An example of how newspapers advertised the dramatics of the war to help sell newspapers. This advert for the News Chronicle newspaper appeared in the Bromley & District Times newspaper in March 1941. Battle of the Atlantic German U-Boats and Bombers V British Fleet, Convoy System, The Coastal Command and the R.A.F. Hitler threatens that the great Battle of the Atlantic is about to start. What shall we do to combat the menace to the vital routes between this country and the continent of America? How will the enemy attack…
Tag: WW2
Communal Kitchens coming to Beckenham – WW2
Communal kitchens were created in the 1940’s, during the Second World War, to help people who had been either bombed out of their homes, run out of ration coupons or otherwise needed help. These community feeding centres were named ‘British Restaurants’ by the, then, Prime Minister, Winston Churchill. Set up by the Ministry of Food, the centres were run by the local government or volunteers. Both my mother and grandmother helped at the British Restaurant which operated in West Wickham, Kent. Meals were sold at a set price of 9d…
The Wedding of Rodney Russell and Nancy Tapper
The second world war saw a sudden increase in weddings, mostly likely due to the uncertainty of what lay ahead and for those anxious to formalise their relationship. There was also, no doubt, a need for hope and joy, so these men and women overcame a variety of obstacles including bombs and rationing with ingenuity to make their way to the altar. The marriage of Sub-Lieutenant Russel and Miss Tapper took place in March 1941, and was described as a quiet wedding “befitting war-time.” More examples of wonderful War Time…
Women’s Land Army
Between June 1939 and November 1950, over 200,000 women were employed by the Women’s Land Army; an army of women, known as Land Girls, who replaced farm workers who had gone off to war. These women came from all walks of life, and despite having little to no experience of agriculture, they ploughed, drove tractors, grew produce, milked cows and much more, to help with the critical need to increase food production around the country. The Women’s Land Army started to publish a monthly magazine called ‘The Land Girl’, with…
Coincidence of the timely message carved on Pumpkin
Famous K.C. And Pumpkin Coincidence Both Broadcast Same Message The unusual hobby of Mr. Sheridan Wood, of The Mount, Farningham, of growing giant pumpkins, upon which he inscribes timely messages, has had an interesting sequel this year. On Sunday evening some few months ago, Mr Norman Birkett, K.C., concluded a broadcast appeal on behalf of the Lord Mayor of London’s fund for Londoners whose homes had been destroyed by bombs with the following words:- “I shall pass through this world but once. Any good thing, therefore, that I can do,…
End of a Giant: Death of the North Tower
On the 30th November 1936 a catastrophic fire took hold at the World famous Crystal Palace. Within hours, the Palace was destroyed. All that was left standing after were the two water towers. Their final fate came at the beginning of World War 2 amidst fears that they would serve as landmarks for German bombers on their way to bomb Central London. The South Tower was taken down first; dismantled due to its close proximity to houses and shops, but the North Tower was demolished with explosions on the 16th…
Conscientious Objector Summoned, 1941
Being a Conscientious Objector during WW2 The National Service (Armed Forces) Act 1939 was enacted by UK Parliament on 3rd September 1939, the day the United Kingdom declared war on Germany at the start of the Second World War. It replaced the Military Training Act 1939 (which has been passed in May of that year) and enforced full conscription on all males between 18 and 41 who were UK residents. With a few exceptions, including Conscientious Objectors. When the Second World War broke out, there were nearly 60,000 registered Conscientious…
Orpington’s War Weapons Week – 1941
March 22-29 £100,000 is the Aim Attractive Programme being arranged The majority of the committees which will be responsible for organising the Orpington District War Weapons Week have now been formed and are busily engaged in their preparations. The aim is to raise £100,000, and every village and organisation in the urban district will be invited to help in the effort. In Central Orpington there will be large indicators which will record the investments each day. Smaller indicators will be erected in the villages. All will be adorned by a…
Why Aren’t There More Trains?
Next time you are waiting for a train, and perhaps complaining about the lack of them, spare a thought for the commuters of the 1940s. At least British rail had a good reason – moving weapons to the theatres of war, as well as the war damage to the railways. The railway system suffered heavy damage in some areas due to German Luftwaffe bombing, especially in cities such as London and Coventry. It is estimated that 482 locomotives, 13,314 passenger and 16,132 freight vehicles were damaged during World War Two. Sources: Advert –…
King Commends Hayes Man, 1941
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…