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Transcript © 2003 Hubmaker. All rights reserved.
Reproduction by any means strictly prohibited.
RECTOR'S WEEKLY NEWS
April 9th 1943
My
dear Boys and Girls,
I came across this in a paper the other day and thought it would
interest you; it is also very instructive.
"Crews of many of our motor torpedo boats and motor gun boats
on the south and east Coasts are using a section of the "Breton
Fisherman's Prayer" when dedicating their ships.
'O God be good to me. The sea is so wide and my ship is so small'
is the English translation of the section they use.
In many small wardrooms the original French version is inscribed
on a brass plate and hung on the wall."
With my love and my Blessing,
Ever your affectionate friend,
L. N. FORSE.
HOME
FRONT NEWS.
Mrs. Holdcroft, Hesketh Lane, who has been ill for some time, died
on Saturday and was buried at Tarleton Churchyard on Wednesday.
She was 80 years of age, Mrs. Hugh Southworth, Hesketh Lane, died
very suddenly early on Sunday morning and was buried at Tarleton
Churchyard on Wednesday. She was 79 years of age.
Congratulations to Sergt. Major (H.G.) David Ball who has been promoted
and given a Commission as 2nd Lt. in the Home Guard. Also to Corpl.
Nick Taylor, who has been promoted Sergeant. Also to 2nd Lt. Stanley
Baldwin promoted to full Lt. He is now abroad. And to Bert Price
promoted to L/Cpl.
Betty Hewitson (Hoole) has joined the A.T.S.
John Ball, Bretherton, works for Garlicks, joins the R.A.F. next
week. Gunner Jimmy Farrington (Walmer Bridge), who is in North Africa,
was playing in a football match in the desert, against a team which
came from nearly 200 miles away, when he spotted his cousin Bobby
Chadwick, who lives next door to him in Walmer Bridge, in the opposing
team. Jimmy has been in the M.E.F. for three years and Bobby for
two months. His cousin was the first local lad Jimmy had seen since
landing in the Middle East.
Kenneth Hind writes that he has arrived safely in North Africa.
Fred Forshaw has gone abroad. Henry Moss, Smithy, Mere Brow, has
joined the Army. Mrs. Tom Hurst (nee Janey Gooden) Hesketh Lane,
is very seriously ill in Preston Infirmary.
On
Leave:
Sid Ball and John Caunce and Edwin Crabtree on embarkation. Tom
Tindsley and Bert Price on seven days. News has been received that
William Stringfellow, who was reported missing from his ship when
she was sunk by enemy action, is a prisoner of war in Japanese hands.
Mrs. Knight, who underwent an operation in Southport infirmary,
is now recovered and comes out next week. Sergt. Ernie Ball is home
on leave, and his wife has come up from Luton to be with him.
Leslie Orrit and Eddie Dalton of Hoole have both been on leave last
week.
We regret to have to record that the little baby of Mrs. Buck (nee
Louis Alty) of Hoole died last week.
EXTRACTS
FROM LETTERS:
Sapper John Johnson says "Recently I have been attending lectures
and debates which are held weekly. Tonight the subject is "Democracy
and Communism". I always enjoy listening to an educated person
discussing an interesting subject. Things are definitely better
now than in the last war; the men are cleaner, both bodily, and
I can safely say, spiritually. I think that the men will return
to civilian life with more ambition, and a lot more interest in
the welfare of their country."
Vernon Ogden R.N. writes "I met Chief Petty Officer Jack
Hornby, B.E.M. and we had a good night together. He is the first
person from the village I have met since I left home, and I can
tell you, sir, we had a little chat about you. This is a nice place,
but the town is very small; one pub, two chip shops, no pictures".
Lt. Stanley Baldwin sends an airgraph from the East saying "The
trip out was grand after getting out of the rough period experienced
during the first week. You will be surprised to learn that I have
already got my second pip, which is good after being so short a
time commissioned. I am indeed happy in my old regiment. I feel
that this is going to be a great experience for all of us. On the
ship I found Capt. James Cook as ship's adjutant". (Capt. James
Cook is the solicitor, he lived in a house at the corner of Moss
Lane.)
Pte. John Rimmer sends a picture post card with a short note thereon
saying "Many thanks for the N.L. which I receive regularly.
Please note my change of address as I have written before stating
same." Please give my regards to all the Tarleton lads in the
Forces". ACW/1 Vera Iddon, W.A.A.F., writes "Although
my letters are few and far between, I want you to know I appreciate
very much all you are doing for us. We are in a very lonely spot
here, in a valley, it seems awfully quiet after being in a town.
The Air Force provides all the entertainment; we are detailed in
our turns to go to the pictures or to a dance. Transport is provided
to take us and bring us back, or I think we would get lost among
the hills. Since I came here I have not seen a Church, but sometimes
the padre comes to see us and I always enjoy his visit. Please remember
me to all the boys and girls in the Forces, especially my brother
in law Arthur Harrison, my cousin Jack Robinson, and also to Walter
Rawsthorne in Canada".
Dvr. Jack Robinson writes from overseas to say "You will see
from my address that I have been on the move. We are alright here
but quiet. We get plenty of pictures in camp and concerts; they
help to pass the time alright. Why I moved was because the padre
had to go and he asked me if I would like to go with him. He has
been very good to me, and that is very good nowadays. Please remember
me to all the boys and girls in the Forces and to all those working
so hard for us at home."
O.A. James Sutton R.N., writes "This is only a makeshift address
and I am sorry to say that I dare not tell you anything about what
I am doing or anything about the place, so it will just have to
be a short note until I get settled again somewhere. I am sorry
that I have not been able to write often to you, but you will understand
O.K."
Dvr. Robert Latham says "I am on a Driver Mechanic's Course
at present and I find it very interesting. It really is remarkable
how the N.L. follows me around seeing that I keep changing my address,
but they are very welcome. Please remember me to Bob Hull and Harold
Pilkington. I haven't seen them since I joined up."
O/S Hugh Sutton, (R.N.) (Bretherton) writes "I don't get much
time for writing because all those who cannot swim have to go for
swimming lessons and I am one of them. Both Ken Dandy and I are
settling down now; we both felt a bit homesick at first, but we
have got over that. I can't thank you enough for showing us the
way round the London Tubes. I don't know what we should have done
without you, because neither Ken nor I have travelled in them before."
AC David Hanson, R.A.F. says "It is perfectly true what Mrs.
Harry Sutton said in her poem, and I think she deserves praising
for a very homely verse. The way in which it is written brings Tarleton
to me almost as though I were there with you all. It seemed quite
a coincidence that the same afternoon that I read in your N.L. that
Sid Cookson (H.B.) was on the same camp as myself, I came across
him; I suppose you can guess the rest when two Tarleton lads meet.
I have been incorporating sunbathing with my studies this afternoon.
The time is going like wildfire. Will you please remember me to
Jimmy and Bill Harrison, of Kearsley, and to John Pickervance and
Herbert Parkinson, my old work mates. Gunner Tom Fazackerley writes
"I must thank you for the card; it is lovely and we have pinned
it up in our Mess room and it makes us all feel very near home.
I must tell you about the Service we had on Thursday afternoon.
The padre came he has done away with parades and I agree with him
and we had a short Service in our Mess Room. We had two hymns, "Rock
of Ages" and "There is a green hill", some prayers
and a short talk. We are looking forward to him coming again".
O/S Ken Dandy says "Every morning we fall in on the parade
ground and sing a hymn and say a few prayers. The padre stands on
a big platform at one end of the square and speaks through a microphone.
On Sundays it is Church for everyone; We don't have an organ, but
the Royal Marines Band plays. It is always very interesting and
I quite enjoy it. Please give my best wishes to my brother Tom in
the R.A.F. and my brother in law Bill Bridge."
Pte. Will Seddon says "You will see from my address that I
have moved back down south; but I am ready for getting away from
here because there are too many raiders coming over for my liking.
I have received the poem composed by Mrs. Harry Sutton and I think
it very good, and well worth saving. Please remember me to Harold
Aspey and Dick Burns." `
AC 2 Freddy Coupe writes from overseas to say "Tonight I am
feeling a bit fed up with life, so I thought I would sit down and
write a letter. I have been working very hard. I arranged to meet
Jack Robinson, but he did not turn up, so I expect he did not get
my letter in time. I would be pleased if you would remember me to
Malcolm Parkinson, who is home from Canada, and also to Roger Watson,
who has moved to a tough spot". (You will see, Freddy, from
Jack Robinson's letter why he was unable to meet you as suggested.
He and the padre were on the move,)
Gunner Harry Woosey says "They have given me a Staff job; I
am on night duty and look after all the boilers. I keep the fires
going all night, so I am not hard pressed. I have touched for a
smashing job and am looking well after it." |
