In Italy the German forces had retreated north to the Barbara Line, the latest in a series of defensive positions stretching across the Italian peninsula. The Allies meanwhile regrouped and resupplied their armies. On 24 October for the first time Allied planes launched an air raid from bases inside Italy. Also this week, on 19 October the German government placed an order for 12,000 V-2 rockets to be built.
In Reay, the John O’Groat Journal reported a “bountiful” harvest: “The end of this month will have completed one of the most abundant harvests that have been gathered for many years. Straw in some cases may not bulk so large as some would wish, but with the extra acreage now under crop there will be plenty of fodder.”
Schools were already affected by pupils taking leave to help with the harvest, but now an epidemic of whooping cough had broken out. In Canisbay School, “Attendance is again poor, owing to work in the fields, and the continued absence of the family from the home where whooping cough was contracted… Naturally school work in the senior room is retarded.”
The log book also contains the following note: “Forms have been received regarding the Supplementary Clothing coupons for children born after Jan. 30, 1930 and conforming to certain standards of height, weight, etc.” (You can see an example of one of these forms on the Am Baile website, detailing which articles of clothing could be obtained -http://www.ambaile.org.uk/detail/en/8486/1/EN8486-application-for.htm )
In Gillock the school log book records, “Whooping Cough has become epidemic in school, 5 families are affected. The attendance
only reached 53.6% this week. B. Sutherland was absent from Thursday to Thursday helping with harvest work and lifting potatoes.”
Finally this week, the John O’Groat Journal reported that a Wick woman had broadcast to her son in Africa. “A Wick woman who is over 70 years of age travelled to Glasgow to make a recording for the B.B.C. programme “It’s All Yours” broadcast to the Forces overseas on Saturday October 9. She is Mrs George Bain, 17 Francis Street (Old Manse) and the following message from her was broadcast to her youngest son, A.C.1 Alexander Bain, serving with the R.A.F. in Rhodesia [Zimbabwe]:- “Hello, Allie. This is your mother calling. We hope you are better after your leave. Pop and all at home are well and send their love. God bless you, son.””
Coming soon! Week 217, 25th – 31st October 1943, will be published on Monday 24th October 2016. To view previous issues please use the menus on the right hand side of the page.
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