Civil defence action
Little action was seen in the town. One lone Polish pilot and his plane crash-landed on the Chevin; a Wellington Bomber came down very close to Shottle Farm and a German bomb dropped to the north-west of the town. A visit from a lone German fighter towards the end of the war who sprayed the town with bullets, reported (below) in the Belper News, seems to be remembered by most people.
Shops and rationing
'GERMAN GENERALS ARE 10 A PENNY
WE HAVE 10d per pound BISCUITS': Rationing of some items of food and clothing continued long after the war ended.
Complete rationing ended on 4th July 1954. Local food ration book: Local clothing ration book:
|
Tunnards - blackout material 'one shilling tuppence-ha'penny' a yard:
Newsagent in King Street: |
Community activities and events
During the re:connaissance project, many local people came forward with photos and memorabilia, as well as their memories of the wartime era. This page shows a few which reflect some of the moods of Belper at the time.
Sandbags outside the drill hall - the St. John Ambulance brigade in September 1939:
Wartime knitting circle for the troops, led by Mrs. Burkinshaw. The group met over the chemist shop on King Street.
Back row: Doreen Haywood, Doris Taylor, Jean Halifax, Dorothy Haywood, Jean Stone; Front row: Katleen Widdoson, Mrs Burkinshaw, Joyce Wheatley Rita Appleby ready to entertain with the Rene Cross Dance School. Red velvet dress, the butterfly on the front was designed by her brother while fighting in France:
May 1944 - Lady Mountbatten inspects the St John Ambulance Belper Division:
|
Alan George Burdekin - veteran of the Battle of Britain:
June Morris and her sister, a special photograph for 'dad to keep' in his wallet while on active duty. Dresses made by their mother:
PC Norman Fielding, a veteran of WWI on duty
in Bridge Street circa 1940: |