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No: 273
RECTOR'S WEEKLY NEWS
July 12th 1945

First Berlin Medal Number

My dear Boys and Girls,
Here comes one of the NLs that in days to come will be often consulted to settle the many arguments that will take place in your old age in pubs and by your firesides as to who were the first Tarleton lads to enter Berlin, the Keil Canal and to park on a Berlin aerodrome. Last October I sent every lad a certificate to be signed by his Officer vouching for the fact, and so there will be no gainsaying the result. Well, as you will see overleaf, Noel Clark was first by the post into Berlin; Mr. Hornby, BEM, RN., Bos'n, of the Naval Party taking over the now defunct German Navy, was first in the Keil Canal, and David Hanson was the only airman sending in a claim to have parked well in Germany and his card, signed by his Flight Officer, came to hand some time ago. The Medals will now be engraved with their names and will be presented at some great function when they arrive home. Once again, to the boys in the West, I say, don't forget in your prayers, the boys in the East who are still in the front Line of Battle. With my love, my prayers and my Blessing,
Ever your affectionate old friend, L.N.FORSE.

HOME FRONT NEWS
Harry Rigby is to be married on July 14th; and Jack Robinson, if he gets home in time, on July 28th. Both in Tarleton Parish Church. Mrs. Brain (nee Maggie Suthern), Hesketh Lane, has presented her husband with a daughter. Mrs. Holmes (nee Margaret Ward), late of Hesketh Lane, now of Manchester, has presented her husband with a daughter. Mrs. Thomas Coulton (nee Agnes Hull), HB now of Fermor Road, has presented her husband with a daughter. Mrs. Mary Jane Latham, Kearsley Avenue, mother of Hugh, Jimmy, Harry, Jack etc. died on Wednesday and was buried in Tarleton Churchyard on Saturday. Harry in Burma, was informed by cable. She was 66 years of age. Mr. William Barron of Chorley, uncle of the Doctor's Lane Barrons, also of Jim Barron, Wesley Cottages, died at Chorley on Wednesday and was buried at Tarleton on Saturday. He was 83 years of age. Longton Agricultural Show on Saturday last. A glorious day and a large attendance. Proceeds for Longton Welcome Home Fund. Ronnie Knight very kindly ran through a few films at the Cinema on Tuesday morning for the benefit of Mrs. Croft and the Rector, neither of whom could get to the evening performances owing to other engagements. The film they really wanted to see was one entitled "Burma", but he also showed them Belsen Camp, their Majesties' visit to the Channel Islands, and a Comic. The following have been awarded County Council Scholarships, on the results of the examinations held in May; Tom Alty, Roy Taylor, Bryan Barron, Alice Edmondson, Margaret Sutton, Gwen Davies (daughter of PC Davies), and Raymond Smith, son of Tom Smith, Hesketh Lane. Commander John Caunce, who was Commodore of the Mine Sweeping Fleet in and around the Straits of Gibraltar, having finished his job is now home on extended leave. Ted Barnish returned to his Unit on Tuesday last, after a month's leave. He has been abroad, Burma and Middle East for five years. The Roman Catholic Community in Tarleton and district held a Sale of Work in the British Legion Club-room on Saturday afternoon and raised £146 on behalf of their Church Building Fund. A bottle of whisky was won by Mrs. John Giddon. It is not known what she will do with it as all the family on both sides are strict teetotallers. Father Harvey, the RC Priest, thanks all those who made the effort the success it was. Accident on the Stride, between Sollom and Rufford on Sunday afternoon. A motor cycle ran into a stationary motor cycle and sidecar. Quite a smash up; both drivers injured, also lady in sidecar. Taken to Preston Infirmary. Big British Legion Parade at Penwortham on Saturday afternoon for the dedication of their New Standard. 24 other Branches present with their standards, including Tarleton Men's Branch and Women's Section. Will those serving in MEF please note that the Resident Chaplain at Trubruk, N. Africa, is the rector's nephew, Padre "Teddy" Forse, who will always be pleased to see any of the rector's lads. Also Padre Forse will be interested to hear that the Rector's old friend Padre Bontoft who for some time was Senior Chaplain in MEF is now Senior Chaplain for the North West Division and is stationed at Preston. He, of course, knows the Rector's nephew very well and sends his kind regards and best wishes. The nice things he said about his nephew's ears must have tingled, or the palm of his hand sting, whatever is the right thing to happen on such occasions. The only two known to have come on leave this week are Bob Barron (Hesketh Lane) and Lawrence Hunter, Hoole. Mr. Ritching's house in New Road was struck by lightening on Monday last. The roof and one side of the house, plus chimney pots crumbled up. No one was injured, but very costly damage was done.

EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS
Gunner Arthur Harrison writes from BLA "It was just five years ago on July 1st that I came into the Army and not one week has gone by without the 'Old Faithful' News Letter coming. There is a Farewell Party in the Sergeants' Mess tonight as one of them leaves in the morning for Civvy Street. By the time you get this letter we shall probably have left Braunlage. We don't want to leave here as everything is so handy, lovely bedrooms, H and C water, electric light, etc. But it's the Army all over. Rumour says that we are going to Hanover, but I will tell you in my next letter. My best wishes to my sister Vera, Nick Forshaw, Harry Cookson, Harold Aspey, and all at home and abroad." AB Tom Dickinson RN., writes from his ship "We are now in the Island of Ischia, just off Naples, doing a refit before going back to Greece. About a fortnight ago I had the pleasure of meeting John Caunce in Leghorn, before we both pushed off again. There was a gathering of the Clans, as you might say, when four local lads sat on the fo'castle. They were Bill Hough of Walmer Bridge, Bob Rimmer of Holmeswood, John and myself. We had a right good talk about the old villages. For the last three months we have been mine-sweeping up and around Spetzia and Genoa and around to France. Jerry has been busy and there are 55,000 mines between Leghorn and the coast to the north, i.e. Italy beyond Genoa round to Nice." Dvr. Noel Clark writes from Berlin "As you will see from the enclosed card which I have carried with me since you sent it on October of last year, I arrived in Berlin late on the last day of June, the time being 23.00 hours, i.e. eleven o'clock at night. I do not know if anyone else has beaten me to the post, but here's hoping anyway." Cpl. Billy Benjamin RAF writes from BLA, "I don't think too much of the towns out here for they are mostly ruins. I have visited Kassel, Goslar, Nordhausen and Seesen and for the moment the Unit is stationed at Hildensheim, all of which are ruined towns. Two of my fellow airmen arrived last night with the news that there is a possibility of our going to be stationed at Berlin, but whether it is true or not I cannot say. My kind regards to Harry Harrison and Dick Townsley, and all the lads and lasses in Tarleton." Dvr. John Caunce writes from CMF "I am now in Genoa, so please tell any of the lads who may be out this way to call at W/S and ask for me. It is No. 41 W/S along the sea front No. 1 route through Genoa. Now they have started the leave scheme I do not think it will be long before you see me again. Our W/S is in two sections No.1 and No.2. I am in the latter. No.1 went yesterday to Toulon in France. I have only been here two days, but I went out in the town last night. There is not much there, a Canteen and a YMCA. Hoping to see you in the very near future." L/Sgt. Tom Tindsley writes from BLA "In an NL I received today I notice I am quoted as having written to you, and you even gave an extract! I think you have made a slight mistake and it must have been my cousin Hubert who wrote to you recently. I have changed my home and travelled right across Germany. Formerly we were between Kiel and Lubeck at the little town of Plon, billeted in ex-German Naval Barracks which we re-christened "The Churchill Barracks". Along with the rest of the Guards Division we have now lost our tanks. As regards the post-war housing problem, it is indeed a problem. To have a house and the prospect of making it my home is what I need desperately. Please express my congratulations to our ex-POWs and may the time soon come when those in Japanese hands will be with us too." L/Cpl. John Ball CMP writes from Paiforce "I thought it was hot in Egypt, but it is twice as hot here. I am stationed in Baghdad, in Iraq. I flew from Egypt to here. It was my first flight and I enjoyed it very much. It took 5 hours. Give my congratulations to Herbert Nutter and Nick Dewhurst on arriving safely home after being POWs for so long. The NLs have followed me round and I have received seven in the last fortnight." Fus. Ronnie Iddon writes from India Command "I have been on a month's leave up in the hills to get away from the heat. Now it is a lot cooler and it has started to rain, and when it rains in India it does nothing else. I have now joined a new company, but I have been getting the NLs every week. I see that a good many Tarleton lads are being sent out here now that the war in Germany is over, so I must keep my eyes open for any of them that I might know." Cpl. Stanley Frazer writes from Paiforce "I have been meaning to write for months now, and each successive NL has added to my good intentions. The climate out here is the worst thing as it reaches temperatures of over 120 degrees in the shade during the summer. I have not met any chaps from Tarleton since coming abroad. Do you know of any in Paiforce? I should be glad if you would remember me to Tommy Sutton of Holmeswood Hall. I believe he is still in BLA. I am eligible for 28 days' leave in England (LIAP) but the chances of being drawn are very small." Dvr. Billy Whittle writes from BLA "I am now a mile and a half from the town of Jjipenburn, which is about fifteen miles from Osnabruk. I have already found the countryside around here ideal for walks. It is quite hilly and, believe me, it is really smashing. Yesterday a youngster came to the billet with a half a dozen eggs which he wanted to barter for English cigarettes. I heard that George Wait was home on leave. I think I have told you that I met George when I was back on the Rhine at Wesel. I suppose you will have heard that we are now allowed to be friendly with little children. There are six of them at this "residence"." L/Cpl. Ken Robshaw writes from India Command "I received a letter the other day from Capetown from some friends I made out there whilst I was passing through on my way out here. They write to me very regularly telling me of all the changes taking place at the Cape. They have asked me if I would care to go out and live with them after the war. Please remember me to all my friends in Tarleton and especially to Jack Walsh, Harry Price, Ann Barron and Frank Foster." Gunner Philip Rigby writes from Timulgerry, Deccan, India saying "Whilst I was in Burma I developed a bad knee but I would not let it interfere with my leave. However directly I got back I thought I would have it seen to, and am here in hospital for some time for an operation. But my luck seems at zero, for on the way here I got yellow jaundice and I am now under treatment for this, and it seems as though my knee would have to wait. I can now spend many a happy hour reading the NL for it gets very weary lying in bed. I should not be long before I am home as I notice that the period of service out in these parts has dropped and I have written to my Unit enquiring about it." LAC Freddy Coupe writes from the West Indies "I will be getting another move soon and I expect it to be to a cooler climate. Since I last wrote my life has been spent watching an occasional cricket match or nowadays a football match, as the latter season has just started. Often we play Bridge to pass the time away. It's been rather wet lately, and I am fed up with rain; still it's a change. Will you please give my best wishes to Roger Watson through the NL. Thanks for the NL. It's the only thing that keeps me in touch with the life of the village." Pte. Norman Wright writes from BLA "I am in a place called Duseberg at present, the Division I am with are coming here to take over from the Americans. I was at Hamburg. The place in which I am now stationed is lovely. I go swimming every afternoon and I am not doing much duty, only a few guards. Remember me to all the boys and girls, not forgetting my best pal Jack Twist and say "I hope to be seeing you all very soon now, in fact in a few weeks' time." W/M Hubert Thompson RN writes from his ship "We are now at Ouxhaven, Germany. I went out to Bremmerhaven yesterday. It is full of Americans and the troops are not allowed to buy anything in the shops. Quite different from this place where you can buy anything in the shops, but all there is to buy are German Navy Badges and postcards. Last Sunday I went to Church for the first time since the war in Europe finished. The Service is held in a Civilian Church in the town. Please remember me to Robert Howard, Ken Dandy and Fred Bentham." Sapper Eric Edmondson writes from CMF "I have just come out of Dock (Hospital) being ill with Malaria. I was in a New Zealand hospital and was glad of the experience. I was treated very well indeed, but for all that, I hope I don't have to go in again. It is over two years since I sailed away, but I didn't sail away to make a fortune like they used to do in the days of long ago. There is not much pleasure in writing as the flies are giving me no peace. I really ought to have the mosquito net down. That would outflank them although you must not give them much scope or they are under your nets." Mr. John Hornby BEM, RN., writes from a Naval Base in the Keil Canal "We are still busy squaring things up, but I can still find time to see any of our local lads if they happen to be in Eckernforie in Schleswig-Holstein. I am enclosing an Iron Cross for the school museum. It was taken from Admiral Heyer's stocks. The NLs are coming through regularly, and from them I find that things are looking up in dear old Tarleton." L/S John Coulton RN writes from his ship "We are expecting leaving here very shortly, no doubt to join the Pacific Fleet, although we hope to get a leave before we go. There is not much news to give you from here but there may soon be more forthcoming. Remember me to all the boys and girls in the Forces." Flt/Sgt Leslie Clarkson writes from CMF "I left No.38 Squadron a few days ago but I still receive the most welcome NL containing all the "Gen". If space permits please remember me to all my pals in the Forces at home and overseas, especially to John Ball, Harley McKean, Eddie Hough of Croston and all the rest. I must now get on the road with my last load for the day. I have a Petrol Bowser carrying 1,000 gallons." Gdsn. Aubrey Smith, who has returned to his Unit after six weeks POW leave writes "Well, I'm getting more settled now, although the first 24 hours went down very badly. Last Saturday we had a Selection Examination; more or less General Knowledge, and I think I did all right. This camp is in the middle of a wood and miles from anywhere. Please remember me to all through the NL." Dvr. Gordon Iddon (HB) writes from Scotland "As usual we are having rain every day which is commonly known amongst the boys as 'Scotch Mist'. It is Sunday evening as I write, and all I can see is a variety of trees against a background of hills. I think of the Sunday evenings gone by when we used to walk along the canal bank from HB to the carriage drive and back via good old Tarleton. I have now completed five years in the Army and am ready for some civvy life again. Remember me to cousin Bob Iddon and tell him to let me know when he is likely to get his leave and I might arrange to have mine then. If you see Bill Wright give him a good handshake for me and a speedy return." Gunner Nick Taylor writes from S.Wales "I think that this is one of the nicest spots one could wish to see at this time of the year. We travel about 40 miles every day and there always seems to be something new, that we have missed before which attracts our eyes and our thoughts, and helps to broaden the outlook upon life. Quite a lot of my pals who have been with me since I was a raw recruit have now left for BLA. They all seemed to want to go and see for themselves what has happened out there." Pte. Tom Hurst, who is back in the Army after being very severely wounded whilst serving in Italy, writes from a holding Battn. in the South East "At last the Army has found me a job!! I am now a waiter in the Officers' Mess and what a job!! Start at 7am., go on till 10pm., half a day a week off duty. I am the only waiter looking after 18 Officers and 4 ATS Officers, also cleaning the Mess Hall which seats over 100 in comfort and then I run the Bar until 11.30pm. Last week, just before I came here, I had the wife down at Southend with me, and as I had 4 days' leave we had a very pleasant time." ACI John Ball (Bretherton) writes "My demob number is 52 so I should be in the RAF for quite a time yet. The RAF seem to be well behind with the scheme, and I suppose I shall be in for two or three years, worse luck, especially if I go overseas which I am expecting to be my lot any time now. Life in this Camp is very quiet except that we have plenty of work to keep us occupied. I stay in most nights as there is absolutely nothing to do. The nearest town is 15 miles away."

THE LIGHTER SIDE
Box: Believe me or not, I knew a chap who waited 25 years for the woman of his choice.
Cox: Oh, I believe you - some women have no idea of punctuality.

Doris: Don't you think that Mabel is very stupid the way she spends all that money on expensive perfumes?
Betty: Yes but, of course, she never has had any common scents.

Hotel Maid: What time shall I waken you sir?
Dignified Guest: I shall ring when I wish to be wakened, thank you!

BRAIN TWISTERS
1. A man sold flour in a shop of any weight in lbs from 1 to 40lbs. He only needed four weights. What were they?
2. Arnold says to Joe "My age and my Father's are just alike with the figures reversed. "Oh" says Joe, "What is your age?" Arnold replies "Last year I was exactly a quarter of my father's age." How old is Arnold?
3. A man took £100 to market. He had to buy cows, sheep and rabbits. Cows cost £5 each, sheep £1 each and rabbits 1/- each. How many of each did he buy?

WEDDING GIFTS
Mrs. Hester Ball (nee Hester Ascroft, late of Coe Lane) when she married Mr. Harry Ball of Hesketh Lane, asked that no wedding presents be given, but instead that a collection be made at the Wedding Breakfast on behalf of the Tarleton Welcome and Welfare Fund. As a result she has given the Rector the substantial sum of £20 which has been handed over to Mr. Bailey the Hon. Treas. of the fund. We all thank Mrs. Ball for her gift and for the brilliant idea which brought it forth. We hope that she will thus start a new fashion in wedding presents - proverbially hard to choose.

A shy young man, the eldest son of a country magnate, was interrupted in his electioneering speech. "Does your mother know you're out?" shrieked the heckler. "Yes" retorted the young man, "and in a day or two she'll know I'm in".

A gentleman praising the generosity of his friend, observed, "He spends his money like water".
"Then, of course, he liquidates his debts" rejoined the other.

A business man outside a 'phone box overheard this going on inside:
Office Boy: "Is this Raymond Smith's?"
"Yes".
"Well I'm ringing up to enquire if you want an office boy".
"No".
"Do you think you'll be wanting one soon?".
"No we are quite satisfied with the one we have".
"Thank you".
The boy hung up the receiver and came out of the box. The business man said to him "You are a smart little lad. I could not help overhearing what you said, and it happens that I want an office boy myself."
Boy: "Sorry sir, but I'm quite happy in my present place".
Business man: "But I heard you ask Raymond Smith's if they wanted an office boy, and now you say you have a job already".
Boy: "Yes sir, but it's like this; I had words with the Boss this morning and walked out. I just wanted to find out how I stood with the firm, so I telephoned."

Prospective Employer: "Do you think you know enough to be useful in this office?"
Boy: "Know enough! Why, I left my last job because the Boss said that I knew too much".

Mistress: "What did they have in your last place for breakfast Jane?"
Jane: "I don't know Mum, they hadn't got up when I left".

Policeman (after the collision) "You saw this lady driving towards you. Why didn't you give her half the road?"
Motorist: "I was going to,as soon as I discovered which half she wanted."

"Have you an opening for a promising young man?"
"Yes, but don't slam it as you go out."

The young sailor had saved the Admiral from drowning. This great man was full of gratitude and praise. "And tomorrow" said the Admiral, "I shall thank you before all the men". "For heaven's sake don't do that sir" pleaded the sailor, "they'll half murder me".

MISCELLANEOUS ADVERTISEMENTS
Two sisters want washing.
Chair for sale, suitable for gentleman with very soft seat.
Why kill your wife? Let our men do it for you and get peace at home - Carpet Beating Company.

THE BERLIN MEDAL
Winners of the Medals awarded by the Rector of Tarleton to the first Tarleton lads to: -
1.Enter Berlin as a member of a victorious army occupying the city as conquerors.
2.Enter the Keil Canal as a member of a ship's crew receiving the surrender of the German Navy.
3.Land his aeroplane on a recognised aerodrome in Germany in complete possession of the R.A.F.

1. Awarded to T/83618 Driver Clark N.C. who arrived in Berlin at 23.00 hours on June 30th 1945. Claim signed by R. George, Lieut. 50 Company R.A.S.C.
2. Awarded to Mr. John Hornby, B.E.M. Bos'n R.N., who entered the Keil Canal at 0800 hours on May 12th 1945. Claim signed by P. Walter Gidifant, Chaplain R.N.V.R. Naval Party 1755.
3. Awarded to Flt/Sgt Hanson D.R. who landed at the aerodrome in Hanover, on April 18th 1945. Claim signed by C. Wanth, Flt/Lieut. 190 Squadron.

SCHOOL MUSEUM
Mr. John Hornby BEM has sent the rector a brand new Second Class Iron Cross with 9 inches of ribbon, which was taken from the store of Admiral Hayer, who was in Command of the German navy when it surrendered in the Keil Canal. The Admiral kept these by him to present to his brave boys when they came back from an expedition and said they had sunk the entire British Fleet. Mr. Hornby desires his old school, our own Church school at Tarleton, to possess this trophy. His old school thanks him for the gift which will be of historic interest to generations of Tarleton children. This Iron Cross will start a Museum which the Rector hopes to have in the School. Several other old scholars have sent him souvenirs and these also will find a permanent home in this museum. The Rector now asks all those old scholars in various parts of the world, east and west, north and south, to send him suitable souvenirs to add to this collection. Every gift will be clearly labelled with the name of the donor. So please find something really interesting and suitable, and send it along. In the years to come they will become part of the history of our times in Tarleton.

PRIZE COMPETITION
The rector offers a prize of £5 to be divided in the following proportions: £2.10s., £1.10s.,£1 between the three lads or girls sending the most interesting souvenir to the School Museum. The following are the conditions:-

1. Every souvenir sent must have been come by legitimately, and must be the sole property of the sender.
2. Every such souvenir becomes the property of the Tarleton Church School Museum, of which the Managers of the School are the legal Trustees.
3. The Curator of the Harris Museum be asked to be the judge and his decision must be regarded as final by all parties.
4. No souvenir sent for competition can be returned to the sender, but must be regarded as a gift outright to the school museum.

ANSWERS TO BRAIN TWISTERS
1. 1lb., 3lbs., 9lbs., 27lbs.
2. 16 years.
3. 19 cows, 1 sheep, 80 rabbits.

PRAYER FOR OUR BOYHOOD COMPANIONS NOW IN THE FAR EAST
"Remember O Lord we beseech Thee, our companions who are now bearing the burden and dangers of battle in the Far East. Let them ever feel Thy presence close to them to sustain and support them. Grant that having fought a good fight they may be preserved to return in health and strength to our village to be an example of courage, fortitude and Faith to the youth of our Parish who need such help. Amen."