This week on 24 September British and Free French forces landed at Dakar, West Africa, to try to persuade the Vichy French fleet and forts to join the Allied cause; but when these resisted, the troops were withdrawn after two days of sporadic fighting. On 25 September Britain launched a heavy bombing raid on Berlin, and meanwhile the night bombing of British cities continued. On 27 September the Tripartite Pact was signed between Germany, Italy and Japan, and these three countries became known as the “Axis”.

The “Blitz” of English cities such as London, and the destruction and loss of life they caused, touched Caithness this week, as the John o’Groat Journal reported the first victim from Caithness, Miss Margaret Elder Munro, aged 37, of Castletown. She was working for a London solicitor and was living in Hampstead at the time. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission record of her death states: “Of 12 Keats Grove [Hampstead]. Daughter of Alexander and Isabella Munro, of Younger's Buildings, Castletown, Caithness-shire. Injured at 12 Keats Grove; died same day at Hampstead General Hospital.”

Meanwhile, in Caithness, the long school summer holiday (schools had broken up in June) was finally at an end. Notice was given that schools would reopen next week, with the exceptions of Pulteneytown Academy, Wick South School, and Castletown, Tain (in Olrig) and Ackergill. Pupils at Pulteneytown Academy and Wick South School would be taught in other buildings in the town. It’s clear from this which parts of the county were seen as being at greatest risk, and also, “Children under seven years of age should not, until further notice, be sent to Wick, Thurso, Castletown, Halkirk, Lybster, Staxigoe, Killimster and Thrumster Schools.”

Over in Orkney, Hetty Munro from Thurso was taking stock of a year of war. “I do hope this miserable invasion does not come and yet I don’t see how Hitler can carry on just having sporadic raids over here, even if they were successful they are doing nothing towards winning the war for him… So here we are at the end of the first year still undaunted and unbeaten – at least in spirit, which is what really matters after all and ready – for what?”

Finally, this week, an advert from the paper with advice for mothers of young girls: “What Doctors Advise for “Growing Up” Girls: Many mothers do not realise that their daughters’ so-called “natural” pains, sick headaches and listlessness are not natural at all. Much of the trouble is simply the result of poisonous waste in the system ... Simply give your daughter the “natural” laxative known as “California Syrup of Figs” … Quickly you will see your girl recover health and energy. New cheerfulness will replace nervous, crying spells. Headaches and other painful symptoms vanish…”  

Coming soon! Week 57, 30th September - 6th October 1940, will be published on Monday 30th September 2013. To view previous issues please use the menus on the right hand side of the page.
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