This week the German army in Russia launched Operation Citadel, its last great attempt to win victory in the east. It was one of the greatest battles in history, with 900,000 German soldiers and 2,700 tanks against 1.3 million Soviet troops and 3,600 tanks. Despite making some gains the Germans were unable to break through the Soviet defences. Also this week, on 9 July the Allied invasion of Sicily began, and on 7 July Hitler approved the development of the V2 rocket.
Caithness had been enjoying summer weather, and now the John O’Groat Journal reported that a fire had broken out “on the Dunbeath-Berriedale march, north-west of Upper Borgue. Mr Macdonald, head keeper of Dunbeath Estate, was quickly on the scene and with the help of … other men who were at the sheep-shearing at Upper Borgue Farm they soon had the fire under control.”
The Police Occurrence Book records the incident as well. The constable reported that two men were working on the hill, “and it is thought that a spark from one of their pipes set the hill ablaze”. The men “fought the outbreak until 9 p.m. …. and they managed to extinguish it at 10.00 p.m.” About three acres were burned, but “the damage was immaterial.”
There were still evacuee children in Caithness at this time, as a letter on 6 July from the Director of Education to Mrs O’Sullivan at Murkle reveals: “I think it probable that your children are the only evacuees from London that I know of in the county and I shall be obliged if you will let me know whether you wish them to sit the joint special examination of the London County Council for the purpose of bursaries.”
Finally this week, the John O’Groat Journal reported that Skipper Donald Miller of Wick had been mentioned in despatches. “One of Wick’s well-known young fishermen, Skipper Miller volunteered for service with the R.N.R. at the outbreak of war. He is in charge of a minesweeper, and has experienced a good deal of active service. Skipper Miller is one of the North Naval men who sailed to Dunkirk to take part in the evacuation of the British forces.”
Skipper Donald Miller was apparently on the “Overfall” at Dunkirk so we found this great pic of the Steamer on the Fleetwood shipping industry website;
http://www.fleetwood-fishing-industry.co.uk/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=1918
Coming soon! Week 202, 12th – 18th July 1943, will be published on Monday 11th July 2016. To view previous issues please use the menus on the right hand side of the page.
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