Last Thursday, 8th May, we held our VE Day 80 event at St Mary's Church. There was tea, coffee and, of course, cake, a display of WWII photographs and WWII memorabilia as well as some fun activities for children. We would like to thank the following people for their help and support with this event:
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Revd. Richard Wise for letting us use the beautiful St Mary's Church for the event and for all of his help and support in organising the event.
Bishopstoke History Society and Chris Humby for sharing photographs and memories of VE Day and WWII in Bishopstoke.
Stan Roberts for bringing WWII memorabilia that was of interest to all ages.
Bishopstoke WI for baking the delicious cakes that were enjoyed by all.
Dave Brown for reading the Exhortation, followed by 2 minutes silence, and the Burma Epitaph.
St Mary's Bellringers for joining in with the nationwide bell ringing at 6.30pm - the weather was kind and everyone stood outside to listen - and for being brave enough to let the Cubs have a turn!
1st Bishopstoke (Friday) Cub pack for their help with making teas and coffees and, most importantly, for your help with the washing up.
We would also like to thank Councillor Sue Toher for arranging the commemorative
VE Day 80 pins. Your kind donations raised £177 for the Royal British Legion.
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Lastly, we would like to thank everyone who came along, it was lovely to see so many of you there.
Photo courtesy of Bishopstoke History Society
Photo courtesy of Bishopstoke History Society
COMMONWEALTH WAR GRAVES
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In St Mary's Churchyard there are 5 Commonwealth War Graves of people who served in the First and Second World Wars.
WORLD WAR I
FRANK GEORGE CAWTE
K/40031 (PO), Stoker 2nd Class.
Royal Navy - HMS Victory
Died: 9th February 1917 aged 37.
Frank was the son of William and Mary Cawte, late of Twyford, and the husband of Alice Emily Cawte of Weavills Road Bishopstoke.
WORLD WAR II
EDWARD GEORGE BUTTLER
1679324. Gunner
119 Battery, Lt AA Regiment, Royal Artillery
Died: 26th October 1946 aged 40.
Edward was the son of William John and Eliza Buttler and the husband of Freda Rose Buttler of Eastleigh.
FLORENCE VIOLET MAY SPREADBURY
2132388, Leading ACW
Women's Auxiliary Air Force
Died: 2nd June 1946, aged 22, of T.B.
Florence was the daughter of Ernest and Annie Spreadbury of Eastleigh.
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JOHN GORDON SARLL
D/J 44959, Chief Petty Officer
Royal Navy
Died: 25th February 1943 aged 42.
John was the husband of Anna Sarll of Gosport
RUSSELL CLARE STEDMAN YOUNG
1852472, Sergeant Air Gunner
Royal Air Force (Volunteer Reserve)
Died: 20th October 1943 aged 18
Russell was in 12 Operational Training Unit at Bomber Command.
His aircraft took off from Chipping Warden 10.25pm for a night training flight. The aircraft overshot the airfield, climbed to around 1,000ft, rolled over and crashed near Culworth (16m NW of Northampton) at 10.54pm. The bomber was engulfed in flames and all the crew were killed.
Russell was the son of Charles and Eva Young of Bishopstoke. His brother, Kenneth Lincoln Young, was also killed in service in Italy, 1944.