. Mason and Miss Valerie Lovely Mr Thomas George Mason, only son of Mr and Mrs J.T. Mason, of 321 Warminster Road, Sheffiled, was married on Saturday at Shortlands
Sea Birds’ Peril
The many sinkings of tankers and oil-fuelled vessels has greatly increased the peril to guillemots, puffins, razorbills, comorants and gulls of all kinds, as well as many estuary ducks. They
Shavex: Advert from 1942
“Shavex” was the was first brush-less shaving cream, developed by Violet Van der Elst, a daughter of a coal prter and a washwoman, and herself a scullery maid. Violet became
Guide to War Savings
Even after the war children were encouraged to save. I remember the 6d. And 2/6 stamps that we could collect. It was rare that I could afford 2s. 6d. So
Wedding of Hook & Ryan
Flight-Lieut Hook, RAF and Miss Ryan Flight-Lieutenant Robin Hook, RAF, only son of Mr and Mrs E.M. Hook, of The Croft, Beaconsfield Road, Bickley, was married on Monday at the
Idris Table Waters – Advert
Idris Table Waters Who made the Lemon Squash? Idris admit their guilt. And moreover, keep on browbeating all the lemons that they can lay hands on. Too bad for the
Old Valley Boy Plays for Scottish Command
Mr Jack Lansbury The many friends of Mr Jack Lansbury, whose mother lives at 37 Recreation Road, Shortlands, will be please to hear of his success in the football field.
Women’s Home Defence, 1942
Chance to Learn to Shoot “No Drills, No Red Tape, No Uniform” The announcement that a unit of the Women’s Home Defence is being formed in Bromley has aroused considerable
Bromley Warship Week, March 1942
Inaugurated by Admiral Sir Edward Evans “Time for all Hands on Deck” Everyone must make greater sacrifices. Bromley had raised £320,492 (up to noon Wednesday) towards the objective of £400,000
Saving Your Pennies in 1942
To encourage people to save during the war time, advert such as these from the Post Office and Trustee Savings Bank (or TSB as we know it today) were published
Lieutenant Richard Been Stannard
Lieutenant Richard Been Stannard was born at Blyth, Northumberland. His father, Captain George Stannard, was lost with the Mount Oswald, an Allen liner, which he commanded when he was making
2nd Lieutenant John B. Bassett
72521 2nd-Lieutenant John Bond Bassett , aged 28, was a printer by trade, the third son of Mr & Mrs W R Bassett of Bromley. In July 1940 the local newspaper
Soap Rationing
Advert from the Ministry of Food Soap Rationing From Monday, February 9th [1942], soap may be bought only against a coupon or buying permit. The oils and fats used in
Gunner Harry Garcia
Old Bromley Scouter Broadcasts An exciting story Harry Garcia, a gunner of a Coastal Command Lockheed Hudson, whose home is at 239 Southlands Road, Bromley, told an exciting story on
Scrap Metal
Ever Wondered What Happened to the Metal Collected during World War Two? Scrap Metal What happens to the scrap metal you have collected in your effort to assist the nation-wide
Wedding of Dr. Doobie & Miss Schooling
Dr David N. Dobbie and Miss H.E.M. Schooling Interest was aroused in Bromley on Saturday by the Wedding at St Mary’s Church, College Road, of Dr. David Noble Dobbie, of
Wedding Anniversary: Gunton
Former Mayor and Mayoress of Bromley Celebrate golden Wedding Anniversary Mr and Mrs C.H. Gunton Honoured residents of Bromley who were Mayor and Mayoress in 1934-35, Mr and Mrs Charles
Sunlight Flakes: Advert
Happy Thoughts of Sunlight What fun it was! The cheerful buzz of holiday folk enjoying themselves. The surf breaking gently on the sand. And the lovely ripe banana you bought
A/F/L Gillian Lorne Campbell
Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross Acting Flight Lieutenant Gillian Lorne Campbell, R.A.F.V.T. Acting Flight Lieutenant Gillian Lorne Campbell, R.A.F.V.T., 272 Squadron, son of Sir Edward Campbell, M.P. and Lady Campbell,
Beckenham’s Own War Ship
Make this Beckenham’s Own Destroyer Sikh’s Glorious Record Beckenham’s Warship Week starts on Saturday February 21st [1942]. This aim is to raise £350,000 in gifts and savings, by hitting this
A Home Guard Against Winter Chills
Another advert for OXO which was published in the Bromley & District Times newspaper during the 1940’s. Read more about the fascinating history of OXO here > Source: Bromley &
Rector of West Wickham Leaving: 1942
Rev. Charles A. S. Page was the Rector of West Wickham for nearly 12 years, before he moved onto Hawkinge near Folkstone. When he moved had been recently widowed, and
Squadron Leader Henry Charles Shaw Page
Henry Charles Shaw Page (known as Harry) was the only son of West Wickham Rector Charles Alexander Shaw Page and Beatrice Ellen Page, ; and husband to Nancy Mary Heather
Shopkeepers re-planning their delivery services
Advert article which featured in the local Bromley Times newspaper in February 1942 from the Ministry of War Transport, Ministry of Food and the Board of Trade. Why shopkeepers are
Commuting in 1942
Trains were by far the main mode of travel for any distance in Britain during World War Two, and even more so for commuters travelling into, and out of, London
Prisoners of War: 1942
Prisoners of War Do you know anyone here? These are men of the Royal West Kent Regiment who are prisoners of war in Germany. Second from the right in the
Queen’s Message to Nurses: 1942
West Kent Hospital Board Lieut.-Colonel G.A. Fulcher, OBE presided at the meeting of the West Kent Joint Hospital Board, which was held at Barnfield, Blyth Road, Bromley on Friday afternoon.
Paper Salvage Competition: 1942
Following on from Bromley’s waste salvage drive in September 1941, a competition was set up to encourage more salvage of paper from the people of Bromley and the surrounding areas.
Training of Uncertificated Nurses
Orpington Institution and emergency Hospital, Orpington, Kent Training of Uncertificated Nurses The county Council invites applications from persons desirous of training as Assistant Nurses at the Orpington Institution. Previous nursing
Lieutenant Kenneth J. Amos
Lieut. K.J. Amos Awarded MBE (Military Divsion) Lieutenant (temporary captain) Kenneth John Amos, Royal Corps of Signals, is among those whose names appear in the New Year Honours list with
Bringing in the New Year: 1942
The White Hart Hotel, which once stood in the heart of Bromley High Street, was a large premises which hosted a number of events in its heyday. In 1941, the
The Foxwell Brothers
In this article we focus on the Foxwell family, who resided in the Keston area of Bromley during the second world war years. Their father, George Foxwell was well known
History of a Famous Ship – H.M.S. Broke
The Royal Navy lost a large number of their capital ships to enemy action during the early part of the second war, and was facing increasing pressure to provide escorts
Showing at the Odeon – January 1942
Birth of the Blues Birth of the Blues is a 1941 American musical film whose plot loosely follows the origins and breakthrough success of the Original Dixieland Jass Band. The
Mr Victor George Thomas Rickman
For Gallantry: British Empire Medal Mr V.G.T. Rickman His Majesty the King has been graciously please to award the British Empire Medal to Mr Victor George Thomas Rickman, 39 Brooklyn
Bromley’s Christmas Games – 1941
Holiday Football Home Guard Overwhelmed On Christmas Day Bromley met the local Home Guard in a friendly match at Hayes Lane, Bromley. The match resulted in an overwhelming victory for
Jones & Higgins Department Store
Useful ‘Coupon-free’ Gifts at reasonable prices Starting out as a one shopfront window business, Messrs Edwin Jones and George Randell Higgins began their business venture in 1867 with a mere
Members of the Coney Hall Sports Social Club around the world
From Iceland to Suez Members of the Coney Hall Sports Social and Athletic Club are serving with the forces in various parts of the . Mr Frank Keenor, secretary of
F/O Harold Sydney Mellows
Flying Officer H.S. Mellows West Wickham Rotarians stood in silence at their meeting on Monday in tribute to the memory of a fellow-member, Flying Officer H.S. Mellows, M.B.Ch., R.AF.V.R, M.O.,
William Page & Margaret Holder: Wedding
Weddings Mr W.S. Page and Miss M.E. Holder The wedding of Mr William Stanley Page, second son of Mr and Mrs Page, 17 Cloisters Avenue, Bromley, to Miss Margaret Ethel
Flying Officer Albert Cyril Batt
Gallant Conduct Flying Officer A.C. Batt, R.AF.V.R., Commended The gallant conduct of Flying Officer Albert Cyril Batt, R.A.F.A.R., on the night of April 16, when the Odeon Cinema, Bromley was
Bromley’s Drive to Salvage Waste, 1941
During the Second World War recycling was at a high in Britain. Though at the time it was not for environmental reasons – far from it. During the war Britain
Jones & Higgins: Reliable Furniture
Jones & Higgins for Quality – Value – Service Reliable Furniture Jones & Higgin make it possible for you to buy furniture of finest quality at competitive. prices. Here are
Amazing Ordeal of Two Local Airmen
Blazing Bomber 12,000 Feet up Fought fire over Germany for three hours THEN 57 HOURS ON SEA WASHED ASHORE IN RUBBER DINGHY A gallant young wireless operator whose home is
Share the Sunday Times: 1941 advert
Share the Sunday Times Trusted for its news and views through 120 years through 20 other wars – the Sunday times is Britain’s great Sunday newspaper. As in all its
A great favourite with Men: spice Cake
Spice Cake This is a rich and heavy textured cake and a great favourite with men: 1 1/2 cupfuls of water 3 ozs sugar 4 ozs grated carrot 4 ozs
History made on ruins of Bromley Parish Church – 1941
Bromley Parish Church has played a significant role in the life of Bromley for over 800 years. The church was destroyed by a bomb on the night of 16 April
Look Out in the Blackout – Advert from WW2
Be careful when crossing For safety’s sake, before you start to cross, look right – look left – listen. Remember that drivers may not see you although you can see
True Tales from The Navy: 1941
The price of Admiralty By Commander A.B. Campbell, R.D., of the BBC “Brains Trust” Minesweeper making port – at dark – and they’ve had no sleep to speak of for
British Restaurant opens in West Wickham – WW2
I chose this one because my mother and Grandmother volunteered there British Restaurant A British restaurant was opened in Glebe Way, West Wickham, on Wednesday. The Mayor of Beckenham, (Alderman W.J.
Kent men in Iceland appeal for more games
Kent Men in Iceland Games of all kinds needed Appeal by the W.V.S. Bromleian’s impressios of the island There are a fair number of Bromley men among the British troops
Is Your Boy here? Prisoners of War, 1941
This group photo of soldiers being held in a prisoner of war camp in Germany in 1941, was published in the Bromley & District Times in the October, in the
Lord Croft Watches over Gun Crew, 1941
Henry Page Croft, 1st Baron Croft was a decorated British soldier and a Conservative Party politician. In 1940 Croft was appointed by Winston Churchill as Under-Secretary of State for War, a post he would hold
Royal West Kent Regiment: Prisoners of War
In a German Prison Camp A group of officers of the Royal West Kent Regiment at Camp Oflag VII., C,. Germany, received by Mrs Haynes, mother of Captain P.F. Haynes.
Rifleman Robert Leo Rockall: Wedding
Mr R.L. Rockall and Miss Elsie L. Williams The wedding took place on Saturday at St Mary’s Church, Plaistow, of a well-known local sportsman, Mr. Robert Leo Rockall (now Rifleman,
Women’s War-time Services, 1941
Attractive procession in Bromley Second Week of Salvage Drive Representatives of many of the women’s war-time services took part in a ladies’ procession on Thursday, last week, to further the
Lady Camden visits the Bromley Red Cross
The Marchioness Camden at Bromley RED CROSS DETACHMENTS INSPECTED Interesting event at Stockwell College The visit of the Marchioness Camden, C.B.E., to Stockwell College, Bromley, on Saturday afternoon, was an
Recruits for the ATS needed URGENTLY
This notice was published in the local Bromley & District Times newspaper in October 1941, by the Ministry of Labour and National Service, advertising to parents of girls seeking work
Captain Quentin B. Hurst: Killed in Action
Captain Quentin Hurst, the Rifle Brigade, previously reported as missing, is now known to have been killed in action on April 7, 1941. The only son of Judge and Lady
Collie Knox joins the Star
Collie Knox (1899–1977) was a British author and journalist who was active during World War II. He wrote mostly for the Daily Mail. Hard-Hitting philosopher COLLIE KNOX joins The Star
Acting F/L Hugh William Eliot
For Gallentry Acting Light-Lieutenant H.W. Eliot AWARDED DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS The Distinguished Flying Cross has been awarded to Acting Flight-Lieutenant Hugh William Eliot, son of Mr and Mrs F.H. Eliot,
Private Patrick Joseph Reynolds: Death
Private Patrick Reynolds had previously been reported as missing in the Bromley & District Times newspaper on the 19th July 1940. Read article here > Death of Prisoner of War
Cinema Listings for Bromley in 1941
This advert for the cinemas of Bromley lists the top films being shown for the 6 days following Monday 27th October 1941. The Odeon’s top movie was ‘Billy the Kid’
Quaker Relief in Britain
This advert featured in the Bromley & District Times newspaper in September 1941 Quaker Relief in Britain organised by THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS has – Over 100 East London and
Harry Charles Shaw Page
Promotion for Rector’s Son Squadron Leader Page Flight Lieutenant Harry Charles Shaw Page, D.F.C., only son of Lieutenant-Colonel and Mrs Page, of West Wickham Rectory, has been gazetted squadron leader
Leading Aircraftman Harold Lidster: Wedding
L/A/C Lidster and Miss M. Fitch The wedding took place at St Luke’s Church on Saturday, August 30, of L/A/C Harold Lidster, R.A.F., eldest son of Mr and Mrs Lidster.
War Savings Campaign
Permanent Memorial for the Borough In the hour of peril People of Bromley earned the gratitude of the British nations Sustaining the valour of The Royal Air Force and Fortifying
Cigarettes for Prisoners of War
Rooms at Rothwell, Sundridge Avenue are used five days a week by the workers, who number a hundred, most of whom are volunteers. Miss N.L. Spicer is the manager of
Advertisement for Regent Portraits (Photographers)
“When Jack came home on leave…” …he realised how much happier his friends and family would be while he was away if they had a photograph of him…. a life
Flying Officer Ross James
Roll of Honour MISSING. Hero who raided Berlin A fortnight ago we announced that the Distinguished Flying Cross had been awarded to Flying Officer Ross James, R.A.F., son of Mr
Mrs Ethel Augusta Pond
Recognition for Bravery Red Cross Distinguished War Service Certificate The many friends of Mrs Ethel A. Pond, MBE, Commandant Kent 50 Voluntary Aid Detachment, will be delighted to hear that
Sergeant Peter David Devereux
Lost at Sea Sergeant P.D. Devereux, R.A.F. Sergeant Peter David Devereux, aged 22, who has been reported “missing” while on an R.A.F. patrol at sea, joined the R.A.F. before the
Bad Traffic Lights
It’s strange to imagine a world without traffic lights, as they have now become a necessity in keeping our busy roads safe and less chaotic. Before traffic lights, police controlled
Gunner Sydney Bax: Wedding
A member of an old Bromley family was married at St John’s, Eden Park, on Saturday, when the bridegroom was Mr Sidney Bax (now Gunner, R.A.), eldest son of Mr
Canteen Truck donation to Bromley Fire Service, 1941
The donor, Mrs King, with the canteen she presented to Bromley Fire Services. On the left are Mr E. Ford Duncanson and the Mayor (Councillor H. Lynch Watson), and on
Complaints about Food Waste, 1941
Looks like complaints about food waste is not a new phenomenon. Although it seems comical now, this complaint printed in the Bromley & District newspaper in February 1941 shows a
Squadron-Leader Barrie Heath
Born in Warwickshire in 1916, Squadron Leader Barrie Heath was a son of Mr G.R. Heath. He saw active service in 1940 with No. 611 Squadron RA, flying in the
Who was Lord Woolton?
Frederick James Marquis, was an English Businessman and politician, born and raised in Lancashire. During World War two Woolton was one of a number of businessmen (including Sir Andrew Duncan, Lord
Dr Kenneth Edwin Tapper
Awarded the George Medal Dr. Kenneth E. Tapper, O.B.E, Medical Officer of Health for Bromley, and head of the A.P.R. Casualty Services, has been awarded the George Medal for bravery
Don’t Delay – install an Incendiary Bomb Detector today, 1941
London had suffered 57 days of non-stop bombing from the Luftwaffe in 1940 – it was relentless. There must have been many bombs that failed to explode, so there must
Mooney & Cooney
The Canadian soldiers and airmen were very popular with the girls of the area . I don’t know whether the girls are ‘snapping up’ the boys or the boys are
Housekeeping in War-time Britain
Queen Elizabeth, consort of George VI the King of the United Kingdom (and mother of Queen Elizabeth II), visited the Ministry of Food on the 30th May 1941, where she
Call out for local knitters to help with the war effort
It is amazing how history can repeat itself. This article asking for knitters to help create woollen clothing for the Winter season in 1941 especially resonated with me as it
Henry Euler and Miss Jane Bowl
It is such a wonderful moment in family history research when you stumble upon an article, such as a marriage or obituary, where it can either help fill in a
Flying Officer Peter E.A. Loat
The Battle of Cape Matapan was a Second War engagement between British Imperial and Axis forces, fought from 27–29 March 1941. The cape is on the south-west coast of the
Matron Marion Edith Bolton
Mottingham George Medallist Mrs Marion Edith Bolton, matron of the Sir Robert Jeffery’s Homes, Mottingham, received from the King, as a recent investiture at Buckingham Palace, the George Medal which
Lieutenant Gerald E. Combe
Lieutenant Gerald Edward Combe was the son of Herbert Walter and Mildred Eleanor Combe, of Bromley, Kent. He was killed in action on the 27th May 1940, aged just 23
Flying Officer Eric Charles Whitehead
Flying Officer Eric Charles Whitehead was the son of William and Selina Whitehead of Bromley, Kent, and the husband of Cynthia Eva Beatrice Whitehead, of Chislehurst, Kent. He died on
Lord Woolton Pie: The Official Recipe
Originally called Lord Woolton pie, and later as simply Woolton Pie, this pastry dish of vegetables was widely served in Britain during World War Two when rationing and shortages made
You Can’t be too Careful: Propaganda Campaign, 1943
“Over 1,000 fires a day are helping Hitler.. so stub it out!” One of the propaganda campaigns which ran nationally during World War 2, was to warn people of the