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Back button | Home | Colin Coates research | WW2 | Saltaire WW2 Diary, 1942
Image: Clementine and Winston Church. Photographer unknown
WW2: 1942
Researched by Colin Coates
 
Colin Coates writes:

Twenty-one years after the end of WW1, we were again at war with Germany when war was declared, 1 September 1939. This monthly diary will show events in Saltaire throughout the war from January 1939 to the end of 1945.

The primary source of the information is the Shipley Times, which was published weekly
throughout the war. Where possible I have used the exact wording from the newspaper. Where appropriate there are links to biographies on the website.

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Email Colin Coates: colincoates@saltairevillage.info

 

Life in WW2 Saltaire: 1939 | 1940 | 1941 | 1942

This page: Life in WW2 Saltaire: 1942

Updated monthly

1942 January | February | March

 
Saltaire Times, January 1942

SOLDIER KILLED

Mrs R. Knott, Valley Street, Windhill, has learned that her husband, Private Stanley Arthur Knott (Border Regiment) has been killed in the Middle East.

He was a Guiseley man but lived in the Shipley district four years before joining up and was employed as a weaver at the Saltaire Mills.

SAILOR KILLED

Mr. & Mrs. Edward Slinger, 2 Helen Street, Saltaire, have learned that their son, Ordinary Seaman Leslie Slinger, was killed on H.M.S. Barham. He joined the Royal Navy at the age of 15, and was in action at Crete, Greece, and Norway.

D.C.M. FOR SHIPLEY SOLDIER

Lance-Corporal Harold Robinson Doyle, a member of a prominent Shipley family, has been awarded the D.C.M. for conspicuous gallantry during the fighting in France.

With great courage he held on to a post to cover the withdrawal of his comrades when the Germans broke through.

Lance-Corporal Doyle is the third son of the late Mr. Thomas Francis Doyle, of Saltaire, who was a member of the Shipley Council. He joined the Army at the end of the last war and served in Archangel, Egypt, and India. He rejoined when this war broke out.

C.O. TRIBUNAL DECISIONS IN LEEDS

Stated to be a member of the Apostolic Church and to have become a deacon, treasurer, and secretary of the church missionary work at Saltaire within a period of 18 months, Ernest Wilson Richardson, aged 25, civil engineer, of Bank Crest, Baildon, appeared before Leeds Conscientious Objectors' Tribunal, Monday 26 January.

Asked whether the church was short of men that Richardson should have taken these positions in so short a time, the pastor, Wilfred Ewart Rhodes, said his congregation only numbered 15 to 20, and most of them were women. There were about six men.

Richardson was registered for non-combatant duties.

BOY INJURED

Jack Gott, aged 8, of 19 Wycliffe Road, Shipley, was knocked down by a motor van in Saltaire Road, Shipley, on Monday (5 January), and taken to Saltaire Hospital suffering from a badly fractured leg.

In attempt to avoid him, the driver swerved, and the van crashed into the front of a shop.

(Colin’s note – Jack Gott – born, 12 June 1933. Died, 31 March 1993 at 186 Wycliffe Gardens, Shipley.)

FELL THROUGH FACTORY ROOF

John Hudson (57), of Westcliffe Road, Shipley, maintenance electrician, died at Saltaire Hospital, Tuesday 13 January, from injuries received when he fell 17 feet through the roof a factory at Woodbottom, Baildon.

MAN DIES IN HIS SHOP

Jacob Holmes Light (57), The Gales, Menin Drive, Baildon, fish and chip shop proprietor, Saltaire Road, Shipley, collapsed and died in his shop on Saturday night (31 January).

He had some trouble with his car and went into the shop, it is stated, for a block of wood. He was found lying on the floor and was taken to Saltaire Hospital, where on arrival he was found to be dead.

SALTAIRE CANNON

The Bradford Parks Committee has decided to recommend the Corporation to sell the two old cannons in Roberts Park, Saltaire, to the highest private bidder for use as scrap in the war effort. The cannon are relics on the Crimean War.

SHIPLEY TRADERS EFFORT

Shipley District Traders’ Association held a very successful and enjoyable whist drive and dance at the Saltaire Institute on Saturday night in aid of their Ambulance for the Forces Fund. There were over 300 guests.

Mr. Albert Coulton was the M.C. for the dancing which took place in the Victoria Hall. Mr. W. Lupton Brooks was the M.C. for the whist.

The aim of the fund is to raise £300 for the purchase of a light ambulance for the Forces, but if the war ends before this object is reached the balance in hand will be presented to the Saltaire Hospital.

SALTAIRE HOSPITAL

The Governors of Saltaire Hospital, at their January meeting, decided to invest £6,500 during the Shipley-Baildon Warship Week on behalf of the New Hospital Fund.

Mr. W. H. Crabtree (Chairman) presided, and other Governors present were Miss Dunn, Mrs. Birbeck, Mr. James Wall, Mr. H. E. Sucksmith, Mr. A.S. Hyde, Mr. J. R. Hardcastle, and Dr. Sharpe.

NOTICE IN THE SHIPLEY TIMES 28 JANUARY

Do you know that a Branch of the

NATIONAL OLD AGE PENSION ASSOCIATION
exists in Shipley.
ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH THE MEANS TEST?
We want another 2,000 members.
Send your name and address to
Mr. T. Johnson, Secretary, 1 Titus Street, Saltaire.
Membership 1s per year.

GIVEN AWAY BY HER GRANDFATHER

The wedding took place, at St. Paul's Church. Shipley, of Mr. Leslie Hartley, Frizinghall and Miss Kathleen W. Hanson, of Saltaire.

Mr. Hartley is secretary to the Ilkley Coronation Hospital, and the bride secretary to Onduras Ltd., Shipley, and also a volunteer clerical worker for the Shipley A.T.C.

The bride was given away by her grandfather, Mr. F. W. Hanson, aged 84.

SHIPLEY WEDDING

Two Civil Defence ambulance drivers were married at Saltaire Methodist Church on Saturday (3 January).

They were Mr. Douglas Whittingham, elder son of Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Whittingham of Norwood Terrace, Shipley, and Miss Alice Mason, younger daughter of Mr. J. W. Mason of Rhodes Street.

WINDHILL W.I.N.S.

The sum of £50 was handed over to the Shipley Red Cross Fund on Monday (5 January) by a representative of the Windhill Branch of the Women’s Industrial National Service.

This handsome donation was raised by means of New Year carnival dance held at the Victoria Hall, Saltaire, Saturday (3 January), supplemented by men’s efforts.

The music at the dance was provided by Arty Kaye and his New Commanders, Mrs. Stott was organising secretary, and Mr. E. Hoyle was M.C.

A dancing exhibition was given by Mr. Hoyle and partner.

MARRIAGES

31 December – Saltaire Congregational Church

John, youngest son of the late Mr. & Mrs. A. Armstrong, Saltaire, to Doreen, only daughter of Mr. & Mrs. A. D. Bilham, Cottingley.

24 January – Saltaire Congregational Church

Florence Irene, only daughter of Mr. & Mrs. T.W. Walker, Saltaire, to Charles, eldest son of Mr. & the late Mrs. G. H. Archer, Farnley.

DEATHS

METCALFE – 17 January at 57 Victoria Road, Saltaire, Arthur Metcalfe, husband of the late Mary Metcalfe.

CHARLESWORTH – 31 January (suddenly), at Mount Street, Harrogate, Joseph Charlesworth, husband of Florrie Charlesworth, late of Saltaire.

SALTAIRE PICTURE HOUSE

1 January – Jeannie
4 – The Roaring Twenties
5 – My Life With Caroline & Blondie Has Servant Trouble
8 – The Hurricane
11 – Juares
12 – The Devil Commands & Meet Boston Blackie
15 – Forty Thousand Horsemen
18 – The Flying Deuces
19 – Hell’s Angels & Let The People Laugh
22 – Adam Had Four Sons
25 – Four Wives
26 – Turned Out Nice

Saltaire Times, February 1942

ONE OF FIVE BROTHERS

Private James William Blezzard, York and Lancaster Regiment, third son of Mr. and Mrs. John Blezzard, of Dallam Walk, Shipley, has been awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East.

Private Blezzard, a native of Shipley, was educated at Saltaire Road school. Before joining the Army as a bugler, about eight years ago, he was employed at Saltaire Mills.

Five sons of the family are serving in the Forces, three in the Army and two in the Navy. Joseph aged 27 in India; John (25) in the Military Police; James William in the Middle East; Robert (21), on a minesweeper, and Ernest, the youngest, in Naval Patrol Service.

The father, Mr. John Blezzard, served in the Royal Field Artillery in the last war. He is a laboratory assistant at Saltaire Mills, where he has been employed for 30 years.

POPULAR CRICKET DANCE

The series of dances organised by the Saltaire Cricket Club to augment their funds are proving exceedingly popular.

Upwards of 400 revellers were present at a-dance held in the Victoria Hall, Saltaire, Saturday evening (7 February), and the company included several men serving in the Forces.

The Secretary ( Mr. A. W. Burgoyne) was the M.C., and the music was supplied by the Ambassadors.

CATHOLIC CLUB'S DANCE

There was a large gathering the Victoria Hall, Saltaire, Saturday evening (14 February), when the annual dance promoted by the Shipley Men's Catholic Club was held. Mr. Jack McLaughlin was M.C., and the music was supplied by the Melody Makers.

The dance was organised by the committee consisting of Messrs. V. Wensworth, J. Burden (secretary), J. W. Jordan, J. Haste. T. Thompson and A. Sheard.

Refreshments were served under the superintendence the ladies' committee: Miss H. McKenzie. Mrs. J. Burden, Mrs. T. Thompson. Mrs. A. Sheard and Miss M. Haste.

It was an enjoyable gathering, and the extra hour for dancing which the Shipley Urban Council had granted was much appreciated.

LEGION OF FRONTIERSMEN

Organised by the Shipley Section No. 3 Troop Legion of Frontiersman, a very successful and well attended dance was held in the Victoria Hall, Saltaire, on Saturday evening (21 February).

Sergeant John Chell was the officer in charge and Trooper Simpson was a capable M.C. The music was supplied by the Melody Makers.

During the evening, light refreshments were served under the supervision of the members of the Shipley Branch of the British Legion (women’s section).

MARRIAGES

Saltaire Congregational Church – 7 February.

Irene, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Sharpe, 38 George Street, Saltaire, to Bdr. Frank Newton, only son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Newton, 4 Lister Avenue, Bradford.

DEATHS

CASH – Margaret at 31 Whitlam Street, Saltaire (no date given)

JACKSON – 8 February – at 22 Jane Street, Saltaire – spinster Eva Jackson, aged 36, daughter of Ralph Edgar and Mary Jackson.

CRABTREE – 11 February – at 65 George Street, Saltaire – Harry Wright , aged 51.

SALTAIRE PICTURE HOUSE

1 February – The Saint Takes Over
2 – The Reluctant Dragon
8 – King Of The Lumberjacks and Smuggled Gold
9 – It Started With Eve
15 – Girl From God’s Country and The Londoners
16 – Adventure in Sahara and Ellery Queen, Master Detective
19 – The Common Touch
22 – Door With Seven Locks
23 – International Lady
26 – The Saint Meets The Tiger
29 – Bulldog Sees It Through and Sing As You Swing

Saltaire Times, March 1942

SALTAIRE MILL

Seventy-eight years of continuous employment at Saltaire Mills, is the remarkable record achieved by Mr. George Excell, Albert Road, Saltaire, whose death has occurred the age of 95. Mr Excell commenced work in 1855 at the mill which his father had helped to build.

SALTAIRE D.C.M.

Lance Corporal Harold Robinson Doyle has been presented with the D.C.M. It was awarded for conspicuous gallantry in France.

His brother, Arthur Doyle, who is Chairman of Salts (Saltaire) Cricket Club, and his sister-in-law attended the investiture.

Lance Corporal Doyle was serving with the Gordon Highlanders in front of the Maginot Line, and was on duty with two other soldiers, when the German advance began. All three were wounded.

He is the third son of the late Mr. Thomas Francis Doyle.

PRISONERS OF WAR

Lance-Corporal Vincent Grace, Helen Street, Saltaire, is named in a list of British prisoners of war Italian hands received from enemy sources.

Mrs. Armitage of 3 Albert Walk, Shipley, has been notified that her son, Driver Alan Armitage, previously reported missing is now a prisoner in Italian hands. He was a member of the East Bradford Cycling Club. Before joining the forces, Driver Armitage was an employee at Salts (Saltaire) Ltd., Saltaire Mills.

SHIPLEY W.V.S. HOSPITAL SUPPLY AND COMFORTS DEPOT
Subscription and Helpers Needed

At the monthly meeting of the Shipley Hospital Supply and Comforts Depot, Victoria Hall. Saltaire, the President (Mrs. F. H. Rhodes) presiding, the main item on the agenda was the Prisoners of War.

It was decided to help each Shipley prisoner of war as much possible with his personal parcel which is sent once every three month.

The camouflage netting was next discussed and it was reported that this was going on satisfactorily, and average attendance eight to ten helpers per day was reported.

The Depot wish make an earnest appeal for subscriptions for the Shipley Prisoners of War Funds and also for more helpers for the camouflage netting.

Any persons wishing to volunteer can report at the Depot, Victoria Hall, Saltaire, which opens every afternoon excepting Saturday for this work. The number of garments and hospital supplies made since the beginning of the war is over 12,000. The depot is open Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for sewing and knitting. The depot also give out Red Cross Seamen’s Mission and Shipley Comforts wool for home knitting, the finished garments having to be returned to the depot.

QUICK SALTAIRE TEA CANTEEN EFFORT

A “lightning” effort at Saltaire for a mobile tea canteen in connection with the Shipley-Baildon Y.M.C.A. has resulted in £172 being raised within a week, without any expenses at all.

The idea of a bring-and-buy sale was conceived by Mrs. R. W. Hornshaw (formerly Miss Sowden), a worker in many good causes. Immediately a band of willing helpers rallied round, the Midland Bank lent premises without rent in Gordon Terrace, Saltaire, and the Shipley District Council also gave assistance.

Stock rolled in. People coming to buy, as well as to give, the articles in many cases being of considerable value.

POPULAR CRICKET DANCE

The last of the series of the popular dances which have been organised by the committee of the Saltaire Cricket Club took place in the Victoria Hall, in Saltaire, on Saturday (7 March) attracted upwards of 400 dancers, who spent most an enjoyable time.

The Secretary ( Mr. A. W. Burgoyne) was the M.C., and the music was supplied by the Ambassadors.

SALTS CRICKETERS’ ENTERPRISE

Although naturally disappointed that their cherished hopes of joining the Bradford Cricket League did not materialise, the Salts (Saltaire) Cricket Club are facing the coining cricket season with great enterprise.

As championship winners of the Yorkshire Cricket Council last season the Club intends to make every endeavour to retain the championship. They have got an attractive fixture list of 21 first eleven matches, and their opening fixture is on Saturday 25 April.

The club will have the assistance of John Lawrence, who last season took 100 wickets for them: Miles Coope (the Yorkshire Colt) and, when military duties permit, Jack Douglas, the all-rounder. Bernard Hill, their wicket-keeper, has been elected captain for next season, and the club will have the benefit of the experience of W. A. Shackleton (Bowling Old Lane), who will coach the young players associated with the club.

SUCCESSFUL SALTAIRE FUNCTION

There was a large gathering at the Victoria Hall, Saltaire, at an enjoyable function organised by the Shipley District Traders’ Association, with the dual object of raising money to defray the local expenses of the Shipley-Baildon Warship Week, and to devote any profit to the Association’s War Ambulance Fund.

ENGAGEMENT

The engagement is announced of Mr. Robert Shirley McDonnell Salt, second son of the late Sir Shirley B. Salt, 3 rd Bart., and the late Lady Salt, and great grandson of Sir Titus Salt, and Miss Gertrude Phillips, younger daughter of Rev. Robert and Mrs. Phillips, of High Trees, Ruslip, Middlesex.

WHIST DRIVE AND DANCE

A successful whist drive and dance was organised by the Finishing Department of Messrs. W. Oddy and Co., Ltd., Junction Mills, Shipley, in aid of the firm’s Soldier Comforts Fund, were held in the Victoria Hall.

HOME GUARD SOCIAL

The No. 3 Platoon (Saltaire Mills) of the Shipley Home Guard held their annual social in the clubhouse (Saltaire Playing Fields), at which Lieutenant Marchmont presided. There were also present Captain Yates, Lieutenant Dobson, Lieutenant Loyd, Lieutenant Whittaker, Sergent Major Midgley, and Sergeant Major Sproston.

Lieutenant Marchmont extended a hearty welcome to the guests, to which Captain Yates responded.

An excellent supper was provided followed by a programme of songs.

It was an enjoyable social gathering organised by Lance Corporal Riley with Corporal Pitts as secretary.

STAFF AND WORKS DANCE

With the laudable object of augmenting the firm’s dependent’s fund a successful dance of the staff and works of Messrs. W. P. Butterfield Ltd., Tank Works, Shipley, was held in the Victoria Hall, Saltaire, on Friday (13 March) evening.

Upwards of 400 persons were present, and they spent a delightful time dancing to the strains of Clifford Hayton’s dance band.

CLEANSING STATIONS

The cleansing section in the First Aid Post, Victoria Road, Saltaire, and the public anti-gas station at the baths, are both designed to deal with persons contaminated by blister gases, whilst in addition at the Post, wounded persons contaminated by these gases may be treated.

SPECIAL LUNCH HOUR SERVICE

With the object of taking the Gospel to the work people, special lunch hour services arranged by the Shipley Clergy and Ministers’ Fraternal will be held in the workshop at Messrs. J. Parkinson and Son, Machine Tool Makers, Shipley, and in the factory of Messrs. Salts (Saltaire) Ltd., on Good Friday.

The preacher at Canal Ironworks will be Canon W. J. Perrett (Vicar of Shipley), and at Saltaire Mills, the Rev. J. Parry Brooks (Superintendent minister of the Shipley Methodist Circuit.)

SHIPLEY POLICE BALL

There was a record attendance at the annual ball of the Shipley Section of the West Riding Constabulary, which was held in the Victoria Hall, Saltaire.

Over 500 revellers were present, and notwithstanding that the dancing space was occasionally congested, everyone present entered into the spirit of the occasion and spent a most delightful time.

An excellent and choice programme of dance music was admirably played by the military band of the R.A.S.C. Police Constable Young was an efficient M.C. Supper was served in the small Social Room, and there was a buffet on the balcony. The catering which gave entire satisfaction was entrusted to Mrs. H. H. Long, confectioner, 25 St. Paul’s Road, Shipley.

COMMUNITY FEEDING

That the total number of meals provided at the British Restaurant, Saltaire, was over 7,000 for the months of December and January, shows it is proving very popular in Shipley.

Of these meals over 5,000 were supplied in the Restaurant in December, and over 6,000 in January.

The Cash and Carry section is likewise proving an indispensable part of community feeding as over 2,000 meals were provided in the months of December and January.

WHIST DRIVE AND BALL

The Shipley Branch of the National Fire Service held their first annual whist drive and ball in the Victoria Hall, Saltaire, on Friday (26 March). The function proved an unqualified success.

A whist drive in the York Room was controlled by Fireman H. Robinson. About 400 revellers participated in the dancing. Column Officer Gordon Waddilove and Fireman Jordon were the M.C.’s.

During the evening supper was served in the York Room. The catering being satisfactorily carried out by Annes (Saltaire) Ltd., under the personal supervision of Mr. L.P. Warne (manager).

Excellent arrangements were made for the comfort of the guests by a committee consisting of Leading Fireman F. Cass, Firemen L. Millbank, W. Walker and E. Eaton.

(Colin’s Notes – Leonard Percival Warne, born 21 April 1909 in Bradford, died 13 November 1990 in Bingley. Gordon Waddilove, born 30 November 1900 in Bradford, died 11 April 1976 in Shipley.)

MARRIAGE

7 March 1942 – St Peters, Shipley
Ina Erett aged 20 of 22 Whitlam Street, Saltaire, to Harold Baber aged 22 from Holmfirth.

SALTAIRE PICTURE HOUSE

5 March – Penny Serenade
8 – Melody Girl
9 – Ships With Wings
15 – The Chinese Bungalow
16 – Wild Geese Calling and We Go Fast
19 – Rookes On Parade
22 – Rhythm On The River
23 – The Lone Wolf Takes A Chance
26 – Unfinished Business and Ferry Pilot
29 – Nell Gwynn
30 – The Phantom Submarine and False Witness

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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