World War II

Weston Turville saw much activity in World War II, partly due to it's proximity to RAF Halton and also as a destination for evacuees. We know some evacuees already had relatives in Weston Turville, such as Mike Ridley who came to stay with his Grandparents.

We have first hand accounts from World War II

in the following books:-

• "Weston Turville A History" by Hamish Eaton

• "More than a Village School Master" selections from John Lawton's diaries transcribed by Ray Lawton

• "Memories of a Weston Turville Boy" by Mick Dubberley

  1. • Recordings from residents in our sound gallery.

Also from "BBC WW2 People's War " Being in the Home Guard by Ken Rawlinson

During WW2, Weston Turville was rocked by bombs and incendiaries that landed around the village and also by landmines landing in Aylesbury. Luckily, there were no casualties caused by these raids.

There was a very active Air Raid Precautions (ARP) team in the Village initially led by John Lawton who was also the Billeting Officer and Village School Master. ARP was initially Head-quartered in The School House until Sept 1940, then Pond Farm. They also met up at “Pathacres”

A Bedford National Fire Service Engine (N.F.S.) and auxiliary pump were stationed at Pathacre.

At least 8 residents lost their lives, while serving King and country. More details on each of these soldiers available at Bucks Remembers 

Dennis George Munger and Jack Cherry were Prisoners of War [7]

In addition to the bombs, we are aware of two fatal RAF plane crashes in the village during the war.

10th Aug 1940 a Miles Magister Serial N5431 from the Headquarters No.24 Group crashed in Weston Turville killing Squadron Leader Ian Henry Douglas Walker.[4]

The Station Flight at Halton had a Magister (Air 81/2564) as part of it's Flight and that a sortie was carried out as part of a Station Defence Exercise.  Sqn. Ldr. Ian Henry Douglas Walker's death (aged 27) was registered at Aylesbury and the certificate states that the cause of death was 'shock following upon multiple injuries caused by the aeroplane which the deceased was flying crashing into the ground. There is no evidence to show what caused the aeroplane to crash. The location of death is given as Longhill Field, Weston Turville. He was interred at Halton (St Michael) Churchyard, Bucks (WG) 330073[5]. Apparently there were no witnesses to the crash and it's cause remains unknown. The crash isn't mentioned in any of the societies first hand accounts.

07 Mar 1943 a Hawker Typhoon 1b, serial DN271 of 183 Squadron flown by Sgt Theodore Narishkin of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, aged 20, crashed at Manor Farm. He died and is buried at Oxford (Headington) Cemetery. It seems from all the accounts we have that Sgt. Narashkin, heroically brought the aircraft down without any serious damage to property or loss of life, other than his own. Quite a feat bearing in mind the fact that he was only 20 years old. Sergeant Theodore Narishkin, 131903, was a pilot serving in 183 Squadron who flew Typhoon aircraft having been trained in the USA after participating in the Battle of Britain. In some accounts, he is described as Polish, but was in fact born in London, his family were from St. Petersburg, Russia with aristocratic heritage[6]. 

VE DAY in Weston Turville 8 May 1945

There is an account of VE Day in John Lawton's diaries:-

7th May – Monday A beautiful day, warm & sunny with the glass rising. Down to garden & did some useful work. Mary has a bad cold & retired to bed early. Special meeting of Parish Council at 7.30 p.m. to arrange programme for V.E. day when it is announced. I was appointed Chairman of all events.

V.E. Day announced at last at 9 p.m. Public holiday tomorrow & the following day. Praise be to God.

8th May – Tuesday Up betimes & had the bell rung. Lots of children turned up & I told them all the arrangements. Had two blackboards put out on the road & wrote up all the programme. We sang “God Save the King” & I dismissed them. The boys helped me put up the bunting. Later on we found some more bunting in an old sack upstairs. Ray, Victor & I rode into Aylesbury. Met Padre Griffin. Retired to “Ship” for a pint & then away to Eastern St. where we saw an effigy of Hitler hanging from a lamp-post. We had a drop of Sloe Gin with the Rogers family & then rode back through the town to see the lions which had been surreptiously (sic) painted during the night – one bright red the other blue – both with big Vs in white on their arses – we laughed heartily. Listened to Winston broadcasting at 3 p.m. He told us that Peace was signed at 2.41 a.m. yesterday in Rheims. Went to Church to thank Almighty God for Victory. Old Horny interrupted me & inveigled me into ringing a Victory peal on bells. Home through warm sunshine. Read lesson at service of Thanksgiving.

King’s broadcast at 9 p.m. Pubs open till 12. Saw bonfire on Velvet Lawn & bright glow over London. Retired very late with a very thankful heart after a very, very happy day.

9th May – Wednesday A warm breeze all day with periods of hot sunshine. Went with Charlie to fetch some rick-sticks & Tom & Basil Gilbert fixed up the course for us, but this had to be shifted nearer the road where we fixed up a radio-gram. Helped with crate of oranges in Haig Hall & watched ladies at work. Called in “Chandos” with Ray & a pleasant half-hour with old Eeles, Erskine, etc. Had a rush over dinner & then did my face up – put on wig, beard & dark-coloured specs – Dad’s morning coat & my Silver Jubilee hat. Found wonderful parade outside & set off – young Bunce leading dressed as a police-man. Round village & back into Barley Close for judging. Followed race programme which I had drawn up as usual.

After the races we had a wonderful tea in the Haig Hall – followed by a tea for the adults. Later prizes were distributed by old Harve. I rode up to interview the Rector re service tomorrow & had a cup of tea with him in his study. Cycled up to bon-fire. Sang songs & when blaze was dying down I made a short speech to the assembled crowd & we all sang Auld Lang Syne. A truly wonderful day.

12th May – Saturday A very hot day of burning sunshine. To Aylesbury early but unable to get a hair-cut. Had a couple in “Ship” & away with Ray to B.R. as Mary was away all day sewing chevrons & medals on tunics of P.O.W.s at Amersham. 

From a report in the Bucks Herald relating to an assault at The Chandos Arms we know there was a lively party with singing and dancing there  which included air-men and soldiers as well as local residents.[8]

For the 50th Anniversary in 1995 there was a VE Day supper sing-song in the village hall, organised by Margaret Undery, which entertained about 150 people. This included a ploughman's supper and community sing-song of wartime songs. There was a display of wartime memorabilia which included gas masks, nylon stockings and powdered eggs.[9]

References

• 1. ^ "Memories of a Weston Turville Boy"- A History by Mick Dubberley, available in village archive.

  2. ^ "Much More than the Village Schoolmaster" by John Lawton, (Weston Turville Historical Society)

  3. ^ Casualities in the CWGC.

  4. ^ "War-Torn Skies - Buckinghamshire" by Paul Johnson

  5. ^ Stornoway Historical Society

  6. ^ The War Graves Photographic Project

  7. ^ National Archives

  8. ^ Bucks Herald 18 May 1945

  9. ^ Bucks Herald - 1st Jun 1945