This week the Allies continued to make progress as they advanced up the Italian peninsula. On 30 September the people of Naples rose up against the German occupiers; next day the Allies entered and took possession of the city and port. Also this week, the Germans abandoned the Italian province of Foggia, but took control of the island of Corfu from the Italians and captured the island of Kos from the Allies.
In Caithness the summer harvest was drawing to a close. As the John O’Groat Journal reported, in Reay “With few exceptions, the fields are all cut and a good deal in stacks. There is a good yield and the grain is very good… As yet there has been no sign among the turnips of the detested finger-and-toe disease. Turnips are a good size and, with a favourable October, the crop will be a record one.”
On 1 October the head teacher of Thrumster School made a note in the log book about the harvest, and an official visit: “The attendance this week fell to 95.2% chiefly because of harvest work… The police called at the school on Monday and warned three boys who confessed to breaking the windows.”
The John O’Groat Journal reported that school attendances were being hit by a new problem caused by wartime shortages, namely “the number of pupils absent because of poor quality boots and shoes. Then there is also the question of repairs. Supplies of leather to cobblers is rationed, and cases are reported of long delay before boots can be mended.” Wick School Management Committee heard from Mr A.B. Henderson, headmaster of the North School who said: “One parent bought a pair of utility shoes for his child, and they were worn out in a fortnight.” (Under rationing, all clothing was manufactured to specific instructions and was restricted to certain types of materials.)
Finally this week, Dunnet police sent the following report to Police HQ: “I beg to report that about 3 o’clock on Saturday afternoon the 25th instant, Donald Calder, student, West Side, Dunnet, found a mine washed ashore about 250 yards west of the Coble House, Dunnet. I reported the matter to the Mine Disposal Squad, Thurso, who attended and took charge of the mine. It was a British mine known as a Mark 19.”
Coming soon! Week 214, 4th – 10th October 1943, will be published on Monday 3rd October 2016. To view previous issues please use the menus on the right hand side of the page.
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