March 31st 1944
RAF Man Posted Missing
Sgt. Norman Allen Smith 21 years of age a wireless operator and son of Leading Aircraftsman G.E. Smith of Barnoldswick was posted as missing in action.
I have found no further report of this young man turning up at a later date, he could be another possible for the memorial. I have noted him as such.
April 21st
Pte. Roger Wright was reported as being wounded in Burma. His wife had been informed.
During March and April there was a build up of advertising in the paper for the run up to Salute a Soldier Week. This was due to be the next major fund raising drive for the war effort.
May 5th
Earby is first to advertise its Salute a Soldier Week - due to take place 13th - 20th May - target set £40,000
Barnoldswick Bandsman Killed
Bdr. Joseph Howarth Pilkington was killed in active service in Burma he was born in Barlick but lived in Haworth before the war.
May 12th
Barlick announces the dates of it's Salute a Soldier Week - 20th - 27th May - target set £50,000
A series of fund raising events were planned for the town starting with the launch at the Majestic Ballroom. The Duke of Wellington's Regimental Band was due to parade through the town. This would be followed with a full week of events including a Concert, Film Shows and various other attractions, the Pantomime "Cinderella" would be on twice during the week and a 50/50 dance at the Majestic would round off the following weekend.
Frank Bell who was a well known local boxer became the ATC Light Heavyweight Champion of Great Britain. He was serving with the Barlick ATC.
The front page of the paper carries a third page advert advising townsfolk of Barnoldswick and Earby that the distribution of new Ration Books would start the following week.
Barnoldswick's distribution point would be from 1, Frank Street and Earby's from the food office at 29, Colne Road.
May 26th
Earby beats its set target for the Salute a Soldiers Week raising over £42,000 during the week.
June 9th
Barlick has earned it' own salute for the magnificent £76,271/8s/6d raised during their Salute a Soldier fund raising week.
On Tuesday June the 6th 1944 the allies launched the largest invasion fleet ever assembled against the Axis held "Fortress Europe".
There is a single entry recorded in the paper referencing this:
Prayers for the Allied Crusade were offered at St James Church on the evening of "Invasion Day"
June 16th
Nearly 5 years into the war, people are still being taken to task in the courts for blackout misdemeanour's. The fine is still set at 20s for a first offence.
The 787 areas around the country that operated Salute a Soldier fund raising drives have almost raised £400Million for the war effort. It is noted that some receipts have almost doubled since news of the invasion was released.
June 30th
There is a large advertisement on the front page:
A MAN'S LIFE MAY DEPEND ON YOU
Enrol for the "SECOND FRONT" as a volunteer Blood Donor
at the First Aid Post
Bethesda Sunday School
Blood Transfusion Sessions will be held
3.00 - 5.00pm and 6.00 - 8.30pm
In the same issue, Dr Alderton gives his annual report on the health of the townsfolk based on his records for 1943.
There have been a few mild cases of Scarlet Fever and 43 cases of Whooping Cough but a general decrease in cases of notifiable diseases. There have been no cases of Diphtheria which speaks well for the immunisation steps taken.
There was an increase in the Birth Rate and a decrease in the number of Deaths in the town.
162 Births - 91 Males and 71 Females
130 Deaths - 60 Males and 70 Females
Heart Disease - 52
Cancer - 18
Bronchitis - 5
Road Traffic Accidents - 3
The water supply in town was still of good quality and in plentiful supply. There were two motor ambulances operating in the district. A number of women were transported to hospital to have their babies although the majority of births in the town were attended to by Nurse Barlow.
July 7th
There is a report about the excellent response to the Blood Donors appeal. A total of 121 pints were collected from the donors that attended. R.N.V.R. Surgeon Lieut. Craig acted as Medical Officer in charge, with local Dr. J.D. Robertson in control of the First Aid Post.
July 14th
The first of many casualties from the Normandy Invasion are starting to be reported in the paper.
Wounded in Normandy
Pte. Carol Myers from Hill Street in Barnoldswick
Suffered a leg wound during the first week of fighting in Normandy. He is now in hospital in England and is able to walk with a stick. At another hospital which was visited by the Queen, Her Majesty chatted with him during her visit. Pte. Myers is a former Territorial Army soldier and has served in North Africa, Sicily and Italy with a short time in airborne forces.
July 21st
Cpl. Maurice Winn aged 25 was Killed in Northern Europe, he had formerly served for two years in Iceland, he was married with a baby son.
July 28th
Gunner Fred Roland Atkinson aged 36 was Killed in Action in Normandy, he was a married man.
Cpl. Mercer Windle was wounded while serving with the R.A.C. in Normandy.
A separate section lists further West Craven Casualties
Official intimation has been received that
Pte. Frank Brown died of wounds while serving in the Mediterranean he was aged 29.
Petty Officer Robert Green who had been previously reported as missing while serving with the R.N. is now presumed dead.
August 4th
Barnoldswick N.C.O Killed in Action
Cpl. Edward McCann serving with the Duke of Wellington's Regiment previously reported as missing is now known to have been killed in action. He had previously served for two years in Iceland. He leaves a widow and one son.
August 18th
A Barnoldswick man, Pte. Thomas Edward Hardacre has been wounded in action in Normandy.
August 25th
D.F.M. for Local Man
Pilot Officer Harry Widdup R.A.F. has been awarded the D.F.M. he is aged 19 and is a Flight Engineer.
L/Cpl. Richard Sydney Harris was killed in action in North West Europe while serving with the Norfolk Regiment.
Petty Officer Eric Hogarth who is married with one son is reported missing at sea.
Stoker William Quayle R.N. who was reported missing last October is now presumed killed.