28th May 1943
VICTORY WEEK
The highlight of Victory Week in Pontefract,
which opens next weekend, is that at least two local airmen actually
flying with the ''Wings For Victory'', are to take part in the effort to
provide more wings. They are Flight Lieutenant. D.F. Chadwick and
Sergeant Pilot Howells, the son of Mr. J.F. Howells, the Headmaster of
the Pontefract Senior Boys School. The programme of events for the week
was completed at a meeting of the Publicity Committee of the Campaign
Committee on Monday, under the Chairmanship of the Mayor of Pontefract,
Councillor D. Sainter. Mr. H.W. Elliston pointed out a big share of the
entertainment events by the Pontefract Squadron of the Air Training
Corps; a week is in prospect which is probably more full than of
previous efforts. Thanks are due to the A.T.C. for setting the ball
rolling with an eve of the campaign dance; for a variety concert on the
first Sunday of the week; for a Cadet's dance on the Tuesday; an ''all
services swimming gala'' on the Wednesday; a cricket match and an ''all
ranks'' dance on Thursday; a professional boxing tournament on the
Friday; an A.T.C. and ''all services'' sports day on the Saturday; and a
drumhead service, as well as an R.A.F. variety concert, on the second
Sunday. So fruitful has been the co-operation of the A.T.C. with the
effort, that the two last-named events are not included in the official
programme, for want of space! The profits from the events arranged by
the A.T.C. are to go to the Welfare Fund of the Squadron.
The week is to be opened officially on the
Saturday, and as horse races will be in progress in the town during the
afternoon, the opening ceremony is timed for noon, when it is
anticipated that a good deal of attention will be aroused among the
crowds of people gathering in the town. It will be performed by Group
Captain S.H.C. Gray O.B.E. of a Northern Command R.A.F. Station. On
Sunday, the customary combined church parade is to be held, with a march
past a saluting base in Southgate. The other days of the week are
specifically with branches of the R.A.F.; and another organisation
giving valuable help throughout the week is the band of the Yorks and
Lancaster Regiment which is giving open-air concerts in the Buttercross
daily. Monday is Bomber Command Day when a bomber crew will visit The
King's School and St. Catherine's School, and a bomber pilot will
''set'' the indicator at the Buttercross, showing the amount reached in
investments to date.
Wednesday is Coastal Command Day, when the
Love Lane and Willow Park Schools are to be visited by air crews, and a
pilot of the Service will set the indicator. Tuesday is given over to
the A.T.A. [Ferry Transport Command] in which many women pilots play
their part in the work of the Air Force. On Friday the Ground Staffs,
and the W.A.A.F. combine, and will visit the St. Joseph's School,
Northgate, and Carleton Schools. Saturday is A.T.C. Day, and the
Commanding Officer of the Pontefract Squadron will set the indicator for
the last occasion. On that occasion also, the prizes are to be presented
to the winners of competitions, which have been in progress in the
schools, for painting and modelling aircraft.
28th May 1943
MEDAL PRESENTED
At a recent investiture, held by the King at
Buckingham Palace, members of the various services and civilians, in all
about 290, received awards in recognition of gallantry and courage. The
British Empire Medal was presented to Stoker Gilbert Gingell, of
Halfpenny Lane, Pontefract.
28th May 1943
IN HOSPITAL
A fortnight ago The Express reported the
receipt of word by Mrs E. Marshall of 4 North View, Love Lane,
Pontefract, that her son, Corporal J. Marshall, was posted missing since
April 22nd. Now, she has received a letter from him, saying that he had
been in a German Hospital, but when British Troops took Tunis, he was
moved to a British Hospital.
