On 16 August Germany began a purge of the Jewish ghetto at Bialystok in Poland, sending most of the 25,000 inhabitants to concentration camps; a brief resistance was suppressed owing to a shortage of ammunition, and the leaders committed suicide. Also this week, Sicily was now entirely in Allied hands; and on the night of 17-18 August some 600 RAF bombers targeted the German rocket factories in Peenemünde.
In Caithness, attention was turned to the harvest and the summer livestock sales. The John O’Groat Journal reported that soldiers were now available to help, but cautioned: “Although soldiers will be available to help in the harvesting of crops, the supply of this labour is limited. Farmers who require help must apply to Mr Robert Munro, Labour Organiser, Caithness Agricultural Executive Committee.”
This was the week of lamb sales across the North Highlands, with sales at Dunbeath, Brora, Halladale, Loth and elsewhere. In Thurso the John O’Groat Journal reported that Hamilton’s Auction Mart sold a record 34,000 lambs over four days. “Shown in good bloom, the lambs were fully up to the 1942 standard. On the first day, an entry of 7,158 H.B. ewe lambs … met a very brisk trade throughout at the highest prices ever recorded for them at the centre.”
As it happens, Caithness Archives hold the old sales and cash books for Hamilton’s Auction Mart. Here is a page from one day of the sale, showing the name of the seller, where they farmed, and the sums raised. The people are naturally mostly from places near to Thurso – Mey, Gills, Olrig Mains, Achscrabster; and it’s interesting to see a shepherd (T. Manson of Gills) on the list.
In Wick, complaints had been made about the nuisance of stagnant water in gun posts in the town. Wick Burgh Council had received a letter from the Garrison Engineer this week, wishing to know which posts were being complained about: “Mr Bain, Assistant Burgh Surveyor, reported that there are two gun posts – at Smith Terrace and Bexley Terrace –requiring attention, and it was decided to intimate accordingly.”
Finally this week, an example of how serving men abroad could use the local press to let friends and family know they were well. The John O’Groat Journal printed a letter from Private J.M. Smith serving in the Persia and India (“Pai”) Force, stating “that he wishes his friends in Thurso and district, and particularly the people of his native Island of Stroma, to know that he is safe and well and enjoying good health.” The paper then quoted Private Smith’s own words: “I have travelled thousands of miles and seen service in several campaigns, and am now enjoying a well-earned rest.”
Coming soon! Week 208, 23rd – 29th August 1943, will be published on Monday 22nd August 2016. To view previous issues please use the menus on the right hand side of the page.
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