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 reported that his parents had received word from the War Office that he had been injured: “He was in the severe fighting following the German breakthrough and after the evacuation of Dunkirk it was believed that he had been brought back, though he was known to have been wounded. Nothing definite, however, could be ascertained and on June 17th his parents…
Category: News
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 drive? the latest Ministry of Information film, “Arms from Scrap,” answers this question. And a very dramatic answer it is. The film begins with some remarkable scenes of air raid damage and shows you how large quantities of metal from wrecked buildings are being carefully collected. This metal will be made into guns and tanks and bombs. The dump is…
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 target Beckenham will raise the money to adopt a Tribal Class Destroyer, and will be permitted to adopt H.M.S. Sikh. Other towns of like size have shown that the money can be raised. It is up to every man, woman and child in Beckenham to make this week of February 21028 a resounding success, the symbol of which will be…
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 his only son Squadron Leader Harry Charles Shaw Page, had been reported as missing (this report was mentioned earlier in the same newspaper, page 5) Rector Leaving Rev. C.A.S. Page Coing to Hawkinge Speech at Church Meeting The Rev. C.A.S. Page, D.S.O., M.C., Rector of West Wickham for nearly 12 years, has accepted the offer of the living of Hawkinge,…
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 re-planning their delivery services to you Shopkeepers are re-planning their delivery services to customers to bring final victory nearer. For this self-same reason, shoppers are being asked to carry their shopping home. By supporting their scheme to the full shoppers may be putting themselves to some inconvenience. But those who help have satisfaction of knowing that their efforts, coupled with…
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 back row is a Farnborough boy, Private R.T. Clarkson, son of Mrs Clarkson, 81 Hugh Street, Farnborough. Source:Bromley & District Times, 23rd January 1942 (page 5) Also see:In a German Prison Camp: Oct 1941Officers of the Royal West Kent Regiment: 1940Is your Boy here? Oct 1941
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. He was supported by the Vice-chairman, Mr A.L. Priest, J.P. Queen’s Message A copy of the message of the Queen to the nurses of Britain, signed Elizabeth R., sent to the board from the nurses of the West Kent Hospital was read by the secretary, Mr. Arthur B. Coomber. It was as follows: “My thoughts go out to the women,…
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. It appeal to both homes and workplaces, as well as clubs, schools, hospitals and shops to search everywhere, for what means of paper waste they could find. This advert appears in the Bromley Times in January 1942. First Prize £500 Will you help Bromley to win it? £500 will be given to National National and Local Charities, if, for the…
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 experience not essential, and successful candidates will undergo two years training in chronic nursing. Salary £50 a year first year, £55 second year, together with the usual residential emoluments. Candidates passing examination successfully at the end of the two years will be eligible for appointment in the county service as Assistant Nurses as salaries of £60 per year, rising by…
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 RAF (Bromley branch) hosted a New Years eve dance, which included two tableaux represent the old and new years. The Bromley Times reported on the event in early January 1942. New Year Tableaux The Bromley branch of the Comrades of the Royal Air Force held a very enjoyable dance on New Year’s Eve at the White Hart Hotel, Bromley. A…