This article, which featured in the Bromley & District Times in late February 1941, actually followed directly on from my previous extract story regarding Mr W. T. Field of Bromley, and mentions the George Medal that he received. Whether his award was given to him for this same rescue, it does not say, but it obvious that the two men knew each other. Honourable Mention for Resourceful Hayes Man The King has commended Mr D. H. Cartill, of 26 Hilldown Road,Hayes, for his gallantry and devotion to duty. Mr Cartill, who is…
Category: WW2
Heroes of the A.F.S. – Five Young Men Killed on Service
On the 19th March 1941, five local firemen lost their lives whilst on duty during the London bombings. The London Fire Brigade had been under intense pressure from the many fires caused by enemy bombs and had to frequently call in reinforcements from outlying areas. It was on this fated night at West Ham that the Coney Hall Auxillary Fire Service was called to action. On convey to a fire in Silvertown their truck was obliterated by a land-mine explosion, killing five of its crew. (Charles) Wesley Drew, Dennis Gerald…
Local Sporting Enthusiast
This extract was taken from the local newspapers, I do believe this gentleman received the George Medal for bravery. If anyone has any details on this, then please do contact me with details. Mr Field, of 14 Greenway, Bromley familiarly known as “Sonny” is Deputy Superintendent under the Bromley Corporation, and leader of an A.R.P. rescue party. He has many friends, and is very popular in the town. Mr Field has had a distinguished career in many branches of sport. After serving for a number of years in the Navy,…
Hot Water! What’s the Idea?
Keeping the soldiers going! This advert for OXO featured in the Bromley & District Times in February 1941, to no doubt encourage families to send stocks to the soldiers on the front line. Read more about the history of OXO in my previous blog >> How OXO Helped Strengthen the Home Front Source: Bromley & District Times, 21st February 1941, page 3
Wedding – Mr F.R. Burr and Miss H.M. Rigby
The wedding took place at the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Hayes, on Saturday, between Mr Frederick R. Burr, third son of Mrs Burr and the late Mr W. Burr of 19 Howard Road, Bromley and Miss H.M. (“Molly”) Rigby, only daughter of Mr and Mrs J. W. Rigby of 64 Hayes Street, Hayes The Rector of Hayes, and Rev. E.L.L. McClinstock, officiated, and the service was ____. The organist, Mr Cecil Lyes, played appropriate music, including the Bridal March from “Lohengrin” (Wagner) and Mendelssohn’s Wedding March. …
Our History in Salvaging and Recycling
In 1914-18 and in 1941 we were saving our country, in more ways then one. Today we are urged to recycle rubbish to save the planet, but even back then we were urged to do the same. Everything was saved – paper, tins, glass jars and even bones, to larger objects such as iron railing. This article, taken from the Bromley & District Times in February 1941, raises some interesting points, including encouraging Britain to salvage these materials and to use the ‘raw’ materials in this country to produce goods,…
Police Constable killed in air raid, 1941
Police-Constable Whitehead Poilice-constable Edgar John Whitehead, who was killed in an air-raid while on duty in the City on January 11th (1941), was the elder son of Mr and Mrs. J. Whitehead , 13 Holybrook Way, Bromley. Police-constable Whitehead, who was only 23 years of age, was educated at Bromley Common School, and later won a scholarship to the local Central School. On completing his education he was apprenticed to Me. Wade, the electrician, of High Street, Bromley, and two years ago joined the City of London Police. A…
Residential Areas Suffer, 1941
Night Raiders bring tragedy to families Some places attacked second time Daylight Air Battles: Ten Enemy Machines Down in One Fight Continuing their nightly raids on this country, German raiders have again dropped bombs on towns and villages in South-East England. Residential areas, far from military objectives, have suffered badly, many houses and cottages bring wrecked. The bombers have brought tragedy to several homes in the area, but it is remarkable how few fatal casualties there have been in view of the extent of the material damage. In daylight raids…
Marriage of Surrey Cricketer, 1941
Surrey Country Cricketer Weds Bride daughter of Bromley Town Cricketer Corporal J. F. Parker and Miss Kathleen M. Miller A Surrey County Cricketer was married to the daughter of a member of Bromley Town C.C. at St Mary’s, Shortlands on Saturday morning. Considerable interest was aroused by the event both in Bromley and Catford. The bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs J.A. Miller live at 25 Beadon Road, Bromley. For many years Mr. Miller has been a member of the Bromley Town Cricket Club, even for a longer period he has…
The Brothers Lee, 1941
Three sons of Mr. and Mrs. Lee. of 98 Bromley Common (Hook Farm) are serving in the forces. Private Cyril Lee (22), Oxford and Bucks Regiment was educated at Raglan Road School and afterwards employed as a porter at Bickley station, His is now a prisoner of war in Germany. Sapper Arthur J. Lee, R.E. (28) , was educated at Raglan Road School, and was employed by the London County Council before joining up. Gunner William Lee (30), A.A. Battery, received his education at Raglan Road School, and was afterwards…