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| Victory Celebrations at Bryans Close Road (Calne Heritage Centre Collection) |
Rita Rickell writes in John Whiles Calne at War book that the origins of Calne's Welcome Home fund began in late 1944, when it looked as if the Second World War would finally come to an end.
Rita continues "Collecting boxes were mustered, labels for them were printed, and appeals went forth for folk to have fund raising events. According to hand written records in reference to this,a Mrs. Mlnnis made £7. 6s. 2d.by playing on"
All returing servicemen and women were given an initially wallet and a signed certificate. On 6 June 1945, the ex-prisoners of war were given a dinner at the Lansdowne Hotel.[2]
Thanks to Sharon Beaven for uploading a copy of the certificate to the Calne in Photographs Facebook group. The handsigned certificate to her father reads:
"To Frederick William Beaven
The inhabitants of Calne, Wiltshire, desire to extend a very warm welcome to you on your return to Civilian Life at the termination of your period of service in His Majesty's Forces.
The also wish to record their sincere appreciation of the loyal service you have rednered to your King and Country and o extend to you this formal expression of their gratitude together with a small gift.
On behalf of the Townspeople of Calne Borough
Cyril H. Thomas
Mayor of Calne"
In total around 320 individuals were supported with the Calne Welcome Home Fund. Other local Welcome Homes funds included those for Lacock and Bowden Hill.
Around this time, Lance-Corporal Jack Stevens of the Somerset Light Infantry, from Calne, was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service in North-West Europe[3].
Thankfully, on 8 May 1945, Germany surrended. After six years of war and the loss of millions of lives, the Allies had won the war and formally accepted Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender. This year, while in lockdown due to the Coronavirus, Wiltshire Council is encouraging us to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day at home. Click here to see their advice and the VE Day pack.
References:
[1] 'War Charities Act, 1940' Wiltshire Times and Trowbridge Advertiser, Saturday 05 May 1945 [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001557/19450505/114/0006 [Accessed on 1 May 2020].
[2] Whiles, J., 1995. Calne at War. 1st ed. Chippenham: Antony Rowe.
[3] 'Awards for Service' Western Gazette, Friday 11 May 1945 [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000407/19450511/060/0008 [Accessed on 1 May 2020]
Note: For more information on military history, please visit Calne Heritage Centre.
