In Russia Soviet forces continued their offensive and recaptured the town of Orel from the Germans on 5 August; meanwhile, following the overthrow of Mussolini, German troops moved into Italy to take over its defences. Also this week Sweden announced that it would no longer allow German troops and supplies to use Swedish railways; and in the Pacific the Allies defeated the occupying Japanese forces on the island of New Georgia.
The John O’Groat Journal reported a significant milestone in the life of the county this week: “The first agricultural show to be held in Caithness during the war was that which took place at Latheronwheel last Friday.” The show was held by the Latheron Young Farmers’ Club, and although it was on modest scale, “it indicated what was possible even under war-time difficulties, and also what can be achieved by a district organisation.” Highlights included prizes for livestock and a tug of war between married and single ladies (won by the married ladies).
As a further sign that Caithness was looking towards the end of the war, the county Education Committee discussed school buildings which had been taken over by the military. Mr J. Abrach Mackay “stated that the time was now overdue for the de-requisition of Castletown School, which he understood was now to be converted into a hospital.” It was decided to write to the authorities with regard to Castletown School, as well as Pulteneytown Academy and Wick South School.
Following on from last month’s request for Thurso Town Council to sacrifice its railings and horse trough for salvage, Norseman in the John O’Groat Journal observed that “it is regarded as unfair that these railings should be taken at a time when so many dumps of scrap iron are lying in various parts of the county.” In a neat turn of phrase he added, “To leave the scrap and to take the iron that is actually in use is a first-class example of the cart being put front of the horse.”
Finally this week, 6 August 1943 marked the beginning of “Holidays at Home Week” in Wick, and the Burgh placed an advertisement of the attractions on offer. These included concerts, a swimming gala at North Swimming Pool, a children’s dancing display at Rosebank Nursing Home grounds, a tennis tournament (American), and a dance in Breadalbane Hall (“the Dance will continue until 1 a.m. Admission – Civilians 2s 6d; Forces and Ladies 1s 6d”).
Coming soon! Week 206, 9th – 15th August 1943, will be published on Monday 8th August 2016. To view previous issues please use the menus on the right hand side of the page.
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