8th
September 1939 - REPETITION
SCARCELY CREDIBLE
The repetition of history in the outbreak of war between Germany and
England twice in 25 years is scarcely credible. For a week however, we
have lived with the incredible, and prepared as well as we humanly may
for what it may bring. Once more we must live in mental suspense and
material gloom. [ ] more..
September
1939 - DRAMATIC STORY ON HIS
RETURN
Among
the survivors of the aircraft carrier ‘Courageous’, which was
torpedoed by a German submarine on Sunday, with the loss of 578 lives
out of a compliment of some 1,260 men, is Stoker David Smith, aged 22,
the youngest of the 12 children of Mr. and Mrs J.C. Smith, of Monkhill
Avenue, Pontefract. [ ] more..
29th
December 1939 - A WAR CHRISTMAS
In
spite of the blackout and travelling restrictions, the first war-time
Christmas for 21 years was celebrated almost normally in Pontefract and
the district. Markets and shops were busy, and the number of people
travelling seemed even larger than usual. [ ]
more..
29th
December 1939 - CHANGES TO
PONTEFRACT NEARLY FORGOTTEN
Any
review of the year 1939 must necessarily begin with the outbreak of war
at the beginning of September, but the calamity itself, and its
repercussions on life in the Pontefract district, are so recent as not
to need recalling. [ ] more..
Years
in Focus is researched by Maurice Haigh and reproduced with the kind
permission of the Pontefract and Castleford Express.
