Men and Women from Eton Wick who served in H.M. Forces 1939—1945

 

The residence of Eton Wick who served in

H.M. Forces during the 2nd World War.

 Ernest Alder     

William Bailey Army

Helen Bannan ATS

Basil Bavin  Army

Henry Barnet Army

Thomas Barnet  Army

Mark Bell RAF

Peter Bell  Army

Ernest Benham     

Charles Benham Army

Maurice Benham     

Albert Bond     

Frank Bond RAF

Thomas Bond Army

Cyril Bond Army

Jack Bond RAF

Philip Bond     

Dennis Borrett Royal Navy

Reginal Borrett Army

Peter Brennan     

Robert Brooks Army

Cyril Budd     

James Burger Army

Les Carpenter        Army

Norman Carpenter     

Michael Cavanah     

Betty Chamberlain WAAF

James Chamberlain RAF

Harry Chantler Army

Joyce Chew WRNS

Albert Clark     

Nobby Clark     

Jack Cleaver Army

Harry Cook Army

Robert Cook RAF

Lucy Cooley WAAF

Peter Cooley     

John Cox     

Edna Day WAAF

Alan Dowson RAF

Bernard Durbin Army

Jack Emery RAF RGT,

Douglas Eyles RAF

George Giles     

Charles Hazell     

Frederick Harris RAF

Frank Hester Army

Keith Hewitt RAF

Albert Hood at

Arthur Hood RAF RGT,

Donald Hood RAF

 Robert Huse Army

Thomas Husted Royal Navy

Harry Kelly Army

James Kinross Royal Navy

Jack Lane     

Jack Ling     

Jock Lockhart     

?LYNCH     

Robert Lynch Army

Michael Lynch Royal Navy

Clifford Mead     

Frederick Millis Army

Richard Mitchener RAF

George Newall RAF

James Newall     

Jack Nuth     

Neuth     

Maurice North     

John Oxlade     

Aubrey Paice     

Charles Paice     

Edward Pardoe Army

William Pardow Army

Robert Pass     

Frederick Reader Army

 Harry Reader Army

Jack Reader Army

Philip Reader Army

Ivor Reeves Army

Andrew Skeels Army

Douglas Slade FAA

Harold Slaymaker Army

Jack Stacey RAF

Walter Stacey RAF

James Stannett     

William Swabey     

Douglas Tarrant     

Wilfred Tarrant Army

Austin Watts RAF

Douglas Wells Army

William Welford RAF

Edward Wilks Royal Navy

Frederick Wilsher     

Edward Woodley     

Albert Wilson     

Ronald Wilson     

Frederick Vickers Royal Navy

Jack Young Army

Maurice Young Army

N Young     

This is an extract from Round and About Eton Wick: 1939 - 1945. The book was researched, written and published in 2001 by John Denham.

World War 2 Eighty Years On - Wednesday August 15th. Victory over Japan Day - The end of World War Two

 Wednesday August 15th.  V.J.Day

The announcement of an end to the war with Japan caused some local confusion. Many had waited for the declaration of the end to the fighting on Tuesday evening and failed to hear the early news on the radio the following morning that a two day holiday was granted for the occasion  Many people went off to work only to find the factory or office closed.   Bakers shops that did open for a short time were soon sold out as no extra supplies of flour had been allocated.  Mothers called it a ‘Q’ holiday. Late night celebrating revellers were witness to the fire at the Palace cinema, Slough, which was gutted in spite of the efforts of the firefighters.

Over one hundred men and women from the village served in the armed forces of whom twelve died on active service. The acute shortage of houses when the war ended made any suitable empty building attractive to the homeless. Vacated military camps  in the Slough / Windsor area became occupied by returning servicemen with their families to be referred to as squatters. The disastrous floods of 1947 covered the Dorney Common with several feet of water from which the camp occupants were rescued by boat.

This is an extract from Round and About Eton Wick: 1939 - 1945. The book was researched, written and published in 2001 by John Denham.

 

World War 2 Eighty Years On - Planning for the End of the War part 1 - Public Transport - February 1945

The hard fought battles of 1944 had brought a foreseeable end to the war in Europe.  A public meeting,  held at Eton, discussed plans for the  welcome home of service men and women of the village and Eton. A Committee was formed to arrange for fund raising events which commenced with a dance at Eton School Hall. With a public collection at Eton Wick, a donation of £75 from Eton U.D.C. and other activities funds were quickly raised for the `Welcome Home' entertainment. To mark the occasion, a gift was proposed and this took the form of a cigarette box suitably inscribed. Some of these mementoes were made by Mr Plunkett, a local cabinet maker.

With an allocation of extra fuel by the Ministry of Power, the introduction of a new timetable for the Blue Bus service became possible. This gave a more frequent service from Dorney through Eton Wick to Windsor but still no bus after 9pm. A request from village residents for a 10 p.m. bus from Windsor had the support of the Council but many weeks were to elapse after V.E. Day celebrations  before the Traffic Commissioners gave their permission for a later bus.

This is an extract from Round and About Eton Wick: 1939 - 1945. The book was researched, written and published in 2001 by John Denham.

World War 2 Eighty Years On - December 1944

On 16th December the Germans  launched a surprise counter – offensive against the weakest sector of the  Allied line. The battle became known as the ‘Battle of the Bulge’. The main V-2 attack had now switched from London to Antwerp.

As the year drew to its close some wartime restrictions on the home front eased but food rationing made it difficult to cater for Christmas parties. 

A Christmas party given at the village hall by the Miss Rooke, Head Mistress, for the school children was a great success. With the generous support of Mr Rooke, her father, Mr and Mrs de Purdy, Mr and Mrs Miles and others who prepared and gave party food. The scene was set, a beautiful decorated tree lit with candles, paper hats and favours all added to the fun for the one hundred children who had an enjoyable time.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  This is an extract from Round and About Eton Wick: 1939 - 1945. The book was researched, written and published in 2001 by John Denham.

World War 2 Eighty Years On - 1944 - Home Guard

December

Disbandment for the local Home Guard Battalions was held at Windsor Castle on Sunday, December 8th. Among the Home Guard units on parade were the Heavy AA Battalion, the 8th Berks. (Windsor Borough Batt.), the 9th. Berks. (Windsor Crown Land Batt.) and ‘D’ Stretch Upper Thames Patrol who were under the command of Major C.D.N. Butler.  Assembling at Victoria Barracks the parade marched to the Castle via Sheet Street and Park Street. With the band of the Royal Horse Guards playing an appropriate march the troops arrived at their appointed places for inspection by the King. Among those on parade was Alf Cook from Eton Wick to whom the King put questions about the cap badge of the Upper Thames Patrol.

 

King George VI, a keen collector of cap badges, taking a close interest in Eton Wick resident Private Alf Cook’s ‘Upper Thames Patrol’ unit Badge.

The summer had seen the successful invasion of German occupied France and the Allied Armies had by December liberated Paris. V-1 flying bombs still fell on London and Manchester where fifty Heinkel Bombers launched a V-1 raid killing 37 people. Anti Aircraft Gun batteries were strengthened more raids materialized.  The introduction by the Germans of  a new and more deadly weapon had  came into use which was officially revealed by the Prime Minister in November.  The  V– 2 rocket travelled at 3000 miles per hour carrying a one ton of explosive.  The first arrived on September 13th falling on Chiswick causing much destruction and heavy casualties.  Against the V–2 there was no defence and  it was of utmost priority that the Allied armies capture the launching sites in Holland.   

Units were affiliated to their regular county regiments.

December 8th 1944

 Stand Down of the Windsor and Eton Home Guard Battalions

 King George VI inspects lady Home Guard volunteers 

who had been the back room support manning telephones,  

clerical, and catering.

2nd right , Mrs Lovell,  of Eton Wick.

Windsor Home Guard Anti  - Aircraft  Battery

The home Guard Gunners served alongside Royal  Artillery  AA Batteries. The formation of Home Guard AA units allowed the release of regimental Royal Artillery gunners for posting to active war fronts. The 3.7” guns shown in the photographs were located in the Windsor Great Park. 

The 3.7”  heavy A.A gun was designed to engage raiders up to 30,000 ft or more. The difficulty of getting a hit on target resulted in a timed fuse to burst the shell when it had been calculated to reach the target giving a radius of burst of approximately 60 feet.. Precise fuse setting  was required for the shell to burst at the exact point to damage and bring down the target as the shell, travelling at 2000ft./sec., having an error setting error of one tenth of a second would  cause a burst  200ft. From the target.    Improved performance  of the 3.7” was achieved by lining down a 4.5” to shoot a 3.7” shell using a 4.5” cartridge. This proved highly successful until the A.A. gun was replaced by the guided weapon.

This is an extract from Round and About Eton Wick: 1939 - 1945. The book was researched, written and published in 2001 by John Denham. 

World War 2 Eighty Years On - Eton Home Guard Platoon

 Eton Home Guard Platoon

On May 14th 1940 Anthony Eden, War Secretary in Churchill’s Government , broadcast to the nation regarding the threat of invasion by German Parachutists and Fifth Column agents. He called upon men between the ages of 17 and 65  and not   engaged in  military service to offer their service to  form  a  local defence force, to known as Local Defence Volunteers, LDV for short. These came forth in great numbers, reporting to Police Stations to register.  Weapons were short, shotguns being the armaments of many. The volunteers helped in the construction of anti - tank ditches,  placing obstacles on possible air landing points as well as helping to guard strategic landmarks and communications.

The Initials ‘LDV’ was quickly translated by comedians of the day into “Look, Duck and Vanish”.  

By July 1940 the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, Renamed the force, ‘Home Guard’. Units were affiliated to their regular county regiments.

This is an extract from Round and About Eton Wick: 1939 - 1945. The book was researched, written and published in 2001 by John Denham. 

World War 2 Eighty Years On- September 1944

September

Four days after the capture of Antwerp on September 4th. the Germans launched the first V2 rocket attack against London. The V2, unlike the V1, gave no warning of its approach therefore no defence was possible. The attacks continued until the end of November and it is a belief that a V2 fell in Windsor Forest.  A defence measure against the V1's involved the deployment of anti-aircraft batteries to the south coast and those which had manned many of the sites around the Windsor - Slough district moved to become part of the defences. Sections of 608 battery went to Folkstone where they were credited with the shooting down of 102 V1 flying bombs.  

V I  [Doodlebug] flying bomb attacks 

over Bucks and Berks 1944—45

Later volunteers from 183 Regiment Batteries went to Belgium to defend Antwerp against the V1's.  

Although the blackout was still in force limited street lighting was allowed for the winter of 1944.  The observations of the local police considered that the street lighting at Eton was too bright and prevailed upon the local authority to reduce the intensity. At first the lights were turned off at night but as there was very little risk of enemy bombing at that stage of the war people asked if the street lights could be on early in the  morning. Workers on early morning shifts complained that the dark winter mornings were hazardous, with  Keates lane particularly  dangerous, it was surprising  that only one College boys had been accidentally killed. After an inspection of the street lighting the surveyor arranged for selected lights to stay on until the lighter mornings arrived. Limited lighting lasted until 20th April 1945 when the end of the blackout was announced.                   

The prospect of `Victory in Europe’ gave cause for Eton U.D.C. to discuss plans for the building of new houses in Eton Wick. The local building companies of Slough and Windsor were also considering post war construction and informed the Council that they were now able to carry out the preparation of sites and construction of houses if the necessary licenses were obtained. To quickly provide the estimated four million homes needed to replace air raid destruction and house returning servicemen and their families, some aircraft factories changed over to the manufacture of prefabricated housing. The 'Prefabs` were fitted out with all electric appliances, such as electric cooker and refrigerator and electric heating. 

This is an extract from Round and About Eton Wick: 1939 - 1945. The book was researched, written and published in 2001 by John Denham. 

World War 2 Eighty Years On - August 1944

August.

After the very late spring frost of April and the beautiful summer weather of the Whitsun and August Bank Holiday’s brought an influx of visitors to Windsor and Eton. The holiday encouraged the day trippers to take to the river for boating and swimming and before the day was out the pubs were finding that the beer supplies were inadequate. 

Isolated V1's continued to fly over the district and in late August a missile fell in an orchard at Cippenham. The blast wrecked houses and brought the ceilings down at White Heather Garage, Dorney, the home of Mrs Quarterman. 

"As a Radar operator serving with 608 at Dorney, I remember this period after ‘D-Day’ as being very busy. Little sleep was had with the threat of the flying bombs, and it was difficult to know what was happening in the first few days. It called for constant vigil by the battery which was crowned with success when we managed to shoot down one of these bombs”. (Mrs. B. McCade) 

For the months of June, July and August, Windsor and Slough district had 202 alerts with a few bombs falling around the neighbourhood. The maximum number of alerts in any one day for this period was nine. Twenty-one Buzz Bombs fell in the area, three of which were in the Windsor Borough and one at Cippenham (Slough). 

V1 Doodle Bug

A fear of more air raids and V1 attacks brought an enquiry from Councillor Mr. Harding asking whether seats could be installed in the shelters at Eton Wick for the older people. This was not sanctioned as the use of the necessary materials was not warranted at that stage of the war. Reporting that the supply, fixing and waterproofing of Anderson shelters to those who had applied had been completed in Eton Wick and Somerville Road and the Surveyor replied that nothing more would be done. 

V2 Rocket

A reported case of Scarlet Fever also gave concern for the cleanliness of communal shelters and the spread of infectious deceases. 

Many public libraries in towns and cities suffered damage by air raids. To replace the destroyed books a national book drive was launched in which the village school took part. A magnificent effort by the children gave a total collection of 2,934 books and two children, who had collected over 250 books each, received a Field Marshall badge as recognition of their endeavour.

This is an extract from Round and About Eton Wick: 1939 - 1945. The book was researched, written and published in 2001 by John Denham. 

World War 2 Eighty Years On - June & July 1944

Tuesday June 13th

The attack by V1's, known as Doodle Bugs commenced, having been launched from the Pas de Calais area of occupied France.  At 5am on June 15th. a V1. fell on the Bells of Ousley at Old Windsor. The explosion, heard over a very wide area, was quickly reported and brought the Civil Defence Services rapidly to the scene.  Police sealed off the area so the rescue services, under their supervisor Templeman, could work without hindrance from spectators.  Most of the hotel was destroyed and surrounding property severely damage. Within a short time some were rescued alive from under the debris but more were known to be trapped under the rubble. A second rescue party that had been called for found two more, unfortunately both dead. Among the injured was a three year old boy. On arrival the Rescue Squads found scattered among the debris many pound notes and pieces of the V1.  Twenty four hours later the policeman on duty at the site was appalled to hear another bomb approaching on the same line and as its engine cut out, he threw himself to the ground.  On losing power the V1. banked and dived across the river to explode in Wraysbury. Considerable damage was done to many houses, two people lost their lives and others injured.  

Saturday July 1st.

During the afternoon a flying bomb was seen and heard coming from the direction of Slough to pass over towards Windsor.  Within a very short time an explosion was heard as the bomb  hit the chimney of the Windsor Corporation dust destructor in Kentons Lane. Many houses were damaged but no deaths, although many were injured by flying glass. Blast shattered windows at Edward Woolhouse’s cycle shop in the Eton Wick. Royal Navy Artificer  P.O. Frederick Lamb from Sunderland remembered the incident as follows:-

He  was put with a draft from Portsmouth at 5 o’clock in the morning on June 6th 1944 not knowing whence they were bound. His thoughts at that time were of going across the channel with the invasion forces but they were told on reaching Waterloo Station that their destination was the Slough Government Training Centre, and they would be billeted in Windsor. He considered he was lucky, had they gone the other way, who knows what the outcome might have been. 

“After a hectic struggle to get  across from Waterloo to the station for Windsor with all our gear we arrived on Saturday at Windsor. Another artificer  and me had to go on our way to the Police Station to collect a double bunk bed and take it with us along with our kit bags, suit cases, hammocks and tool boxes.  Eventually we were dropped off at a house near to a Pub.  The  family with whom we were billeted, a husband and wife with young girls had a small  upstairs room for us.  We carried our gear to the room and then assembled the double bunk bed.  On the Monday morning we caught the train to Slough to work at the Government Training Centre on shifts from 2—10 one week, 6—2 the following week which brought us to July 1st. . The house was partially destroyed , roof windows etc. I think we were taken to a school , the lady there said they would put us up there for the time being and showed  me to a mattress on the floor which was screened off.  On wakening the next morning I could hear babies crying and women talking.  Having dressed, I prepared to leave but  at the door  enquiries were made as to the my relatives and I explained that I was only billeted in the house.  

Arriving at the Training Centre The Chief Petty Officer  said “You are adrift, Captain’s report” to be charged with absent without leave." 

Having  explained my absence the  charge was dismissed. Leave to find transport to Windsor  and retrieve my gear. On arriving at the billet, it appeared the house was about to cave in any minute and I was faced with getting my gear out by myself as the driver  was not going to risk his life.  Having got my tools, hammock ,cases etc. I then set about finding a fresh billet. I finished the course and went to H.M.S Wildfire.”  

WRNS were also taught engineering trades such as welding, machining, wood working at the Slough Government Training Centre passing out as ship mechanic(LC)  for the repair of landing craft.

Wednesday July 10th. 

The Flying bombs brought new fears of destruction and as a precaution against fire raids a demonstration on dealing with  phosphorous bombs was arranged by Mr S. Romoff, the Council Fire  Officer. This was held at Woodley’s Yard in Tangier Lane, Eton, being  well attended by residents of Eton and Eton Wick.

This is an extract from Round and About Eton Wick: 1939 - 1945. The book was researched, written and published in 2001 by John Denham. 

 

World War 2 Eighty Years On - June 6th. 1944 - D-Day

D-Day Map

The invasion of Europe created a great amount of activity by the Allied Air Forces which were heard and seen locally as part of this massive force flew to their designated targets. The following memories probably refer to the reinforcement supply flights that took place, the main assault by airborne forces having taken place in the early hours of darkness. During the afternoon some of the 256 glider combinations used in the second assault were to be seen passing over the district. 

John Powell’s memory of that day is of hundreds of planes flying his place of employment at Burnham on D-Day 1944 all towing Horsa Gliders or Adrian (U.S.A.) gliders, a sight never to be forgotten. “Wave after wave of them all flying at very low level altitude, all heading towards France. My thoughts were of the thousands of poor souls never to return”. 

John Bye has memories of the sky filled with aircraft when he was on his way to school at Maidenhead. The planes were flying North to South, probably about 400 aircraft, with some towing gliders. This armada took about twenty minutes to pass. 

Sylvia Collier recalled ”I was at work at W.H. Smith & Son, Windsor on the morning of ‘D-Day’ when the Jewish gentleman from the public house next door rushed into the shop very excited with a radio under his arm, shouting in his guttural voice, "They landed, they landed, plug it in". Two of the assistants ran to the staff room in tears remembering how their sons had held them close on returning from their last home leave. One had a son in the army and the other a son in the navy”. 

This is an extract from Round and About Eton Wick: 1939 - 1945. The book was researched, written and published in 2001 by John Denham. 

Note as part of the dispersal of troop in the run up to D-Day a convoy of Army trucks used Alma Road and Bell Lane for one night towards the end of May.

World War 2 Eighty Years On - May 1944 - Shortage of House

The acute shortage of housing in the district had the Council considering what could be done to refurbish any derelict houses.  One such premise available was No.2 Bell Cottage in Eton Wick which had been taken over as a salvage depot in 1940 and was in poor condition having been vandalized by children. The council accepted a quote from Burfoots of Eton Wick of £163 for refurbishment including connection to the sewer but the acute shortage of material delayed the work for a year.

D-Day Preparations

As the assault on Normandy as drawing closer preparations increased across the South of England. Men, equipment and other war supplies needed to be in the correct order to reach the invasion forces at the right time. Eton Wick was one of the stop over points as remembered by resident Joan Neighbour.

“During one night, towards the end of May, a convoy of Army trucks arrived in Alma Road  and into Bell Lane. Daylight showed that sentries had been posted and the soldiers confined to the trucks. A dispatch rider took any orders from the men wanting cigarettes etc. and the women from the road made tea for the boys who seemed to be just waiting. I think it must have been part of the dispersal of troops and equipment in the build up to ‘D-Day’.  After a few days the convoy moved out with a farewell comment from the boys of "If we get through we'll be back to see you".  

This is an extract from Round and About Eton Wick: 1939 - 1945. The book was researched, written and published in 2001 by John Denham. 

World War 2 Eighty Years On - April. 1944 - ETON WICK DEMANDS A BETTER BUS SERVICE.

Post War photo of the Blue Bus

Eton Wick demands a better bus service.

Bitter complaints at liveliest meeting held for many years - so ran the headline of the Windsor and Eton Express reporting the evening meeting held on Monday April 17th in the village hall. Some very lively speeches were heard as village residents put their complaints of the inadequate and irregular service that was not always able to get war workers to their jobs. The practice of stopping sometimes at places other than the official stops and poor Sunday service were among the points raised. A general demand for an early morning bus from Dorney and Eton Wick into Windsor at quarter past seven was unanimously agreed but the grievance was voiced that the early morning buses were so full, workers were left behind and it was suggested that relief buses should be run. 

The claim that the Blue Bus did not keep to time and that drivers made unofficial stops across the common brought loud shouts of "Yes" from the meeting. As the meeting progressed the raised voices of protest became louder and the Chairman had to appeal for order and he then asked for concrete facts that the buses were not running to schedule, warning people they must be prepared to put their names to the claims and if necessary, go to the police court to swear to the facts. The complaint about unauthorized stops by the drivers brought out the comment "The artful ones". 

It was said that whilst people were waiting in the queue at the official village bus stops, the artful ones walked to Dorney Gate and stopped the bus there, with the result that when it got to the official halt it was full. This caused bitter feelings in those who had been waiting, perhaps in the rain, and then left behind. Several times the Chairman had to call for order before the discussion could be continued but he assured the meeting that the complaints would be sent to the Traffic Commissioners with a copy to the Eton U.D.C. It had been one of the most lively meetings held in the hall for many years. 

Mr. R. Weatheral of the E.U.D.C. took the Chair, with representatives of West Ward, Councilors Pert, Harding and Chew. The complaints had a successful conclusion with the Traffic Commissioners approving additional journeys and Bus stops. A new bus was purchased with twelve extra seats and the improved service commenced in January 1945. 

Air Raid warnings

Air raid warnings were still interrupting social gatherings as experienced by the ARP Cricket club at their annual supper and social held at the Bridge House Hotel, Eton. Their enjoyment was interrupted by the sirens giving their warning of a possible raid, whereupon, the Chairman, Mr G. Johnston asked members to leave and report to their posts for duty. 

An increasing number of air raid alerts prompted the Council to review the available firefighting equipment resulting in obtaining an extra trailer fire pump; this was put at the disposal of Eton College as their fire risk was greater than that of Eton Wick. 

The British Restaurant in Eton 

Since its opening in May 1941 the British restaurant at the Church Hall, Eton, had gone from strength to strength. A gross profit of £53 - 14s was achieved by Mrs Graham and her voluntary workers and because of this success the Council authorized the purchase of a refrigerator at a cost of £135. During the current eight-week period 4,369 meals were served. Forecasting an influx of summer visitors and the extra wartime inhabitants who were using the restaurant, a ticket system was considered for the regular customers. The forecast of summer visitors did not materialize and the restaurant lost money for the first time, but the number of regulars remained the same.  

A change of troops at the Dorney Common Anti-Aircraft camp

Easter brought a change of troops to the camp with a troop from 608 Battery taking over once more. 564 Battery moved to Canterbury, eventually going overseas to Hoboken on the Dutch - Belgium border. This changeover took place during the weekend of April 8th. and is remembered by Private S. Stanford, a cook with 564 Battery, now Mrs. Sylvia Newall and residing in Eton Wick, she married her husband George on Easter Saturday at the village Church, St. John the Baptist and following their seven days leave, her husband, who was serving with the RAF Regiment, returned to his unit in Lancashire and Sylvia joined her unit at Canterbury. 

This is an extract from Round and About Eton Wick: 1939 - 1945. The book was researched, written and published in 2001 by John Denham. 

World War 2 Eighty Years On - February 22/23, 1944 - German Night Raid on Maidenhead– Bray Area

This German raid on the Maidenhead area was probably the largest bombing attack on this area during the entire war. The original Air Raid message Purple at 00.01 was changed to Air Raid Red by 00.08 hours. For the next hour enemy activity over London intensified and a heavy AA barrage ensued. This was the seventh raid on Britain under operation ‘Steinbock’ part of Goering’s reprisal campaign of retaliation for the bombing of Germany. The attack on the night of 22/23rd February was carried out by 155 aircraft with 55 bombers directed against targets in West London made up of Dornier 217 M’s, Ju 188’s and Me 410 A’s.

At about midnight clusters of flares had been dropped over the Thames which drifted southwest towards the Weybridge area. About this time 15 Messerschmitt Me 410 A’s took off from Vitry - en - Artois. They were quickly picked up by ground radars and air borne radars of the Mosquito Mk.XIII of 96 Squadron based at West Malling in Kent. A night fighter action started near the South coast and continued over the Slough, Maidenhead Bray area. The action was successful as the crew of Mosquito XIII HK 370, Sqn/Ldr Caldwell and F/O Rawlins claimed a probable Me 410 and later confirmed as the Me 410 crashed at 00,15 hours 55 miles south east of Bray at Framfield, Sussex, the German crew being killed. As the raid continued, the Do 217’s joined the Me 410’s and possibly to elude their pursuers jettisoned their bombs at 00.35 hours on St. Leonards farm, south east of Oakley Green and Bray.

Five minutes later at 00.40 hours ten bombs, five of which were UXB, fell between Bray Police Station and the 8th Fairway of Maidenhead Golf Course. Two houses where slightly damage but no casualties. At the same time a large H.E. bomb exploded in the U.S tent camp in a field behind Bray Police Station. ,and although the relevant Incident Report stated “No Casualties. Some Tents Burned” , this was not strictly true since Private Donald Champlain of Melbourne, Florida, a telephone technician with the U.S. Army Signal Corps on detached service from Popham Scrubs, was injured by the blast and taken off to hospital. Mr Champlain recounted the incident…

“About midnight on the 22nd February a German bomber pursued by an RAF Night Fighter jettisoned his load onto our bivouac area releasing a 1000lb Heavy Explosive and a Thermal (Phosphorous). The 1000lb landed 25 feet from where I was standing, being knocked unconscious, with perforated ear drums and other injuries, including broken ribs”

“There were approximately 300 US Troops quartered in pyramidal tents. The unit was the 9th Engineer Command (9th air Force). I recall the Headquarters located in a stately mansion, probably what is referred to is Bray Court. I was a Signal Corpsman sent with others to install their telephone communications, as they (9th Engn.) had just moved into the area.”

Fifty three years later, in May 1997, Donald Champlain finally received the Purple Heart for the injuries caused by enemy action in Bray.

As the attack continued other bombs fell in the Maidenhead/ Bray area, one falling in a field west of Sheephouse road leaving a crater 12ft by 5ft diameter and damaging 50 houses. It is thought that this device could have been dropped by the Me 410 engaged by the guns of 564 Battery stationed on SM7 Site, Dorney Common.

The 564 (M) HAA. Troop stationed on Dorney Common with four 3.72” AA Guns, engaged the Me 410 at 11,800 ft with CS type fire using 42 rounds of ammunition. The battery return states, An Me 410, after engagement by site SM7, banked sharply, jettisoned bombs and flares close by and crashed in flames at Radnage, near High Wycombe.

A witness who happened to see the crash said, “It approached from the south at very high speed, the engines screaming at full throttle, leaving an extremely long trail of flame. Indeed as the aircraft hit the ground, this flame set fire to a nearby hedge”. Later one of the main under carriage legs was excavated and this was stamped with the type description Me 210, so perhaps this aircraft may have been a modified Me 210, but since the Me 410 was a development of the 210 then certain components were probably used in the later aircraft. Battery commander Major Haines sent a guard party to the crash site. They returned to Dorney Camp with one of the plane propellers, a trophy of their victory.

(research Leslie Kitson-Smith. Maidenhead.)

This is an extract from Round and About Eton Wick: 1939 - 1945. The book was researched, written and published in 2001 by John Denham. 

World War 2 Eighty Years On - February

The slogan ‘Savings means Confidence’ was adopted at the meeting held for a Special Savings Week from May 6th to the 13th, called  "Salute the Soldier".  Meetings were called to make the necessary arrangements with the target set for the Eton District of £500,000.  A public meeting was held in the Eton Wick Village Hall where it was announced that the village target was £4000.  This called for a very big effort on the part of the organizers and the street collectors. The talk given by the Honourable Area Secretary was useful and inspiring but it was regrettable that more people did not attend. however a strong committee was formed to deal with the weeks entertainments. and as on previous occasions canvassing for savings  was left in the capable hands of the street collectors and leaders. After discussion the Committee agreed a programme of events for the week which included a Dance at the village hall, Parade for a United Church Service, a Concert, School Sports and a Whist Drive. 

Photographs of local men and women serving in the forces were obtained and displayed in shop windows at Eton and Eton Wick.  Eton  opened  their ‘Salute the Soldier Week’ on a novel note, no parade but a dance in the Eton College Memorial Hall by kind permission of the Head Master.  Music for dancing was by the College Dance Band with Major H.C. Streatfield in charge of the very thorough organization. The drumhead service held on Eton recreation ground on Sunday had a large attendance.

Other events for the week were a children's concert, Darts and Whist Drives and a show by the Foc's'le Follies from H.M.S. President III at the Baldwin Institute. Saturday, the final day, was attended by a large crowd at Eton recreation ground were a military band, sideshows and dancing brought a successful savings week to its close. 

This is an extract from Round and About Eton Wick: 1939 - 1945. The book was researched, written and published in 2001 by John Denham. 

 

World War 2 Eighty Years On - January 1944

The American bombers flying over the village on their return from daylight raids at times showed signs of battle with the damage plainly visible to those watching; occasionally debris was seen to fall from the bombers. The coloured recognition flares of the day were fired by the low flying and crippled aircraft to ensure their safety from the anti-aircraft guns. Unidentified allied aircraft could and did invite attention from local Ack-Ack Batteries. 

Four years of war had brought a dwindling supply of non-essential goods to the shops. Caleys of Windsor, in an endeavour to overcome the difficulty, placed advertisements in the local paper offering to buy good quality second hand jewellery, silverware, leather goods, good toys, perambulators, carpets, and furniture.  

The Eton U.D.C. chairman spoke of the acute shortage of administration and maintenance people which made it difficult to maintain many public services such as maintenance to roads and footpaths which had declined since the beginning of the war. The proposal to amalgamate offices, such as the Ministry of Food in Eton with Slough, were not welcomed by local housewives who complained it would be inconvenient. After joining Slough, the Eton food office remained open for two days a week. Complaints to the council Surveyor from mothers who were finding it difficult to push a pram through one path which had become overgrown and was half the original width and also of the damage done by people who rode their hacks on the paths instead of the road brought no firm answer. The Surveyor replied that the matter would be looked into, but it must be realized that it was difficult to obtain labour and materials for those jobs that were not directly connected to the war effort. 

The Council Medical Officer reported on the virulent influenza epidemic that had swept the country during the winter, confirming that the outbreak was subsiding locally, and the worst was now over. He also spoke of an Eton College boy, who had been given permission to pursue his hobby of bird watching at the Slough Sewage farm and was attacked by a family of Coypu. The boy had lashed out at the animal and killed it by kicking it in the head. These large rat like animals were thought to have escaped from a fur farm in Henley in 1935 and established themselves on the streams around the Cippenham area.  

Salvage of many materials was still important in 1944 and Eton U.D.C. took the decision to continue the collection of wastepaper at Eton Wick, previously carried out under the supervision of Mr Chew. Fifty pounds had been raised from the salvage operation and the

monies were invested in National Savings. The saving certificates, purchased on behalf of the council, were in the names of the late Mr Chew and the Surveyor. 

Much of the salvage collected early in the war, such as household aluminium pots and pans and railings taken from public parks and private houses, was of poor quality and of little use to the war industries so was left lying in dumps. The Surveyor when commenting on the salvage situation said the council had a beautiful collection of salvaged bottles that could not be disposed of so the collection had been discontinued.

Light iron was also a problem and no more was collected, but as Eton had a baler, the collection of tin cans continued. Iron garden gates and railings had been taken away in 1940 by council salvage teams. It is alleged that a local resident buried his ornamental gates in a field to save them from the salvage.

Friday January 21st.               

A mixed force of approximately four hundred enemy aircraft, including heavy bombers, raided London. Ack-Ack* Batteries stationed in the Slough - Windsor locality went into action with very heavy gunfire and a similar raid followed on the night of 29-30th, again followed by heavy gunfire from the local Ack-Ack* Batteries. Night raids on London over the next few weeks brought more heavy AA fire from the surrounding gun sites. At least one shot down enemy aircraft was claimed by 608 Battery whilst stationed in this area. Much later a rumour was circulating amongst the battery troops that it had been a Canadian plane which forced landed with no-one badly hurt. The crew said after flying through the Flak of Germany and back ours was the most accurate. The last raid on London known as the Little Blitz was on the night of April 18th, 1944.

 

World War 2 - POW's worked on the farms of Eton Wick

Eton College acquired Manor Farm Eton Wick during 1940 and offered the tenancy to  Mr James Kinross Snr., who having  been a long standing tenant farmer of the College but with no farmhouse, took possession of the farm. Until then his farm base had been a double Dutch Red barn on the Slough - Eton road.  This barn was also known as the ‘Tramps Hotel’ having the stabling for all the farm motive power, which at that time was twelve horses.  The enclosed part of the barn was commandeered by a Government  Department for the storage of supplies which at various times included such items as  onions and confectionery, which was not a good idea given the rodent population.  Military stores consisted of such things as Air Force blue shirts and foot powder,( a medicated talc for feet, soldiers for the use of !!). 

Clothes rationing made the shirts a desirable item on the Black Market and a temptation to thieves.  One night, shortly after the end of the war in Europe, using a lorry, thieves smashed through the barn doors and made off with a quantity of shirts. The shirts, all one size, bore the size mark 22. German P.O.W's arriving for work the following morning at Manor farm espied the shirts lying around and proceeded to kit themselves out.  Although Manor Farm must be over a mile from one end to the other, the news that Police, CID, and Military SIB had arrived at the scene of the crime spread like a forest fire.  The P.O.W's aware of the consequences if caught in possession of stolen property, immediately set about disposing of their loot putting shirts down the toilet, into buckets and in any other suitable place.  One German prisoner working out in the field had no alternative but to bury his shirt and carry on working stripped to the waist on a very chilly day.  When questioned by the investigating officers, every one swore that Willie never wore a shirt or coat when working. Was he a tough Willie or a wily Willie  who fooled the  Military SIB?

The fate of the Dutch barn was sealed in 1958 when it was sold to the Slough scrap merchant W.N.Thomas, demolition being in the capable hands of Andy Skeels of the Wick. 

This is an extract from Round and About Eton Wick: 1939 - 1945. The book was researched, written and published in 2001 by John Denham.