After destroying the US Pacific fleet at Pearl Harbor last week Japanese forces invaded the Gilbert Islands, Burma and the Philippines, and sank the British ships HMS Repulse and HMS Prince of Wales. On 11 December Germany and Italy declared war on America, thus bringing America into the war in Europe. In Russia, German forces before Moscow were forced to retreat in the face of the Soviet counteroffensive. And in a bad week for the Royal Navy, the British warship HMS Galatea was sunk by a German U-boat.
With Christmas holidays approaching, many Caithness schools were getting into the festive spirit. On 11 December the head teacher of Bower School wrote in the log book: “Departure from time-table this afternoon – 2.30-3.45 – while children practiced singing and an historical pageant.” And on the next day: “This afternoon was given over to a Children’s Treat. The programme kindly arranged by the Rev. D. McEchern BD, was made up of marching songs and playlets.”
In other schools, illnesses and the war continued to impact on attendance. The log book for Gillock School on 12 December reads, “The Hossacks do not mean to return to school till after the New Year. Absence is due to sickness and other ailments. Isobel Begg had to report at Wolverhampton to join the WAFS [presumably the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force, or WAAF], consequently Jessie is needed at home to help in the house work.”
This week the John O’Groat Journal reported the case of Isaac Williamson of Kirk, Bower, who was prosecuted for smashing a bus window. He had been travelling home from Thurso and got into an altercation with a fellow passenger who accused him of “running down the Forces. When he (the accused) left the bus this man was still aggravating him, and he put his fist through the window to hit him”. Williamson pleaded guilty and was fined £3 10s.
Thurso Burgh took a hard line on Sunday football at the Council meeting on Monday. “The Provost stated that he and the Town Clerk had been approached by the naval authorities for the permission for the naval ratings now stationed in town to play football in Sir George’s Park on Sundays… It was decided to refuse permission as sufficient facilities were available during the week.”
The Mine Disposal Unit had been sent up from Invergordon to deal with a mine washed up at Ulbster, south of Wick. The officer in charge now telephoned the Wick police: “I am going to blow up a mine at Ulbster anytime within the next two hours. There is one house about 500 yards from the mine and that is the nearest, I will warn the occupants.”
Finally this week, the John O’Groat Journal reported an unexpected impact of national service on Helmsdale: “A number of young girls have left the district for war work in Lancashire. Owing to their absence, the village is now without a ladies’ football team.”
