The ‘Old’ Swimming Pool 1985-2021
Author: Nick
Harold Francis Newey 1897-1962
Harold Francis Newey was born on the 22nd October 1897, to parents William Newey and Emily Wyton. (pictured, left). Emily originated from Hook Norton.
The family lived at 50, High Street (Newey cottage) where the Newey family had lived for generations.
Postal Workers
His father was a postman in Kenilworth, and after leaving school, Harold also got a job with the Post Office, becoming a ‘Telegraph messenger boy’. So they both spent a lot of time on his bike, around the streets of Kenilworth!
But within a few years, WW1 had started and by the time he was 18 years-old he had signed-up, and was transferred into the reserve of the R.G.A (Royal Garrison Artillery). After his training he was eventually called-up for service in August 1917. But he never left the country.
The R.G.A. provided heavy siege howitzers, and coastal artillery plus mobile guns on railways. Some of these guns were manufactured at the Coventry Ordinance Works.
After The War
Having survived the war, he was discharged and put into the Army Reserve in November 1919. So, it was back to civilian life in Kenilworth for young Harold.
Following in his father’s foot-steps, he became involved with St Nicholas church, and eventually became a sexton, and was a keen bell-ringer.
In 1929, he married Rose Hughes of Warwick Road at St Nicholas. They settled into married life at 19, St John’s Street, and had one daughter together, called Rosemary. For the best part of his adult life, Harold worked in the engineering industry in Coventry, he last worked for the Auto. Machinery Co. in Aldermoor Lane.
World War Two
On the outbreak of WW2, Harold voluntered to become an ARP Warden in Kenilworth and was one of the first responders on the scene when the landmine fell on The Square/Abbey End in November 1940, which killed 25 people. He witnessed much horror and destruction that night, which he probably never forgot. Kenilworth has never forgotten.
photo courtesy of the Warwickshire County Records Office PH (N) 600/279/9 img 9376
In 2023 his ARP helmet was donated to the Abbey Museum by his grandson Barry Rose. The museum is run by The Kenilworth History & Archaeology Society. https://www.khas.co.uk/
Harold pictured (right) in his back garden with grandson Barry Rose. circa late 1950s
Harold died in 1962, three day’s short of his 65th birthday. His ashes are buried at St Nicholas churchyard, along with his wife Rose, who died in 1986, age 93.
Abbey Fields Lake – Rescued Carp – 2022
‘Triumph Over Adversity‘
In August 2022, after several weeks of very little rain and record high temperaures, the water level in the Abbey Fields Lake was critical, and the carp were dying due to lack of oxygen. Disappointingly, the Environment Agency, Severn Trent and Warwick District Council weren’t helpful following a site visit on the Thursday 11th, saying “Nothing Could Be Done“.
So it looked like the fish would perish, but the Kenilworth Community had other ideas. A group of volunteers, lead by Callum Thorpe, Darren Rees, Mark Copsey and Cliff Owens, later known as the ‘Lake Lads’, got together and hatched a plan to rescue the fish. They set up camp (around the clock) for several days on the footpath just along from the swimming pool. Donations of water pumps, fountains, generators, fuel, food and drink came flooding in.
A fund was immediately set up by Kenilworth Pet & Garden Supplies, with a donation from them of £500. A total of around £2000 was raised initially to purchase a tanker of fresh water. A supplier was found and a tanker of 19,000 litres arrived on 14th August, and the fish responded immediately. However, it became apparent that purchasing further tankers would be too costly.
BBC Midlands Today became aware of the story (as did BBC CWR Radio) who sent a camera crew down to the lake to record the events that were unfolding. Their report appeared on the evening of Monday 15th, which gave the story much needed publicity, and would have widened the cause of the ‘Lake Lads’. Several interviews took place, including one with WDC councillor Richard Hales, who became pivotal in the support of the eventual removal of the carp. Up to this point, approximately 300 had already died.
To save the carp from certain death the only option available was for them to be removed. Lavender Hall Fishery were granted a licence to remove the fish by the Environment Agency, and netting started on the evening of the 15th, and continued the following day. They eventually removed approximately 650 fish, and these were transferred into one of their own lakes’s at Berkswell. The carp were of a good size, ranging from 3-5lbs. It is believed that less than 5% of the original stock, now remain. So, in the end, it was a ‘Triumph Over Adversity’.
It is rumoured that the carp were illegally introduced into the lake in the early 2000’s as small fish, and have since thrived due to the natural food available to them (daphnia etc) plus the supplement of bread and other treats from the general public. In recent years, due to their growth and over population, in conjuction with Leamington Angling Association, the lake has been regulary netted by Jon Wall Fisheries of Newark. Many of the carp have now been stocked into LAA’s own fishing lakes. In the spring of 2023 the lake was netted again, and a small number of fish were removed.
‘Found Drowned’ – Knowle Hill Farm – 1909
Mother and Baby Tragedy
On Thursday 16th September 1909, Charles Hobbins of Crackley Cottages, left for work as usual at 6am to start his shift at the oil-cake mill at Mill End. He returned home 12 hours later to find his wife Elizabeth and baby daughter, Kathleen Maria, were missing. His other children, three boys, who were playing outside, didn’t know of their whereabouts.
The house was shut up and It appeared they hadn’t been seen since lunchtime, and the key was in its usual place. He came to the conclusion that his wife had taken the baby to visit friends in Coventry. But when she did not come home by the late carrier, he became very concerned, and his anxiety naturally increased as the night wore on. Where could they be?
Early next morning, with the help of neighbour Arthur Hunt, they went to search for them. They eventually found their bodies submerged in a gravel pit at Knowle Hill Farm, the baby was found underneath her mother. Mrs Hobbins was 41 years-old, Kathleen was only 11 months.
The police were immediately informed, and under the supervision of Inspector William Parkinson the bodies were recovered and taken to the police mortuary to await the inquest.
One possible route that Mrs Hobbins could have taken that day was to walk up Crackley Hill, left into Common Lane, at the bottom a right-turn into Dalehouse Lane, then left up Knowle Hill. She would then have taken a left turn towards the gravel pit. But no one for certain knows which route she took. However, one witness did say she saw her walking in the direction of the Common.
The Inquest
The inquest took place on 18th September at the Council House in Upper Rosemary Hill, presiding was Mr J. J. Willington-Wilmshurst, Coroner for Mid-Warwickshire.
Witness Charles Hobbins
Mr. Hobbins, 38, who was sobbing pitifully, said he had been married to Elizabeth since 1896. He told the court she had been troubled with her nerves for years, and also complained about head pains. The coroner enquired if she had anything worrying her, he replied, saying that she seemed to think she was dirty and neglecting the children, and was not cleaning the house. But everything was fine as far as he was concerned. The coroner further enquired if his wife ever said anything about taking her own life? Mr. Hobbins stated that she sometimes said she wished she was dead, but he didn’t take her seriously. His wife was fond of children and they lived happily together.
Witness Mrs Neale
Mrs Neale, neighbour of deceased, told the inquest that she last saw her at about 1.30 that day, she seemed a little strange, and was complaining about pains in her head. She saw Mrs Hobbins and the baby walk in the direction of the Common. Mrs Neale said that the deceased kept the house very clean and must have been a delusion if she thought she neglected the house.
Witness Arthur Hunt
Arthur Hunt, also of Crackley Cottages, spoke to the court regarding accompanying Mr. Hobbins on the search for his wife and child. He said it was in the direction of the pit that the deceased and her husband used to take walks, which was about half-a-mile away. Upon visiting this piece of water, they saw a woman’s hat floating on the surface and directly underneath they could see the outline of a body, which proved to be that of Mrs Hobbins and her baby. The water was shallow, and a steep bank down to it. He did not think it was possible for anyone to fall into the water and get to where they found the bodies, for if anyone rolled down the bank accidentally, he or she would stop in very shallow water. There was a considerable amount of mud in the pit, but it might be possible for someone to fall in during darkness.
Police Evidence
Inspector Parkinson said that the bodies were three or four feet from the edge of the water, and Mrs Hobbins was lying on her face. The child was clasped tightly to her breast, and both were fully dressed. No letter or note was found, and the bodies were in 2′ 6″ of water. There was no evidence of slipping on the banks of the pit. During his enquires, he could not find any person who had seen Mrs Hobbins since Mrs Neale had spoken to her early in the afternoon.
Medical Evidence
Dr. Wilmott spoke about the post-mortem examinations on the bodies. He said the only injuries he could find were three small bruises on Mrs Hobbins legs. In his opinion, both died due to drowning.
The Verdict
In summing up to the jury, the coroner said, that if they thought that the woman committed suicide, then they must also bring a verdict against her of ‘Wilful Murder’ in respect of the child. On the other hand, the evidence shows that she might have tumbled into the pit, with the child, whilst wandering in the dark, in a ‘frenzied’ state, owing to her suffering.
The Jury returned a verdict in both cases of ‘Found Drowned‘.
More Tragedy for the Family – 1929
Charles Hobbins and his three sons eventually moved away from Crackley Cottages, and found a house in Henry Street – But more tragedy was to follow. By 1929, Charles had re-married, but in October of that year, he committed suicide by cutting his throat.
At an inquest held at Kenilworth Police Station on 22nd October, witness, Mrs Elizabeth Falconbridge, sister of the deceased, said her brother had also suffered a nervous breakdown over the last 20 weeks. He complained about pains in his head, he was also upset that he could not get his job back with the Kenilworth Urban District Council. His second wife was presently very ill, was unable to attend the inquest. (she lived until 1952)
A lodger at the house, said he was cleaning his motor-cycle when Hobbins came running out of the house with blood streaming from his throat. The witness went to fetch Dr. Day, but on their return, they found Hobbins lying dead in the scullery. He was 58.
The jury returned a verdict of ‘Suicide while of unsound mind’.
Shooting in Leyes Lane – George Brewer – 1891
Double Tragedy of Kenilworth Men
On the evening of Thursday 29th October 1891, John Reuben Rainbow, turned up ‘out of the blue’ at his cousin’s house at Clayfield (now the Whitemoor area) and offered to take him for a glass of beer. His cousin, 29 year-old George Alfred Brewer duly accepted his offer. But he felt it was rather strange that he had come over on such a cold winter’s night, just for a drink, especially as they hadn’t seen each other for months. They decided to go out for about an hour.
Rainbow, a farmer, originally born in Kenilworth had travelled all the way from his farm at Wappenbury on a pony and trap. But within minutes of their departure, a groaning was heard outside the front door of the Brewer’s house and when his father opened the door, his son fell into his arms. He had been shot by Reuben (as he was known) and he had rode off towards home. His father immediately went to get Dr. Clarke and the police. The shooting occured at the end of Leyes Lane at the junction near to the ‘Elmdene’ estate. (the junction of Windy Arbour/Park Hill).
Reuben was reported to have had his hand in his pocket feeling for something. He produced a revolver and placed it against George’s side and pulled the trigger. Reuben only fired the one shot, probably thinking one was enough to kill him. But somehow, George managed to jump off the trap and make his way home.
After receiving the report of the shooting, the police were quickly in pursuit of the suspect. At Stoneleigh the officer heard that a trap had been seen driving through the village at speed. On arrival at Weston-under-Wetherley he came across an empty trap at the side of the road. Soon after, while entering Wappenbury another police officer arrived and they were approached by the suspects brother, William Rainbow. He told them that Reuben had shot himself.
Meanwhile back at Kenilworth, despite removing the bullet, Dr Clarke could not save Brewer. He died the following afternoon (30th October) and was still conscious right up until a few minutes before his death. He was a Catholic, and after hearing of the tragedy the Right Rev. Monseigneur Souter attended him, and was present at the time of his death.
Inquest of John Reuben Rainbow
The inquest took place on Saturday 31st October at the Bull Inn, Weston-under-Wetherley over the death of Mr Rainbow. Presiding, was Coroner of Mid-Warwickshire, Dr Wynter. The foreman of the jury was Mr William Coles.
Evidence of Joseph Rainbow
First witness was Joesph Rainbow, father of the deceased. He told the court that his son was 35 year-old and had been strange over the last week or two, but he did not take much notice about it. Deceased did not seem to trouble about anything or how things went. Sometimes he would work and others times he wouldn’t. Infact, he would seem quite reckless at times. On Wednesday he drove to Rugby, put up the trap there and went on the train to attend Newmarket races. He returned late in the evening and got into the house by means of a latch-key.
Next morning (30th October), witness tried to induce him to get up and assist on the farm as he was short of labourers but he refused to do so and remained in bed until mid-day. When he finally came down the deceased got out a number of bills and letters. He told his mother that ‘He had done with it’. He handed some bills and a milk contract to his sister and said; ‘It is the last time’. He remained in the house for sometime and put a ticket on a churn in which milk was to be sent to London. Witness saw him several times but did not notice anything perculiar in his manner. Deceased drove away from the house at about six o’clock and earlier had told one of the men on the farm he was going to Kenilworth. He also told his mother, who tried to pursuade him from doing so, but he said he needed to go and see his cousin. Deceased was not on friendly terms with his cousin, infact they had a quarrel three or four months ago and witness heard they had fought. He did not know what the quarrel was about but Brewer had said something disrespectful about the deceased. Witness had heard that his son had threatened ‘to do’ for Brewer.
Deceased returned home at about 9 o’clock and came into the sitting room and removed his boots. Then, without saying a word he went upstairs to his bedroom as if he intended to retire for the night. Soon after, a farm worker came to the door and said that the pony and trap was missing. Mrs Rainbow went to the foot of the stairs and called to deceased but suddenly a gunshot was heard, followed by a fall. They rushed upstairs and found the bedroom door locked. They burst it open and discovered deceased lying on the floor bleeding from the head. He moved twice, then died. The coronor asked witness, if he knew of any reason why he should have said he would ‘do for’ Brewer?, witness replied, no I dont. But Brewer had put a bit of scandal about disrespecting him but I do not know of anything else. In reply to the jurors, he said that his son was always reserved but he hadn’t noticed anything strange about him until the last few days.
Evidence of William Rainbow
The next witness was William Rainbow, of Frankton, brother of deceased. He said he was at his father’s house on Thursday evening but his brother had already left for Kenilworth but was there when he returned at about nine o’clock. He corroborated the evidence given by his father. He added that he had never seen the revolver and never even knew he had such a weapon. After finding the deceased he went looking for the police and soon found two officers who said they had come across a pony and trap a few minutes earlier.
In reply to a question from the foreman, witness said Reuben had gone about his work but seemed rather strange. A juror asked, Did you know what he went to Brewer’s for? Witness replied; No, that is where the mystery is.
Evidence of Police
Witness, Sergeant Allcott of Kenilworth Police stated that on receiving information from Brewer that Rainbow had shot him, he started off in a cab in pursuit of the deceased. At Stoneleigh he heard that a man had driven through the village at a rapid-rate about half-a-hour before. About a quarter of a mile from Weston he found an ownerless pony and trap tethered up to a gate which he thought was probably Rainbow’s. A search of the the ditches and adjoining fields could not locate Rainbow. On arriving at Wappenbury witness procured the assistance of P. C. Greaves. When they got within 200 yards of the deceased house, they came across William Rainbow, deceased’s brother, who was on his way to alert the police, he told them his brother had shot himself. When witness went into the bedroom he saw Rainbow lying on the floor dead and bleeding profusely from a bullet wound near the right temple. In the pockets of an overcoat on the bed he found a total of 22 bullets. The revolver was a new one and the bullet extracted from Brewer corresponded to those found in the overcoat.
The Verdict
With the overwelming evidence of the case, the jury could only come to one conclusion. They returned a verdict that Rainbow committed suicide while ‘temporarily insane’.
Inquest of George Alfred Brewer
The Inquest of George Brewer took place on Monday 2nd November at the Abbey Hotel in Kenilworth. Presiding was Coroner Dr. Wynter. The jury viewed the body prior to the inquest which lay at the Brewer’s house at Clayfield. The foreman of the jury was Mr. Henry Street.
Evidence of John Brewer
First witness was John Brewer, widower and father of deceased. He confirmed his son was 29 years-old and resided with him. Last Thursday I was at home with him in the evening when at about 7.30, my nephew Rainbow from Wappenbury, came in. He shook hands with both of us and we talked in a friendly way. He seemed sober. After we talked for about 20 minutes or so, he requested George go out for a hour to have a drink. My other two son’s, John and Thomas are licensee’s and Rainbow said he didn’t care where they went for a drink. George then went out with Rainbow who shook my hand and wished me, good-bye. My son said he should not be long and asked me to sit-up for him.
Minutes later I heard someone groaning outside and when I opened the door, my son fell into my arms. He said, Dad, I am shot. I asked him who had shot him, he replied, Reuben. Where is he now?, he is now galloping towards home, said George. I went to the premises of my other son John as soon as possible and sent for Dr. Clarke. George said the shooting took place at the end of Leyes Lane but did not say that they had any words. My son said that he thought Reuben was feeling for his pipe but instead he pulled out a revolver and held it against my side and let it off. My son was conscious right up until a few minutes of his death.
Foreman Henry Street asked if his son ever had any a quarrel with Rainbow. Yes, replied witness, about 12 months ago. I was out at the time and when I came back I was told they had had a quarrel. But, they were ‘in beer’. Rainbow had been to my house several times since the quarrel.
The Coroner asked witness If his son had any betting transactions with Rainbow? None whatever, he replied. Rainbow was not a passionate man, and I have never heard him express any revengeful feeling towards my son. I have never heard that my son was ever in fear of Rainbow.
Evidence of Sophia Walker
Sophia Walker, a single woman, niece of John Brewer, lived near to the Brewer’s house and was present there on the Thursday evening when Rainbow came. She saw them both get into the trap to go for a drink. She said; “don’t be long” and Rainbow replied, “we shan’t be”. A few minutes afterwards she heard that Brewer had been shot. The witness then told the court that she and her father went with a lantern to the end of Leyes Lane and witness picked up what she believed to be Rainbow’s hat and mackintosh which were lying in the horse road.
Medical Evidence of Dr Clarke
Dr. J. Clarke, surgeon, practising in Kenilworth said he was sent to the Brewer’s house at about 8 o’clock on Thursday evening after being informed a man had been shot. He was found to be suffering from shock to the nervous system but there had not been a great amount of hemorrhage. Witness examined Brewer and found he had been shot over the tenth rib of the right hand side but he could not find the bullet. Brewer complained about pain in the region of his stomach. Witness visited Brewer again at 10 o’clock and his symptoms were increasing. At 7.30 the next morning, Brewer said he could feel something on the left hand side. On examination witness found a swelling about the size of a pea, which turned out to be the bullet. He extracted it which was in his back between the rib and hip. Inflammation of the bowels had set in. Dr. Clarke stayed with him until his death at 3.55pm, which was due to Peritonitis. He believed the bullet had passed through the stomach and intestines.
Evidence of Police
Sergeant Allcot, having described the shooting of Brewer and the flight and pursuit of Rainbow, he produced the jacket which Brewer had been wearing at the time of the murder. The coat was considerably scorched and burnt around the bullet hole on the right-hand side, thus conclusively proving that the revolver must have been held quite close to the body of the murdered man. Witness had found out that Rainbow went to Birmingham a few weeks ago and he probably bought the gun there. Rainbow’s parents had no knowledge of the murder when he came home on the night in question.
Depositions of George Brewer
The Coroner then read out the depositions of the murdered man, which were taken by Mr. Stanger-Leathes, JP, as follow;
“I, George Alfred Brewer of Kenilworth, do solemnly and sincerley declare being in fear of immediate death, that on Thursday, 29th October, at about 6.30 in the evening, my cousin, Reuben Rainbow, of Wappenbury called to see me and after remaining half-a-hour in friendly conversation, asked me to come out and have a glass of beer with him. I then went out with him and got on the pony and trap, which was waiting outside. We drove as far as the crossroads near Elmdene, when without any reason, he pulled out a revolver and shot me through the chest. I saw him about six months ago and we were on peaceable terms. I know of no reason why he shot me. He was sober at the time and after he shot me he drove down Leyes Lane at a rapid rate. I jumped out of the trap and ran home”
Signed – George Brewer.
The Verdict
After the Coroner had summed up at length to the inquest. He said that in the case of Rainbow, the jury had returned a verdict of ‘Temporary Insanity’ but he reminded them, it was not a question for them whether Rainbow, who at the time inflicted the wound, was sane or not. It would be simply for them to say whether they believed in the first place that George Brewer died from the effects of a pistol shot. If they did believe that, it would then be for them to say whether the wound was inflicted by Rainbow or not. If they believed that, there was only one verdict to be returned against Rainbow, and that was of ‘wilful murder’. The jury did not deliberate for long and as recommended by the Coroner, returned the said verdict. They highly commended Sergeant Allcot for the promptitude in which he acted in taking up the pursuit of Rainbow.
From The Pulpit
Public interest in the case had not at all abated during the week, and the event still formed the staple of conversation in the town. On Friday as soon as the news of the tragedy became known, the victim, being a Roman Catholic, was attended at once by the Right Reverand Monseigneur Souter. He was present when Brewer breathed his last breath. Miss Amherst, sister of Bishop Amherst, also attended him. On Sunday at St Augustine, Monseigneur Souter referred to this event and remarked that the cousins were bought up at the same font and were not strangers to their religion.
Funeral Of George Brewer
The funeral took place on Tuesday 3rd November. The cortege wended its way from Clayfield and was accompanied by large numbers of people who lined the route leading to St Augustine’s. The interment was witnessed by a great concourse of spectators and many sympathisers of the family. The mourners included the murdered man’s father, John, sister Agnes and his brothers John and Thomas. His fiancé, Miss Clara Avies. was also present, they were to be married at Christmas.
The coffin was covered with a large number of beautiful wreaths sent by relatives and friends. Included in the floral tributes was a magnificent one sent by Joseph Murdock of Crew Gardens, and the coffin was borne by workers from the same company, with whom the deceased had formed a friendship. He was buried in the north-west corner of the churchyard. The ceremony was conducted by Monseigneur Souter.
John Rainbow
John Reuben Rainbow was buried on Monday 2nd November at St Anne’s church in Wappenbury.
Tragedy at Rouncil Towers – Annie Maria Stanyer – 1914
The afternoon of Wednesday 21st October 1914 was just a normal day for Miss Annie Maria Stanyer and her maid Miss Hawkins. They had set out from Fernhill Farm in Rouncil Lane on a horse and cart to do some shopping in Kenilworth. But this ‘normal’ day would end in tragedy.
Miss Stanyer had become a well-known lady around Kenilworth, and resided with her brother Fred Stanyer for the past three years at Fernhill, coming here from her hometown of Birmingham.
After doing some shopping in the town they were returning home along Warwick Road when the horse was startled by a passing train at St John’s. The animal ‘bolted’ at high-speed and eventually crashed into the iron railings outside the lodge gates of ‘Rouncil Towers’ near to the junction of Rouncil Lane.
Thrown from Cart
Both ladies were thrown from the cart, but unfortunately Miss Stanyer fell onto the railings, her throat catching one of the spikes. She was left suspended. The lodge-keeper’s wife was at home at the time of the accident but she was unable to get promptly to Miss Stanyer because the horse and cart had blocked the gateway. But Miss Hawkins succeeded in lifting her mistress from the spike. But rapid blood loss had rendered her unconscious. Dr. Asplen arrived within a few minutes of the accident but he could do nothing to save her. Inspector Parkinson had the body removed to the ‘mortuary’ at the Police Station. More about ‘mortuary’ problems later.
The Inquest
The Coroner
The inquest took place on Friday 23rd October at the Council House at Upper Rosemary Hill, presided over by Mr. Ernest Hadow, Coroner for Mid- Warwickshire. The foreman of the jury was Mr W. Bishop.
Brother Fred Stanyer
Mr. Fred Stanyer, of Fernhill farm, Rouncil Lane, identified the body as that of his sister, who kept house for him and she was 42 years-old. On the day she had left home with a horse and dog-cart and was good at driving. He said the animal had been broken-in to the harness about six months ago and was quiet and shy of traffic. He had taken it to the railway station recently with no problems. However, It did not like electric tramways, the dog-cart was a high one.
Evidence of Miss Hawkins
Witness Lynda Hawkins, maid at Fernhill Farm, told the inquest that she had been out twice before with the horse but not alone with Miss Stanyer. On Wednesday at about 4.30pm she had gone out with her mistress in the dog-cart. When they got to Waverely Road the horse was a bit restless. Witness got off the cart to go into Smith & Sons to purchase some goods. When she returned the cart had moved a few yards, Miss Stanyer said the horse had been startled by a train but she did not seem nervous. They then went to the Square and witness went into another shop whilst Miss Stanyer remained with the cart. After the purchases had been put into the cart, witness got on and they headed back home along Warwick Road. On passing the railway bridge near St. John’s the horse became frightened and ‘bolted’. Witness thought it must have been because of a passing train. Miss Stanyer called upon the witness to assist her, and both pulled hard on the reins. On approaching the Rouncil Lane junction, they still could not stop the horse, and Miss Stanyer said; “Let us turn it round the corner”. They both pulled on the right-hand rein but could not get the horse round the corner. It ran onto the grass under the trees and headed towards the lodge. The horse fell down, throwing both of them out of the cart. Witness was unclear whether the horse had hit the gate or not, or whether she had hit the gate or not, because she was dazed for a few seconds. When she recovered she found herself next to the feet of Miss Stanyer, and that’s when she found her caught on a spike, her hands were holding onto the railings and her face was lifted up. Her feet were off the ground, so Miss Hawkins lifted her down. Dr. Asplen was then sent for.
Witness James Prestidge
On Wednesday at about 5.30pm, Henry James Prestidge was on his way home to Warwick on his bicycle. He was near to the railway bridge, when behind him, he heard what sounded like a ‘runaway’. He saw it was a horse going at high speed with two women in the cart. He had to pull-over to avoid being hit. Both women had got hold of the reins. He saw the cart go just past the end of Rouncil Lane and then onto the side of road, and ran into the fence near the lodge. The horse seemed to bounce back and fall underneath the cart, the shafts of which were over the fence. The horse lay on the ground quietly. Witness gave all the assistance he could.
Medical Evidence
Witness Dr. Asplen, had been called to the incident and on arrival Miss Stanyer was lying near to the lodge, so had her taken inside. By this time, the horse and the cart had been taken away. He had previously seen her around town on the cart and the horse seemed a little ‘fresh’. On examination, he found a punctured and incised wound below the angle of the right jaw. The spike had perforated the mouth and severed the corotid artery and a jugular vein. The deceased had bleed to death, she had just stopped bleeding when witness arrived. The spike on the fence was found and a lot of blood was present. He said that she was lucky to survive as long as she did.
Mortuary Needed in Kenilworth
Dr. Asplen took the opportunity to call attention to the pressing need for a proper mortuary in Kenilworth. The coroner said that he had come across this subject many times before and agreed with him. The coroner asked why he should mention it regarding this case?, Dr Asplen explained that the lady was covered with blood and a considerable amount of washing was needed to remove this and there were no proper facilities to do this at the coach-house, to which the body was taken by Inspector Parkinson. The place was also overlooked by surrounding houses and therefore he thought the need for a mortuary was very pressing.
The Verdict
The coroner, In summing up, said he trusted the jury would take notice of Dr Asplen’s remarks and make a recommendation on the subject of the mortuary.
The jury returned a verdict of ‘Accidental Death’ on Miss Stanyer, and expressed through the foreman, their sympathy with the relatives of the deceased lady. The foreman also added that he endorsed what Dr. Asplen had said in regard for the need of a mortuary. They proposed that a requisition be sent to the Kenilworth Urban District Council (KUDC) for the pressing need for one in the town.
Mortuary Matters & Kenilworth Urban District Council
The council had discussed the subject of a mortuary for many years but nothing seemed to have ever materalised. At a meeting in February 1910, the Coroner/Clerk of the KUDC, Mr. J. J. Willington-Wilmhurst had expressed concerns on this matter previously. He said that during an inquest only yesterday, the question of a public mortuary was mentioned. The jury unanimously agreed that the matter should be taken into consideration by the authority who were in a position to provide one.
It was pointed out by Dr. Tangye, the County Medical Officer of Health, that a mortuary where bodies could be taken and post-mortem examinations undertaken would be a great convenience to the town. Councillors, Riley, Nelson and Perkins spoke out for the need of such a facililty. Cllr Nelson suggested it might be covered by public subscriptions. Cllr Jackson gave notice that he would move at the next meeting of the council that the sum of £100 be allowed in the next estimate for the erection and equipment for a public mortuary.
By 1916, two years after the tragedy at Rouncil Towers, the councillors were still at odds with one another about the provision of a mortuary. The main issue was money and who should pay for it. Some councillors believed it should not be paid for by public money, others disagreed. At a meeting in April, Cllr Jackson did not mince his words with his fellow councillors, saying that he had brought this subject up over the last 20-years, and nothing has ever been done. He thought it was a disgrace that bodies should be put in a coach-house where post-mortems also took place. He said it was about time this matter was thrashed out with the intention of settling it one way or another. He understood the cost of a mortuary would now be as much as £150, and he considered it was the duty of the council to provided such a place. But the problem was that the council had no money, and it was suggested they get a loan to build it.
What Happened to Rouncil Towers?
The ‘Towers’ was eventually demolised as part of the re-development of the area in 1961-63 by building company, Sunshine Homes. Reminders of its history can be seen in the street names: Towers Close, Sunshine Close, Suncliffe Drive and Lindsey Crescent are the four roads on the site. It’s a pity that Annie Stanyer could not have been remembered on a street name in some way but the people responsible for naming streets were probably unaware that the tragedy ever took place.
Tumbledown Stile – Revisited – Cyril Hobbins
In 1986, Cyril Hobbins volunteered to restore the vandal wrecked, Tumbledown Stile (also known as a clattergate or clappergate stile). It was once in place across the narrow entrance to the Abbey Gatehouse, next to a larger field gate, which closed-off the wider cart entrance. (see photo below.)
Stile just visable behind the man (1860s) (courtesy of Warwickshire County Records Office ref. PH 652/1/113 img 7093
Cyril remembers as wicked Kenilworth kids, he and his mates would take unsuspecting visitors to go over the stile first, it would then collapse, with a loud clatter as they tumbled to the ground, it was great fun! Cyril also said, that the heavy hammer-shaped end pieces, could be used to crack nuts.
Other Tumbledown Stile’s
Kenilworth’s stile, is one of a few that still survive, the only one locally is at Charlecote, located close to the Charlecote Garden Centre in the village. This is on the opposite side of the road to entrance of Charlecote Park. It’s looks to be a modern replacement, which doesn’t operate correctly. But at least it’s still there.
The Charlecote Stile – Both old (early 1900s) and present day (2022)
According to the Hungerford Virual Museum, there are less than 16 still remaining in the country. A photo of the Kenilworth stile (and Cyril) are recorded on their website (in the street furniture/tumble stile section), together with the other remaining stiles from around the country.
https://www.hungerfordvirtualmuseum.co.uk/#&gid=1&pid=13
This cleverly designed stile, kept farm animals from straying into St. Nicholas churchyard, which containing poisonous yews trees. The stile closed automatically, so was more efficient than a standard hinged-gate. The loud clatter could also warn off intruders, if such a stile was used in a situation close to a farmhouse or cottage.
How Old is the Stile?
The stile’s age, and condition, has been a topic of conversation for a very long time. For example, a report appeared in the Kenilworth Advertiser, on 24th August 1918, stating;
‘This valuable old relic of by-gone days, which is under the archway of the ‘Tantara’ ruins, still remains in such a condition, that it positively invites a mischievous youngster to complete its destruction and in these times of fuel shortages, take home the remains. We called attention a few weeks ago to the fact that the slotted post was needed to be put into thorough repair but evidently no value is attached to this unique piece of work’.
But with no local History Society around in those days to care for it, plus the Kenilworth Urban District Council (KUDC) not seemingly interested, it looked like the stile was doomed. But somehow it has survived.
Before its restoration, the stile had been in situ for well over 100 years, If the Victorian photo at the top of this page is anything to go by, the stile is probably more than 160 years-old. But no one really knows its full age. Only dendro dating could establish an approximate age.
Vandalised – 1973
In late February 1973, due to concerns about the condition of the gate, the Kenilworth History & Archaeology Society, wrote to the KUDC suggesting that members of their Society remove and restore it. They also suggested it should be resited in a position where it could be seen, and operated without danger or misuse. But there were delays in granting permission, due to questions of ownership. The Parks & Cemetery Committee, finally granted permission but only a few weeks before it had been vandalised on the 16th June. Unfortunately during this period, the Society was deeply committed to work at Little Virginia, so the stile wasn’t retrieved before the vandalism occured. The remaining parts were salvaged, and placed in the ‘Barn’. And there the shattered stile lay, for more than a decade ……….
The Restoration – 1986
To restore it, Cyril had to source good old but sound oak fence posts from the local council, it took almost a month of spare time, to splice bits together, and to get it fully functioning again. Because the bottoms of the posts had rotted, they could never go in the ground again; so he devised the ‘low castored truck’, so the whole contraption could be hauled back into its original place, if required.
There is no doubt, that if Cyril had not stepped in to rescue the stile when he did, then it could have disappeared forever. It could never have been put back in situ at the gatehouse. There it would certainly have been vandalised again, then what? So, ‘Nice One Cyril’
Abbey Museum & Heritage Centre – Abbey Fields
The restored stile, is kept on the upper floor of the Abbey Museum & Heritage Centre, in the Abbey Fields, which is open during Bank Holidays and Sunday afternoons, from Easter to September. The custodians of ‘Barn’ are the Kenilworth History & Archaeology Society.
Look closely at the 1986 photograph, you will see a much younger version of Cyril. This was on the day that he handed it back. I wonder how many locals remember it, and whether they too had fun with it?
Present Day
Escape From Dunkirk – Robert Green
Robert Charles Henry Green, was born to Mother Gwendoline (nee Cave), and Father George Harry, on 19th November 1918, just over a week after Armistice Day, at 14, Clinton Lane, where they rented a room. This was at a time of no NHS, and when home births were common practice.
Prior to living at Clinton Lane, they had lived at the King’s Arms Hotel in Warwick Road, where George Harry, WW1 veteran, was employed as a ‘Boots’.
Little did this family know that in just over twenty year’s time, they would again, be involved in another World War. When Robert was two-years-old the family moved again, this time into a council house at 68, School Lane (opposite the Chip Shop).
During 1938/39, it was obvious to everybody (except Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain apparently) that World War Two was coming along, sooner or later.
Robert didn’t much fancy conscription into the Infantry when war did arrive, so he decided to find an alternative combat role, and the Artillery fitted the bill. So in March 1939, he made the decision to join-up.
He walked into the headquarters of the Territorial Army of the 271st (Warwick) Field Battery, Royal Artillery at Clarendon Place, in Leamington Spa, and signed on the dotted line.
He was now a ‘Gunner’ in the Royal Warwick’s, but his plan on keeping out of the frontline backfired on him as he was eventually deployed as a ‘Signaller/Driver’ for the 271st Battery, a job which directed fire from the frontline with the infantry!
As we all know, World War Two was declared on 3rd September 1939, when Neville Chamberlain made that famous speech on the radio, but orders had already been given to 271st Battery, two days earlier to report for duty as soon as possible to Clarendon Place. Two weeks later, his regiment was mobilised, and they moved south to Swindon, where they trained for several weeks, in readiness for war.
British Expeditionary Force
Aged 21, Robert was part of the BEF (British Expeditionary Force), that was sent to France to tackle the Germans. He sailed with the 68th (South Midland) Field Regiment, which included two Field Batteries, his 271st, based at Leamington/Rugby, and their sister Battery, the 269th from Birmingham. They were both part of the 48th (South Midland) Division.
Robert eventually set sail for France in January 1940, and docked at La Havre, and was met by snow and freezing conditions. The Regiment then travelled to Bolbec about 20 miles away, here the 271st Battery, were allocated farm buildings to bed down for the night, and a cold night it was too. They all used hay as improvised mattresses. The following day, they travelled 130 miles south to Lallaing, near Douai in the Nord region. With temperatures still well below freezing, and snow continuing to fall, the journey was extremely hazardous. Robert’s battery was billeted in the nearby village of Anhiers, which was a coal mining district. Their first night was spent in some derelict buildings in a disused colliery. A night, no one was likely to forget as they slept on steel floors, in sub zero temperatures. Not much slept was had by anybody. Thankfully however, they were soon found accommodation at local private houses. The weather was so cold, that the radiators on their vehicles, had to be drained every night to prevent the water freezing and cracking the engine blocks.
The Germans were obviously waiting for the better weather to arrive before they attacked, and even though conditions improved during March, nothing yet had happened. In the meantime the 271st Battery, and the regiment continued with various types of training, including marches, gun drills, vehicle maintenance and lectures etc. They even had French lessons.
WW1 Equipment
Robert’s war had started slowly, but the 271st Battery, like much of the BEF weren’t really equipped for modern warfare against the heavily armed, and modernised Germans Forces. They only had one rifle per five men, and they had to use 18 Pounder Artillery pieces from the First World War, which were stamped ‘1917’. Not only did they still have First World War equipment.
The Germans finally attacked Holland, and Belgium on 10th May. The Battery was first called into action in Belgium, when supporting the 145th Infantry Brigade on 16th May at Waterloo, south of Brussels. But there was no enemy contact that day, as the Belgium Army were just about holding back the Germans, so they withdrew 15 miles to Castre near Hal, leaving the Belgium’s to their fate. No sooner had they ‘dug in’ when they were on the move again. So, on 17th May, they moved a further 20 miles to Houtaing, west of Ath, to counteract the anticipated threat of enemy armoured vehicles that had crossed the River Deindre. Once again, they did not fire a shot, and moved another 20 miles, to positions at Wez Velvain near Tournai. It was here on 19th May, that Robert had his first battle, when he directed fire in support of the 144th Infantry Brigade, when they were holding a stretch of the River Escault. Under heavy shelling, they held this position until 22nd May, but the situation was rapidly deteriorating, so they had to drop back to Sameon, just inside the France border.
Rapid Withdrawal
The Nazi Blitzkrieg (Lightening War) was now unstoppable, so a rapid withdrawal became the only option for the BEF, but the awful road congestion due to fleeing soldiers, and refugees made it difficult. Troop movement was done mainly at night, to avoid the Stuka and Messerschmitt aircraft, but this had its own problems. Travelling by night, and fighting by day, meant that troops were getting no proper rest or sleep. Drivers including Robert, were literally falling asleep at the wheel, and accidents did occur especially as they were travelling so close to the vehicle in front, without lights. Lights were not allowed to be used on vehicles as this could have given their position away. If a vehicle stopped quickly a domino effect of collisions would occur.
Click on image to enlarge
By the 24th May, the Battery had moved to the south west of Lille, to halt the German forces advancing from the south. Matters were not helped, when it was reported that the Belgium Army, had capitulated on the 26th May, which left the BEF exposed. The next day, they were pushed back again, this time 25 miles northwards to Elverdinghe, near Ypres. Here, they occupied their final positions, and on 29th May, they fired their last rounds of ammunition. Orders came through, to head towards the coast for evacuation. Calais and Boulogne had fallen, so the only port available to the BEF was Dunkirk, where literally thousands of allied troops were already congregating on the beaches, in the hope of being shipped back to England.
After destroying their guns, and trucks so that the enemy could not make use of them, the 271st Battery, walked the last few miles under continuous harassment from enemy aircraft. Trucks were destroyed by draining the oil, and running the engines until they seized, they were then set on fire. Guns were blown-up by putting an explosive charge in the breech.
On their journey to the coast, the 271st Battery could see the destruction that the Luftwaffe had brought upon the country. Towns and villages, that had deliberately been targeted, lay in rubble. Many of their civilians now with no homes left, also headed towards the coast, hopeful maybe, of escape themselves. Such was the chaos, and confusion, Robert somehow became detached from his battery, but made his way to Dunkirk, with just a handful of his comrades.
Arrival at Dunkirk
On arrival at Dunkirk, Robert could see the full extent of the trouble the BEF were in. As far as the eye could see, troops in their thousands spread along the beach, in all directions. Men in orderly lines, stretched down to the beach, and into the sea up to their necks to await embarkation. Looking along the beach towards Dunkirk Harbour where the bulk of troops were amassed, black plumes of smoke could be seen, belching out into the sky, for many a mile, where the fuel dumps were on fire.
On the beaches, the troops were totally exposed, with no cover at all. Straight away Robert went up in the dunes, and dug himself a six foot deep trench. The softness of the sand offered some protection against bombs, as only a direct hit or a very near miss would cause injury. The blast would be absorbed, so less shrapnel was scattered.
One of the most terrifying moments was when Messerschmitt’s flew parallel to the beach, strafing machine gun fire into the troops. After three long days on the beach, it was Robert’s turn to leave his trench, and join the queue to get on a ship but troops became more vulnerable out in the open beach.
The Germans were not only bombarding the BEF with shells, bombs and bullets, but with propaganda leaflets as well. They strongly advised the British (and their Allies) to put down their arms as they were entirely surrounded. However, this advice was not taken. Robert like many other BEF troops found these leaflets made excellent toilet paper.
The beaches at Dunkirk had long gradual slopes, so large naval craft could not get near to the troops. Various ideas were put into place to get troops out to the ships, one was to drive vehicles out at low tide and lined them up nose-to-tail, to form a type of pier, men could then walk across the roofs, and get closer to the ships. The evacuation became famous for all the small boats that sailed over, to ferry the troops from the beaches to ships lying off shore. This came about when an SOS was sent out to all owners of small boats between 30 feet and 100 feet in length, to help with the evacuation, known officially as operation ‘Dynamo’. Hundreds of these civilian craft including tugboats, motor yachts and cruisers, eventually came to the aid of the BEF, and played a significant part in the operation. Around a third of the total troops evacuated from Dunkirk, can thank these small craft for their safe return.
However, Robert was on a stretch of beach where not many small boats were present. So, in the afternoon of 31st May, he waded out up to his neck, and had no option, but to swim to a destroyer, and scramble aboard. Luckily, during the evacuation, the weather was excellent, and the flat-calm conditions, were a godsend.
Destroyers were a prime target for the Stuka dive bombers, especially as there were so many troops on board, and on several occasions they attacked the destroyer Robert was aboard, but luckily the bombs missed their target.
On the day of Robert’s evacuation (31st May), a total of 68,014 men were rescued from the beaches, and harbour at Dunkirk, the highest daily total during the operation. The final count during the nine day evacuation was a staggering 338,226, far more than originally estimated.
It was later discovered that the German High Command had halted their Panzer Divisions for a three days from 24th May, when they got to the River Aa, west of Dunkirk. We can only guess, what would have happened to the BEF, if the Panzers had continued their onslaught. Historians to this day, still debate why this happened.
Daily Totals Evacuated from Dunkirk
| Date | From Beaches | From Harbour | Daily Total |
| Mon 27 May | – | 7,699 | 7,699 |
| Tue 28 May | 5,930 | 11,874 | 17,804 |
| Wed 29 May | 13,752 | 33,558 | 47,310 |
| Thu 30 May | 29,512 | 24,311 | 53,823 |
| Fri 31 May | 22,942 | 45,072 | 68,014 |
| Sat 1 June | 17,348 | 47,081 | 64,429 |
| Sun 2 June | 6,695 | 19,561 | 26,256 |
| Mon 3 June | 1,870 | 24,876 | 26,746 |
| Tue 4 June | 622 | 25,553 | 26,175 |
| TOTAL | 98,671 | 239,555 | 338,226 |
Although the RAF gave good air support over the English Channel, it was still a tense and nervous crossing due to the constant threat of being torpedoed. Robert, unshaven, exhausted and starving, eventually landed at Dover late into the evening. After a cup of tea, and some food, he was sent by train to Bovington Camp in Dorset, for some much needed R&R, where he apparently slept for nearly two days!
Robert went on to serve in North Africa, the Middle East and Italy. His last battle of the war, was in Italy on 20th April 1945, near Fiorentina, when they were in support of the 1st and 2nd Punjab’s, whose mission it was to cross the River Idice. It was here in Italy, just over two weeks later, that the 271st Battery celebrated VE day.
Due to Robert’s reserved occupation as a Gas Fitter, (he worked at the Gas Works at Mill End) he was discharged in December 1945. He was safely back in Kenilworth, after a long and gruelling adventure. Robert re-enlisted in the TA until 1949, and in total, he was in the Artillery for just over 10 years.
On leave in 1942, Robert, “Bob” to his friends had met 17-year-old Doreen Beryl Jackson from Edgbaston, who was staying next door to him at School Lane in Kenilworth. After proposing to her on the pier at St Ives, they married in January 1946 at the Methodist schoolroom, Stirling Road in Edgbaston. The schoolroom was used because the church was bombed out. Their marriage produced two children, and two grandsons.
Robert Died in 2008, aged 89, and Beryl in 2019, aged 94.
Jim’s War – Jim Lewis
The war of James Walter Lewis, began when a letter dropped through the letterbox of his house in Watling Road, at the beginning of May 1940. It was from the War Office, ordering him to go to the Swift Skating ring in Coventry, for a medical. He duly attended, and was passed A1, and finally on 30th May (at the height of the Dunkirk evacuation), he received his ‘Call Up’ papers.
Jim joined the newly formed 12th Battalion of the South Staffordshire Regiment, whose headquarters were at Lichfield. He was issued with a travel warrant and a 1/- (5p) postal order (the King’s shilling), and his destination was Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. He caught the train from Kenilworth Station early one morning, and as the train went over the bridge at the bottom of Watling Road, his mother was there waiting for him, to wave him goodbye, and good luck. From this moment on, Jim would be constantly on the move.
Jim’s first stop, was at Birmingham Station, where he was confronted by hundreds of other men, who had also been recruited into this new battalion. They boarded another train and arrived at Hanley to be met by several regular soldiers and an officer. They all walked a couple of miles into the town to the depot that had been allocated for them. Here they were given a meal, a uniform, a mess tin and a bandage pack. Another train was boarded, and they eventually ended up at a stately home near Blandford in Dorset. Here, they started their basis training, and were issued with .303 Royal Enfield rifles.
After spending a couple of weeks in Dorset, the battalion was on the move again, to Burnham-on-Sea, just south of Weston-Super-Mare, in Somerset. But the battalion was quickly moved again, this time to Yorkshire to start firearms training on the .303 rifles. Jim turned out to be a crack shot, hitting 5 bulls out of 5 at his first attempt! His officer was so delighted in his performance, that he persuaded the other platoons to have a competition amongst themselves, and you’ve guessed it, Jim’s ‘A’ platoon won.
At this point the 12th Battalion was split into various units and Jim was placed in the 91st Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, and was now part of the Royal Artillery. They were given the task of training on the 40mm, Swedish made Bofors guns. The officers of the regiment noticed Jim’s leadership potential, and promoted him firstly to Lance Corporal, and then to Bombardier (Corporal) and finally to a War Sergeant (Full Sergeant). Jim was now in charge of the regiment’s Gun No.6. Bofors guns required several men to operate them, and the six gun-crews started their training on seafront at Clacton-On-Sea, in Essex. Here, they were billeted at a newly built Butlins holiday camp. Arial targets would be towed along the beach by planes, and the gun crews would attempt to hit them, whilst trying their best not to hit the planes!
Off to Bonnie Scotland
Towards the end of 1942, the regiment travelled to Dalbeattie, in the Dumfries and Galloway area of Scotland. Here, they continued training on their guns, firing their shells from the beaches at the targets into the Solway Firth. It was in Dalbeattie, that Jim met his first wife, Betty. They eventually married on the 23rd February 1943, but there was a problem, Betty was a catholic, and Jim was a protestant. So, she asked Jim to become a catholic, which he agreed to do, but this couldn’t be done straight away, due to Jim’s forthcoming deployment. The local priest allowed them to marry, but the ceremony took place in his study, not in the main body of the church. Jim officially became a catholic, about twelve months later, when he was confirmed at a church in Milan. They had no time for a honeymoon, as the regiment would soon be off to North Africa, on a troop ship from Greenock. Embarkation started on the 13th March, and sailed two days later, on Jim’s 23rd Birthday.
Jim and Betty were married for 32 years, until her un-timely death in 1975.
Invasion of North Africa – Operation Torch
The convoy consisted of 19 ships, which included 10 escorting Destroyers, Jim was on a Greek ship called the Nea Hellas. On 23rd March, when they were less than 100 miles from Algiers, the convoy was attacked by two planes, at approximately 2am. Both planes carried single torpedoes, one troop ship, the HMS Windsor Castle, was hit, but did not sink until around 5.30am. This gave three of the destroyers, precious time to rescue nearly 3,000 men from the stricken ship. Only one man was killed in the incident, but it could so easily have been many more.
Having docked at Algiers, Jim was detailed to take 40 men along the coast to Bougie to collect their Bofors guns and other equipment they needed. They didn’t travel by road to Bougie but sailed along the coast using troop landing crafts.
The 91st Regiment, was now part of the British 1st Army, commanded by General Alexandra. Their first action was when several planes were sighted, and all the guns opened up on them. Being very enthusiastic, and no doubt a ‘green’ bunch of men, the gun that Jim commanded ended up firing many more rounds than all of the others put together. When the officer came to check on how many rounds Jim’s gun had fired, he told him 106, the officer nearly had a fit, and was not best pleased with Jim. The other five guns barely shot 20 rounds between them!
Friendly Fire
The regiment left Algeria, and travelled to Tunisia where they took part in the final stages of the Tunisian Campaign. On one particular day they were ‘dug-in’ along the side of a valley near Tunis when the guns opened up on 3 single seater fighter planes which were flying low down the centre of the valley. Jim ordered his gun-crew not to fire as he recognised them as Hurricanes, not Messerschmitt 109’s. They were more bulkier than the streamlined 109’s, also the British Roundel (circular insignia), on the side of the planes, was clearly visible. After the firing had ceased, a bad-tempered battery officer came to see why Jim’s gun had not fired at the planes, so Jim explained why. But the officer was adamant they were 109’s, and told Jim he had not heard the last of it. The officer returned later, but with an apology, the planes were indeed Hurricanes, not 109’s. Apparently, the divisional HQ had been mistakenly shot upon these planes, so they had returned fire. Jim was proven correct in his judgement, but this ‘friendly fire’ incident, could so easily have turned into a disaster.
On another occasion, Jim and his gun-crew had a near miss when an enemy shell landed about 50 yards from their position. However, it exploded amongst a group of soldiers from the Royal West Kent Regiment, who had returned from the front line for some R&R. Unfortunately, several soldiers were killed in the incident, at the time they had been happily playing cards.
After months of fighting, the British entered Tunis in early May, and the last resistance from the enemy came in the Cape Bon Peninsula, where the Allies had trapped them against the coast. The refusal of Hitler and Mussolini’s to retreat from Tunisia turned out to be a fatal decision. This entrapment, and their lack of supplies, meant only one thing – the Axis were beaten. By the middle of May, the campaign in Tunisian was over, and with it, an estimated 250,000 prisoners, which including most of the Afrika Korps.
Tragedy
Following the Tunisian campaign, the 91st Regiment were ordered back to Algeria, to await their next deployment. This would eventually be Italy. Whilst in Algiers, the driver of Jim’s gun-crew was suffering from a terrible bout of piles, Jim was asked by an officer if he would drive the truck (known as a Gun Tractor), that towed his Bofors gun. He accepted the request from the officer, but Jim wasn’t an experienced driver at all, but he would give it a go. He had concerns about their ‘crash’ gear boxes, and the brakes weren’t servo assisted, so stopping these heavy-duty vehicles wasn’t easy. But Jim’s decision to take on the driving, would haunt him for the rest of his life.
In a convoy of six vehicles, Jim was driving down a steep mountain road, which had a sheer drop on one side. He started going too fast, and lost control, the Gun Tractor rolled over onto its roof. By sheer luck, there was a telegraph pole on the side of the road, which stopped the whole lot falling into the valley before. But the tragedy of the accident was that one of Jim’s crew was killed when the metal bar across the top of the windscreen, went into his chest, killing him outright. Jim never drove a truck again.
The Itailian Campaign
In March 1944, the regiment sailed to Italy, and landed in Naples, just as the nearby Mount Vesuvius was erupting. The major objective of the Allies was Rome, but to get there, they needed to overcome the Winter Line, which was a series of German and Italian fortifications across the country. The town of Cassino was a target of the Allies, but particularly the Benedictine Abbey known as Monte Cassino. It overlooked the town, and the Allies firmly believed that it was being used as an observation post. The Americans heavily bombed it, but most of the people killed, were apparently civilians. The ruins served only to give more cover for the defenders. Several gruelling months of fighting took place, with the Polish forces taking the brunt of the casualties. When Jim’s regiment arrived on scene, they took part in the fourth and final battle of the Abbey. The Artillery put down a heavy bombardment before the infantry went in on the final push. Both the Polish and British flags were raised over the ruins, on 18th May.
After Cassino, the Allies including Jim’s regiment entered Rome after the enemy had withdrawn from the city as they were being pushed into the north of the country. In July 1944 the new Italian government signed an armistice with the Allies. Mussolini however, continued to resist, and formed his own ‘Italian Social Republic‘, in the north of Italy. They fought alongside the Germans, but this new ‘government’, never amounted to more than being just a puppet state of Germany.
Regiment Disbanded
As a fighting unit, the 91st Anti-Aircraft Regiment, became inactive for several months, and eventually disbanded. The enemy’s threat from the air was now, non-existent. This meant all the men needed to find themselves other units. Whilst at a transit camp in Naples, the Parachute Regiment, were recruiting, so Jim decided to sign up for them. He travelled to a training camp near Rome, on the banks of the River Tiber, where he started his general training. Jim never got to do a parachute jump, so didn’t officially become a paratrooper. But after only a few weeks, Jim decided it wasn’t for him, so requested a transfer.
The German Army in Italy surrendered in early May 1945, and the war in Europe was over. Jim found a job as part of the administration staff of the 310 Transit Camp, in Milan. This was an ex-Italian army barracks, which was now a base for troops travelling back to the UK, on leave or de-mobilisation. Jim’s new appointment meant that he was transferred to another unit: The Royal Ulster Rifles/ London Irish Rifles, who ran the camp. He worked there for more than a year, until he returned to the UK, being de-mobbed at Aldershot barracks on 15th June 1946. Here, he was given a demob suit, and some money to see him on his way. ‘Jim’s War‘, was finally over, so it was back home to Kenilworth, and his old trade of painting and decorating.
Later Years
Later in life, he got a job in the paint-shop at Wickman Machine Tools, Banner Lane in Coventry, where he worked for over 30 years. He married his second wife, Josephine in the year 2000, and they lived in Northvale Close, not that far away from his former home in Watling Road.
Unfortunately, Jim died in 2020, two days short of his 100th Birthday, even though he had already received many ‘100’ cards from family and friends. Plus one, from Her Majesty the Queen, which was also sent to him a few days early.
