1941 News
History > Newspaper Stories 1900 - 2000 > 1940-1949
03 Jan 1941 Somerset Guardian
Boy's Temper Costs £2,250
"Charged with sabotage, John William Day [1923-2007], aged 17 of Mile End Green, Longfield, Dartford, was sent for trial at Dartford on Monday. Bail was allowed. It was alleged that Day cut the main belt of a board machine at the works of Plaster Products Ltd Greenhithe. Prosecuting counsel said there was no suggestion that Day's action was intended to assist the enemy. It was probably due to temper, spite and thoughtlessness. Many working hours had been lost, and the loss of production would amount to £2,250. Evidence was given that Day had made a frank confession to the police, saying he wanted to get away from the job because he did not like the charge hand."
Daily News 25.2.1941 said he was sentenced to 9 months imprisonment at the Kent Assizes. "Mr Justice Asquith said that he was reluctant to send a young person to prison but acts of sabotage on machinery producing things of national importance could not be treated leniently."
10 Jan 1941 Dartford Chronicle
Spitfire Fund
Spitfire fund now £66, £34 of which raised by Country Club
11 Jan 1941 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Hartley Parish Council Meeting
Parish Council – Mr Gable coopted in place of A E Edward, who had resigned
18 Jan 1941 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Local News in Brief
(1) Former Old Downs school pupil C S Moseley successful in exam for naval cadets special entry (executive and engineering). [in 1945 he was Lieutenant on HMS Liverpool]; (2) WI Fruit Preserving Scheme (see article); (3) Razor blade famine in Kent
18 Jan 1941 Kent Messenger
Local News in Brief
(1) "Ministry of Information" - A film show, given by the Ministry of Information Regional Film Unit, was held in the WI on Thursday last week. In addition to 'War and Order', 'Raising Sailors', 'Britain can take it' and other films dealing with wartime conditions, the NFWI handicrafts film 'Quilting" was shown."; (2) "Hartley Cricketer Weds - A popular member of Hartley Cricket Club and the local Home Guard unit, Mr Kenneth William MacDonald [1913-1955], son of Mr and Mrs W MacDonald, Newbury, Hartley, was married at Hartley Parish Church on Saturday, to Miss Nellie Eva Gray [1911-1995], daughter of Mr and Mrs D T R Gray, Brumleigh, Hartley (picture)....." Service conducted by Rev Lenton and 30 attended reception at WI hall. Gift of pewter dish from members of Hartley Cricket Club, for whom the bride's father and brother (Cadet J H Gray) had played and she had supported.
Late Mrs Bennett
Funeral of Mrs Harriet Bennett of Gladstone Cottages [44], Essex Road, aged79, died at her daugher Mrs J Rich's home at Dartford. Death occurred on her husband's 82nd birthday.
25 Jan 1941 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Adverts
Adverts: (1) Rooms to let – Mrs Foster, 3 Ash Road; (2) Morris Nine car 1930 for sale £4 – St Anthony’s (now Knoll Cottage), Ash Road
01 Feb 1941 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Local News in Brief
WI Fruit Preserving
"Nearly all the produce preserved by Hartley and Ash Preserving Depot during July, August and September has now been sold. Nothing is left of the 16cwt 32lb of jam, nor the 1 cwt 6 lb of jely, and only a few bottles of damsons out of the 1,166 bottles remain unsold! It is owing to the untiring efforts of the managing committee and voluntary helpers from Ash and Hartley WIs that nearly 31 cwt of local fruit which would otherwise have been wasted has been preserved for the benefit of the public."
[Miss Chisholm of Hartley WI also explained the scheme to Eynsford WI (Kent Messenger 15.5.1942)]
Adverts
Adverts: (1) Breeding rabbits and hatching eggs for sale – Glebe Cottage, Hoselands Hill; (2) Wagoner seeks situation – Hodges, Gun Station, Church Road
07 Feb 1941 Dartford Chronicle
Medical Officer
Dr Evelyn Scott of Old Downs made deputy medical officer
08 Feb 1941 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Conscientious Objectors' Tribunal
"Robert William Cheesmur (20), a former farm hand, of 1 Ash Road, Hartley, Longfield, sought exemption on religious grounds. He was registered as a conscientious objector, provided he remained in his present occupation, or took up other full time work on the land, civilian ambulance or ARP work.
[Mr Cheesmur (1920-2007) held sincere religious beliefs. He went to Nigeria as a missionary in 1955, before emigrating to Canada. A tree is planted in his memory at Didsbury, Alberta.]
08 Feb 1941 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Fire Watching
"At a meeting on Saturday in the Congregational hall, called by the head Warden, Mr H T Penney, methods of dealing with incendiary raids were discussed. Although about 70 people attended, 50 of whom had already volunteered, it was stated that the wardens' plan for watching all the 250 scattered houses in the parish would need at least 150 volunteers if the length and frequency of the shifts were not to be unduly burdensome. The matter was referred to a further meeting this Saturday, and meantime, neighbours have been organised into 13 groups covering the whole parish, and are to try out systems of keeping watch during 'alerts'. Each group is provided with at least one stirrup pump, and such other fire fighting apparatus as can be collected or improvised."
08 Feb 1941 Kent Messenger
Longfield News in Brief
(1) Meeting of Women's Hour club on Thursday; (2) War Weapons Week - "Longfield C of E School are aiming to raise £50 and want 50 new members. The Headmaster appeals to parents, old scholars and friends to help." (3) No Driving Licence - "At Gravesend Police Court on Monday, Charlie Millner, newsagent of Longfield Stores, was fined 15s for driving a car without a licence at Windmill Street, Gravesend on January 15th. It was stated that his attention was called to the matter when he reported to the police that he had been involved in an accident. Mr Millner said the omission was due to an oversight."
14 Feb 1941 Dartford Chronicle
Fire Watching
"A comprehensive fire watching scheme to cover the whole parish has now been put into operation. The district has been divided into 12 sections, with the following section leaders: Mr Graham, Grafton House, Hoselands Hill; Mr Carter, 6 Ash Road; Mr Solly, Dunster, Ash Road; Mr Appleton, The Stoep, Fairby Lane; Mr Elphick, Annlea, Ash Road; Mr Kitto, The Black Lion; Mr Graham Wood, Hatchlands, Church Road; Miss Chisholm, Restharrow, Church Road; Mr Martin, Rona, Church Road; Mr Hemmings, Gloria, Manor Drive; Mr Soper, Glenholme, Woodland Avenue; and Mr Bishop, Little Stirrups, Church Road. Any volunteer who has not heard from his section leader should get into touch with him or her at once. More volunteers are still needed, and should apply to their nearest section leader."
15 Feb 1941 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Local News in Brief
(1) Dartford A Town of Book Lovers, 25.6% of population borrowed books, compared with 16.9% nationally; (2) Parish Council – KCC have withdrawn objections to widening St John’s Lane; (3) Issue of phone books to residents suspended; (4) Hartley Fire Watching - Arrangements are now in operation in several of the sections. The chief warden has delegated the control to Mr Brain [John E Brain of Selworthy, Church Road. An ample supply of sand and bags is available.
22 Feb 1941 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
WI Digs for Victory
"Nine members of the WI took part last Thursday in a cooperative effort to salvage the waste piece of ground at the back of the WI Hall. The ground was double trenched in approved style, and it is hoped shortly to be able to sow root crops and salads as a small, though valuable, contribution to the agricultural campaign. Those taking part in operations were Mrs Barrow, Miss Boorman, Mrs Cook, Mrs and Miss Chisholm, Mrs Gates [Margaret Joan Gates of Wild Garth, Fairby Lane], Miss Rugbys, Mrs Jones and Miss K Townley [Kathleen Mary Townley, b Lewisham 1919], ably supported by an interested group of onlookers."
28 Feb 1941 Faversham News
Kent Air Heroes - Some more awards
"A list of awards to members of the Royal Air Force includes the names of several men with Kent associations. The Distinguished Flying Cross has been awarded to Flying Officer Michael James Carr Harwood of No 83 Squadron. He was born at Hartley, Kent in 1920 and was educated at Margate College, receiving his commission in 1938....." [Sevenoaks Chronicle 21.2.1941 adds he had a wife who lived in Blackpool]
01 Mar 1941 Kent Messenger
Longfield News in Brief
On Duty - "Fire watching duties have been started by volunteers from Pesert [Pescot] Hill to the bungalows. Much interest has been caused during the week by the AFS taking a bomb from door to door for collections for War Weapons Week."; (2) Jumble sale by ladies of ARP HQ Kent House raise £13 in Jumble Sale for War Weapons Week.
07 Mar 1941 Dartford Chronicle
Local News in Brief
(1) William G Amos of Hartley Green - cycle lamp too bright; (2) £3,810 invested at Hartley PO during war weapons week; (3) Country Club - auction sale raises £38 to war weapons week. AGM - directors LC Troughton and FA Howe reelected, WJ Bye resigns as director, Mr Dallen elected in his place. Part of club let to Kent Education Committee as a school.
08 Mar 1941 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
War Weapons Week
"Hartley's share in Dartford and District War Weapons Week totalled £3,810 - considerably more than expected. The greater part of the effort consisted in purchases of certificates, bonds etc in quite small amounts, and some light was thrown on the often asked question "Where did it all come from?" by a remark of a post office official that some of the banknotes passing through his hands had undoubtedly a faint, old world aroma, suggesting that they had lain some while hidden in mattresses or the proverbial stocking! Good business was done through the voluntary selling counters at the school and the Cooperative shop, and local savings groups were active. In addition to the Whist Drives a popular wind up to the week was a Dutch Auction with Mr D N Dallen as auctioneer, in the Country Club, while the competition for the autographed cricket bat, presented by Mr Dallen, and a gramophone, helped to swell the funds. The Women's Institute invested £10 of its balance in Defence Bonds, and Women's Constitutional Society, who had made a similar investment previously, deposited the remainder of its funds in the Post Office Savings Bank." [The Kent Messenger of 15.2.1941 records the gift of the cricket bat, signed by the Australian and English men's and women's test teams. The paper of 1.3.1941 reported on Whist Drives attended by 50 and 76 respectively. The paper of 8.3.1941 also recorded that the total for the whole of Dartford Borough and Rural District was £469,000, while Longfield parish collected nearly £1,800. People were not giving money to the government but lending it by buying savings certificates.]
14 Mar 1941 Dartford Chronicle
No Bicycle Light
Peggy Day of Downs View, Ash Rd - no bicycle rear light
22 Mar 1941 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Hartley Annual Parish Meeting
"At the annual meeting on Saturday Mr Charles Sizmur presiding, expressed thanks to all the inhabitants for their enthusiastic work during Dartford and District War Weapons Week, which resulted in the splendid total of £3,810 being invested locally - about £4 per head of the population, and one of the best results in the Rural District. Further money, amounting to £53, was raised by various social activities. Two whist drives, organised by Miss Barker, realised £14 2s. The amount contributed by the scholars and teacher of the Hartley C of E School reached the fine totaL of £160 7s. Mr Sizmur also voiced thanks for the splendid response to all calls for civil defence, and hoped that the relativey few individuals who were still not helping would be ispired by this example to join in. Mrs Gates, on behalf of the Women's Institute, drew attention to the fact that fruit preservation had been entrusted by the Ministry of Food to the National Federation of WIs, to be organised by them on a cooperative basis, and that non-institute members were to be appointed on the Village Sub-Committees. Mr Sizmur informed Mrs Gates that the Council were already considering the matter in which they were much interested and would shortly nominate a member to join the Institute Sub-Committee. In reply to Mr Phillips, Mr Sizmur said that the Kent County Council had at last approved the St John's Lane widening scheme, and that a meeting with the landowner had been arranged. It was hoped that a temporary footpath inside the hedge woud thus be provided for pedestrians until such time as it became possible to widen the road. Mr Cuff and Capt Bignell thanked Mr Sizmur for his indefatigable efforts in organising War Savings Week. Thanks were also expressed to Mr Fielder, Hartley's Postmaster, in appreciation of the large amount of work involved in handling the deposits."
22 Mar 1941 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Local News in Brief
Adverts: (1) Egg sittings – Mrs Stickland, Old Downs; (2) Store pigs for sale – Coney, Hartley Bottom
04 Apr 1941 Times
Obituary of George Norman Stickland
Death of Air Cadet George Norman Stickland, b 4.7.1922
05 Apr 1941 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Country Club Dance
150 attend dance at Country Club to send cigarettes to local POWs.
11 Apr 1941 Dartford Chronicle
Obituary of George Norman Stickland
Obituary of Air Cadet George N Stickland of Old Downs (18)
19 Apr 1941 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Mr and Mrs George Day celebrate Golden Wedding
The many friends they have made throughout Kent during a long life of public service will congratulate Mr and Mrs George Day (pictured) on their golden wedding anniversary, which they celebrated on Monday at their home at North Ash.
Mr and Mrs Day were married at the Baptist Chapel, Meopham, on April 14th 1891. Mr Day was then farming at North Ash, where he and his wife have lived ever since. Their children and grandchildren were present at a family gathering on Monday, to mark the occasion.
Mr Day was for 18 years a member of Kent County Council; for 46 years a member and 17 years chairman of Dartford Rural Council; and for 47 years a Dartford Guardian, for three being chairman of the Board. During the last war he was chairman of the Kent War Agricultural Committee and of the Dartford Military Service Tribunal. He is a Justice of the Peace.
Mrs Day founded the Women's Hour at Ash Chapel, was at one time secretary of the Women's Institute, and also a member of the child Welfare Committee."
26 Apr 1941 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Hartley Refugee Association
"The annual meeting was held on Saturday, Mr C Sizmur presiding. The Hon Treasurer Mr Gomer Davies, reported that though there had been some reduction in the subscriptions, they had come to the end of their second year with a satisfactory balance in hand. Mr Gates, Hon Secretary, reported that the refugee for whom the association was caring was now a young man, nearly 16 years old and 6 ft high, and that he was about to sit for the General Schools Examination at Dartford Grammar School, on which they had every hope he would gain exemption from matriculation. Harry Leucht has done well in mathematics, speaks and writes excellent English and had expressed the wish to be naturalised as an Englishman when he comes of age. The committee recommended that, after the examination, a suitable job should be found for Harry, and the meeting agreed that this was desirable. The officers were reelected, and Messrs J L Cook, F Townley and Mrs Cuff were elected to sit on the committee."
03 May 1941 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Obituary of Clara Hannah Maria Greenwood
Obituary of Miss Clara Hannah Maria Greenwood, 83, of “Pleasant” (now Copthorne), Ash Road, retired teacher. She had lived in Hartley for 4 years.
03 May 1941 Kent Messenger
Well done!
£107 raised to buy wool for ARP (Kent House) Wool Fund since November 1939. 657 articles knitted for forces.
Late Mrs Tom Crouch
Aged 86 of [53] Essex Road, known as "Aunt Mary". Belonged to Women's Hour and Longfield Bethel.
Welcome Gift
"By a series of competitions and collections held at the Railway Tavern, 49 Longfield men now serving in the forces have received 1s 8d for cigarettes [enough for about 30 cigarettes]
10 May 1941 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
War Savings
Total war savings – Dartford £1.13m, Gravesend £1.12m
23 May 1941 Dartford Chronicle
Kent Emergency Land Corps
Advert for recruits to Kent Emergency Land Corps
07 Jun 1941 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Morgan - Temple Wedding
Wedding of Thomas W Morgan of Greycote, Manor Drive and Dorothy Temple [Dorothy Evelyn Morgan 1916-1997] of Oaklands, Church Road, they are to live at 2 Rose Cottages [61], Essex Road, Longfield (also Dartford Chronicle 6.6.1941)
07 Jun 1941 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Adverts
Adverts: (1) 1933 Wolseley Car for sale £50 – Woodlands, Ash Road; (2) Home Lodge (now The Bex), Ash Road to let – A V Baker, 47 Devonshire Road, Weston super Mare [Albert Victor Baker 1887-1961]
03 Jul 1941 Times
Will of Frances Kirke
Will of Miss Frances Elizabeth Chandos Kirke (£6,673 net) details of charitable bequests (also Dartford Chronicle 11/7/41)
04 Jul 1941 Dartford Chronicle
Local News in Brief
(1) Achibald W T Deering [1916-1997] of Gwenjonal, Church Rd - speeding; (2) Obituary of chairman of Dartford RDC written by Capt Bignell; (3) Cooperative Fruit Preserving Centre at WI Hall
18 Jul 1941 Dartford Chronicle
Local News in Brief
(1) John Coulson of Ash Rd - left car unattended and unlocked (also Chronicle 8.8.1941); (2) Philip N Payne of Windermere, Church Rd - allowed uninsured driver to drive car
01 Aug 1941 Dartford Chronicle, Kent Messenger
Captain Bignell Chairman of Dartford RDC
"New Chairman of Dartford RDC - Captain C S Bignell appointed
At the meeting of Dartford Rural Council on Tuesday, Captain C S Bignell of Hartley, was appointed chairman in succession to the late Mr F W Ladds, and Mr G W Smith was appointed vice-chairman.
The Rev Stanley Morgan, in agreeing with the appointment of Captain Bignell, said he would do so on condition that Captain Bignell gave up the chairmanship of two committees, the Emergency Committee and the Town Planning Committee, as he did not think it was usual for the chairman of a council to hold the chairmanship of committees as well.
Mr Walter Wright said he agreed with the Rev Morgan's remarks, particularly as Captain Bignell, as chairman of the Emergency Committee, was holding a position of profit.
Captain Bignell strongly resented the suggestion and said he had not drawn the £50 voted to him, which was in respect of expenses. He had only drawn out of pocket expenses in connection with the work and was really out of pocket over the business.
[Captain Bignell was Hartley's district councillor. He was clearly angry that Longfield's councillor Walter Wright said he shouldn't be chairman when he was holding an office of profit as a paid chairman of another committee. This doesn't appear to be the end of the matter, for Walter Wright was also clerk to Hartley Parish Council and Captain Bignell was a parish councillor too. That council sacked Mr Wright a couple of months later on what many people thought were trumped up charges.]
01 Aug 1941 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Hartley Manor Farm Sale
"Hartley Manor Farm, near Longfield, Kent, 3 miles Meopham, 4½ miles Dartford
Sale of the Valuable Herd of 32 Tuberculin Tested Dairy Cows and Heiffers (the majority of which are Guernsey), 7 Guernsey Heifer Buds, Guernsey Stock Bull, Dairy Shorthorn Bul, 15 months; 8 Guernsey Bull and Heifer Calves, 9 Large and middle white sows (in and with pigs), 5 middle white boards.
Also the superior dairy equipment, which includes 9 galvanised and wooden corn bins, 6 domed milking pails, bottle crates and carriers, capping and bottling machines, wash up bins by Perkins, vertical diesel boiler with oil storage tank by Perkins, Electrolux refrigerator, sterilising cabinet by Perkins, churn steriliser by Perkins, milk weighing scales, ocolers and hoppers, Alfa Laval and Diabolo separators, 5 gross glass milk bottles, 2 pig weighing machines, Austin 7 delivery van etc
Which Messrs E J Parker and sons will sell by auction on the premises by instruction from D N Dallen esq (who is giving up keeping stock) on Monday 11th August 1941, at 2pm...
[As we shall see, Mr Dallen was not leaving the farm, just giving up stock keeping.]
15 Aug 1941 Dartford Chronicle
Local News in Brief
(1) Parish Council - Mr Meddick resigns over winding up of Ash Rural Sanitary Committee [Herbert Henry Meddick 1872-1961]; (2) Country Club Whist Drive for Navy Comforts
03 Sep 1941 Daily Express
Some HGs refuse Sunday Parade
"Some members of Hartley platoon of Farningham Home Guard are declining to attend Sunday parade, but are doing their patrols. The trouble arose when a young man in the district was appointed a platoon officer. Members of the platoon did not approve, and a petition was organised and forwarded to the battalion CO. On the last two Sundays platoon attendance at parade has been under 10.
I spoke last night to Second Lieutenant Derek Dallen, 29 year old farmer, recently appointed platoon officer of Hartley Home Guard. 'Some members of the Home Guard do not approve of your being selected as an officer?', I asked. He replied: 'I did not apply for the post. I was appointed, and I propose to carry out my orders. I certainly shall not resign. I consider only my duty, and I am not interested in personal feelings.'
A member of the Home Guard told me: 'We do not object to Mr Dallen because he is a young man. At the same time there are experienced men with frontline service who have been passed over. But the majority of our platoon are young men who were not old enough to serve in the last war, and yet there is undoubtedly this feeling against Mr Dallen's appointment. Our sergeant has urged us to consider the national interest, and for that reason we are doing our pickets and our regular weekly duties, but we are not attending Sundary parades.'
The CO of the Hartley Home Guard is Brig-General T A Andrus, who is a Home Guard major. At his house, Hartley Court, I was told last night: 'Brig-General Andrus is not here, and in any case the matter is being considered by higher authorities.' "
05 Sep 1941 Dartford Chronicle
National Day of Prayer
All Saints - national day of prayer; collection for Lord Mayor of London's distress fund
19 Sep 1941 Dartford Chronicle
Local News in Brief
(1) Archibald W T Deering of Church Rd denies paternity of child by Miss Edith R Clark (18) [Archibald William Thomas Deering 1916-1993]; (2) Ratepayers Association founded; chairman DTR Gray; secretary C D Mayley of The Baytrees, Gorse Way; (3) Boy guilty of "abominable cruelty" to dog - discovered by Mr Campkin of Cherry Orchard and Mrs Allkins of The Glebe; (4) Rural Youth Movement: first sports meeting includes Hartley
19 Sep 1941 Daily Mirror
Sacked HG will arm with sticks
"Men in civvies carrying cudgels and broomsticks may replace the armed battle dressed Home Guards who nightly patrol the lanes about the village of Hartley (Kent). That is, if an order to disband the platoon which takes effect tomorrow is not withdrawn.
The order is the outcome of a petition from the 41 NCOs and men against the commissioning and appointment as second-in-command of a farmer, Deryck Dallen, 29.
The petition was sent to the Battalion CO Colonel Moseley. A platoon meeting was called and the other ranks were asked to carry on. But they were not satisfield. They still did their night patrols, but refused to attend Sunday parades, at which the new officer would be present.
A meeting of the platoon is to be called next week to discuss future plans. In the meantime..... "The matter is being decided by superior authorities." Brigadier General T A Andrus Home Guard Major, Company Commander who signed the disbandment order said yesterday."
26 Sep 1941 Dartford Chronicle
Home Guard Disbanded
Home Guard to be disbanded due to objections to appointment of Deryck Dallen as 2nd in command (3.10.41 - to be reformed)
27 Sep 1941 Daily Mirror
Village to fight the WO
"They refuse to accept a Whitehall decision that their Home Guard platoon be disbanded, and three of the villagers have been appointed to tell the war lords that they can't do this to Hartley.
The trouble started when the forty men who comprise the village platoon decided that they disapproved the appointment of local farmer Deryck Dallen as their commanding officer, choice of the village socialites.
They agreed among themselves to carry on with their nightly patrols, but refused to attend parades and asked for Mr Dallen's resignation.
The War Office backed Mr Dallen, and told him to stay put. As the villagers remained stubbon, the platoon was disbanded.
That was on Thursday. Last night, the villagers crowded the Parish Hall, and raised their protest against Whitehall dictatorship. Mr Gray, the chairman, said: "We are in a neighbourhood where we may bete a lot of parachutists and we can't depend on neighbouring platoons."
"If it is a matter of going to to War Office and stirring up trouble, we must press this home", said a villager.
Timid souls who suggested that the War Office woudl not rescind a decision were scorned. Hartley refused to ask, as a compromise, for the reforming of the platoon. Hartley wants its own platoon restored."
03 Oct 1941 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Disbanded Platoon now gets satisfaction
(Page 1 headline) "Hartley, near Dartford, learned with satisfaction this week that a local platon of the Home Guard, which had been disbanded owing to a difference of opinion regarding the appointment of an officer, is to be reconstituted. The trouble started several weeks ago, when the NCOs and men objected to the appointment of a farmer, aged 29, to be second in command of the platoon. The authorities declined to alter their decision, so the men refused to attend parades at which the new officr would be present.
In consequence the platoon was disbanded. Resenting this action the men refused to be deprived of the opportunity to defend their homes. They announced their intention of maintaining their own independent organisation, and continuing their patrols in civilian clothes, armed with whatever weapons they could obtain - even if they were only shotguns and pitchforks!
Then a meeting of Hartley villagers took up hte cudgels on their behalf. A deputation, consisting of Mr D T R Gray, Mr B Passmore-Bishop and Mr A Soper, was apponted to interview the Home Guard authorities and ask for a reversal of the disbandment decision. Their deputation went to Farningham on Sunday, and saw the Home Guard Zone Commander, who after matters had been explained to him, agreed to reconstitute the platoon not later than October 15th. A meeting of the former NCOs and men has since been held. at which a report of the interview was given by Mr Gray. Satisfaction was expressed with the result. The men have won their point, for it is understood that the former is to be allowed to rejoin the platoon as a volunteer."
10 Oct 1941 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Hartley's Home Guard
"The Kent Messenger understands that the Hartley Platoon of the Home Guard, which objected to the appointment of a farmer, aged 29, as an officer, now no longer exists. It will be be recalled that consequent upon the sharp differences of opinion which arose over the likely appointment of this officer the platoon was disbanded. An apeal against the disbandment was made to a higher authority by representatives chosen at a parish meeting. The appeal was listened to sympathetically but after some consideration it was decided not to reinstate the old platoon, but to establish a new one not sooner than October 15th. Except for the platoon commander, the new platoon will be an entirely fresh organisation and members of the disbanded platoon may join if they wish, provided their services are acceptable."
24 Oct 1941 Dartford Chronicle
Home Guard Reformed
Home Guard: applications for new platoon to Lt J R Stevens, Hazel Lodge, ash Rd [James Robert Stevens 1900-1980]
31 Oct 1941 Dartford Chronicle
Blackout Offence
Deryck N Dallen of Hartley Manor Farm - blackout offence (car)
07 Nov 1941 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Highfield Poultry Farm
"Messrs Philip Champion and Sons have been instructed to sell by auction on the premises the whole of the pure bred poultry and appliances. Comprising 140 Rhode Island Red pullets, 240 Rhode Island Red one year hens, 15 sectional poultry houses, all nearly new; incubators, ????, Wire Netting and sundry appliances; 18 strong store pigs....."
14 Nov 1941 Dartford Chronicle
Hartley Ratepayers Association
(1) Ratepayers Assn - 60 at meeting, 115 members; (2) Country Club: YMCA & Red Cross Dance - RAF Dance Band Aid for Russia Whist Drive at Country Club (5.12.41); (3) No progress on Hartley School Canteen; (4) WI Drama Group (many named); (5) Protest meeting about increased rates due to cesspool emptying
14 Nov 1941 Yorkshire Evening Post
The Old Charger
"In your 'Gossip of the Day' you mention the Light Brigade and Balaclava (1854).
In 1883 I drove a gentleman to The Manor, Hartley, Kent, the residence of Colonel Evelyn. To my surprise, the groom in charge of the stables turned out to be a friend of mine, and hailed from Wilmington, where I was employed. I was shown a fine old charger that the colonel as a subaltern, rode in the famous charge of the Light Brigade.
On returning to England the charger was pensioned off, though still young. A splendid pasture wsa given to the Colonel's favourite, but he was always stabled in inclement weather.
The old charger had one very amusing trait. He would have a day's hunting. Let the West Kent fox or stag hounds be anywhere near and the cry of the hounds or sound of the huntsman's horn reach the ears of the old charger, that was enough, over the hedge he would go, have his day's hunting, always running well up to hounds.
Wherever the hunt finished was immaterial to the old horse, he would see the last of it, then make tracks for home, taking his own time, jump back into the paddock, and then make for the stable, where he knew a feed of corn awaited him.
No one at the Manor worried about him, and the hunt would have felt lost without him. The hunt seemed to get as much fun out of the old charger as they did from riding to hounds. The whole countryside knew him and he was never interfered with, no matter whose land he passed over when making short cuts for home.
In fancy I can hear the groom now, singing 'Six hundred stalwart warriors.' That was his favourite song, and no other horse in the stable, according to the groom, could be compared with the old charger, which, at the time I saw him, was well over 30 years old.
TA Acton (Burton Leonard)"
21 Nov 1941 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Local News in Brief
Girl Guides
"Hartley Girl Guide Company report a successful recruiting campaign. Hartley Brownies have found a Tawny and she will be enrolled on November 22nd.... There is urgent need for more Guiders, especially at Longfield, where it is hoped to reopen the company for local and evacuee children as soon as Guiders can be found."
Delivery Driver Wanted
"Wanted - smart strong girl or woman to do butcher's country round with motor van. No previous experience necessary; driving taught. Write with particulars of age etc, to Sizer, Family Butchers, Hartley, Nr Longfield, Kent."
28 Nov 1941 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Local News in Brief
Further Sale of Stock at Hartley Manor Farm
"Hartley Manor Farm, Hartley near Longfield, Kent - Important sale of live and dead farming stock. Including match pair of roan cart geldings (8 years old), bay cob, bay hunter, 3 cows (one with calf at foal), 2 Guernsey heifer calves (6 months).
Two single horse wagons, dung cart on pneumatics, cob size farm cart, plain and Cambridge rolls, 3 furrow Cockshutt plough, 3 iron ploughs, harrows, iron water barrel, 2 mowing machines, 2 horse rakes, swathe turner, 8 ft iron dredge, 3 corn drills, sedd borrows, hay elevator, hay sweep, self binder, iron brakes, manure distributor, tractor cultivator, trailer, corn mill, iron saw bench, 5 hp Lister engine, platform scals, protable forge, 2 stack cloths, chaff cutter, 11 iron tanks and water troughs, paraffin tnks, 5 large iron corn bins, quoiler, chain and plough harness, Fordson Tractor on pneumatics, 8 poultry houses up to 20ft x 12 ft, portable sheds, 60b ft erectio of timber and iron piggeries, 4 pig huts, 30 iron hurdles, sheep netting, barbed wire, corrugated iron glavanised feeding barrow, 70 sleepers, pig troughs, 400ft run light railway, turntable, tip wagon and flat top trolley, quantity bricks, small tools and effects whch Messrs E J Parker and Sons are favoured with instructions from Mr D N Dallen to sell by auction on Monday 15th December 1941, commencing at 11 o'clock precisely."
Car for Sale
"Morris 8 hp, excellent condition, any trial, Saturday or Sunday, taxed, insured - Powell, Valley Wood, Castle Hill, Hartley, near Longfield."
05 Dec 1941 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Local News in Brief
The Right Spirit
"Gordon Longhurst [1932-2002], aged 9 of 15 Valley Villas, has collected another £1 for the Lord Mayor's Air Raid Distress by making and selling Christmas cards. His achievement was acknowledged by the BBC on Sunday night. This is Gordon's second effort in a few weeks."
Dartford Rural District Council
Meeting fixed Sunday opening for cinemas at 4pm. Rev Stanley Morgan complained that this was affecting Sunday School attendance. No progress yet on provision of School Canteens at Hartley, Swanley and (West) Kingsdown, County Council say they are waiting a report.
09 Dec 1941 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Obituary of Edward Wellard
Funeral held at Meopham for Edward Wellard of Elim, New Road, aged 85. Born in Hartley, he lived in Luddesdown for 60 years, being appointed postmaster there before 1914 to his retirement in 1937.
12 Dec 1941 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Council Asked to Resign
Council Asked to Resign
Council Asked to Resign
"At a parish meeting held at the WI Hall, Hartley, a resolution was passed, asking the parish council to resign and 'permit the of the representation of the parish in conformity with the wishes of the electorate.' It was proposed by Mr G Moore and seconded by Mr HS Bennett. Another resolution, proposed by Mr Gray, condemned the action of the parish council in proceedig with its apparent intention to terminate the appointment of the clerk (Mr W Wright) and protested against the suggested proposal to spend public money in seeking legal advice. Disapproval was expressed of the action of the parish council in asking the Dartford Rural Council to undertake the emptying of the cesspits in the village, whereby the rates may be substantially increased, and it was decided to send a deputation, consisting of Messrs Penney, Mayley and Gray, to interview the Rural Council. The parishes of Ash, Kingsdown, Fawkham and Ridley are to be represented also if they wish."
Hartley Parish Council
"At the meeting on Thursday last week, Mr HT Penney wrote declining the invitation to serve as a coopted member, on the grounds that he was a signatory of the notice calling the parish meeting which had voted for the resignation of the council, although he had formerly been agreeable to serving. Mr WH Chisholm said he was surprised at Mr Penney's attitude in view of the national appeals which had been made to everyone to cooperate and avoid raising controversial issues. Miss Barker said the invitation to Mr Penney showed that the council for its part was willing to cooperate. Resolutions passed at a parish meeting called by signatories on December 2nd were next considered. The council noted with interest that the parish meeting had appointed a deputation to learn from the Rural Council what the arrangements for the future disposal of sewage involved. The proposals had, of course, been before the Parish Council at several previous meetings and they were in full agreement with the RDC. Further motions referred to their previous demands for the Council's resignation. Captain Bignell said he had no more intention of resigning than any of his fellow councillors. He understood that the Ratepayers' Association had approached the county council, and he welcomed the fullest possible enquiry, to which there was general assent. Mr WB Gable asked the clerk whether, in his experience, it was usual for the chairman of a parish council to be asked to call a meeting before electors took the discourteous course of calling it themselves. Mr Wright said it was usual in the ordinary way, but if the intention of the meeting was to attack the council they naturally would not ask. The council went into committee on a motion of Mr WB Gable that consideration be given to the determination of Mr Wright's appointment as Clerk."
[It appears this meeting is straight out of the politician's playbook of 'playing the man not the ball'. That is, attacking their opponents rather than deal with the points they raise.]
An Iced Cake!
Longfield - "Miss I Martin was the winner of the beautifully decorated iced cake which brought in £8 14s for the Merchant Navy. The cake was made by Miss Raine and iced by Mrs Winters."
Hartley Parish Council
"At the meeting on Thursday last week, Mr HT Penney wrote declining the invitation to serve as a coopted member, on the grounds that he was a signatory of the notice calling the parish meeting which had voted for the resignation of the council, although he had formerly been agreeable to serving. Mr WH Chisholm said he was surprised at Mr Penney's attitude in view of the national appeals which had been made to everyone to cooperate and avoid raising controversial issues. Miss Barker said the invitation to Mr Penney showed that the council for its part was willing to cooperate. Resolutions passed at a parish meeting called by signatories on December 2nd were next considered. The council noted with interest that the parish meeting had appointed a deputation to learn from the Rural Council what the arrangements for the future disposal of sewage involved. The proposals had, of course, been before the Parish Council at several previous meetings and they were in full agreement with the RDC. Further motions referred to their previous demands for the Council's resignation. Captain Bignell said he had no more intention of resigning than any of his fellow councillors. He understood that the Ratepayers' Association had approached the county council, and he welcomed the fullest possible enquiry, to which there was general assent. Mr WB Gable asked the clerk whether, in his experience, it was usual for the chairman of a parish council to be asked to call a meeting before electors took the discourteous course of calling it themselves. Mr Wright said it was usual in the ordinary way, but if the intention of the meeting was to attack the council they naturally would not ask. The council went into committee on a motion of Mr WB Gable that consideration be given to the determination of Mr Wright's appointment as Clerk."
[It appears this meeting is straight out of the politician's playbook of 'playing the man not the ball'. That is, attacking their opponents rather than deal with the points they raise.]
12 Dec 1941 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Women's Institute
"Miss McCrinick, assistant librarian under the KEC spoke on books, at the meeting on Thursday last wee,. Afterwards she complimented Mrs Balchin, the local voluntary librarian, on having so popularised the Hartley Library Centre that the number of borrowers had increased by leaps and bounds...."
26 Dec 1941 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Local News in Brief
All Questions are Answered Here
"Valuable work of Gravesend Citizens' Advice Bureau
An answer to every question might well be the motto of the Gravesend CAB.
Every Tuesday and Friday at the bureau headquarters at 36 Harmer Street, there is a succession of callers from every section of the community.
Opened last July, the CAB has already dealt with more than 1,000 individual enquiries.
Run entirely by volunteers, the bureau is part of the network of CABs which have been established all over the country to help people with wartime problems.
When you go to 36 Harmer Street, you are ushered into a warm and comfortable waiting room where particulars of your business are obtained.
Then you are taken upstairs to the main inquiry office which is presided over by Mrs W Ongley Miller, local hon secretary, assisted by Mrs Povey, assisant hon secretary, and Mrs RS Barrie, chairman of the committee which consists off the following ladies: Mrs Knights, Mrs Croft, Mrs Hibbs, Mrs Bennett, Miss Dunn, Mrs Lester, Mrs Austin and Mrs R Jones.
All inquiries are dealt with in a tactful and sympathetic manner.
'There is not the slightest doubt that CABs have come to stay', said Mrs Miller to a reporter. 'We deal mostly with wartime problems, but we also have many queries which could arise in peace time. When the Gravesend bureau was opened, we formed an advisory council consisting of a solicitor, insurance inspector, hospital official, inspector of taxes, relieving officer, NSPCC inspector etc, who have kindly undertaken to help us with queries. The fact that we can call on the experience of these people enables us to deal quickly with problems which might otherwise take some time to sort out.'
Mrs Miller added that great interest was being taken in the advisory council, and many inquiries as to its working and composition had been received from other bureaux, who were anxious to form them in their areas.
The Gravesend bureau has been successful in tracing several missing people. A letter was received from Canada asking for assistance in finding a relative. It was not long before he was found.
Mrs Miller is particularly grateful to the CID officers of the local police, who are always ready to give advice and help.
Most of the inquiries relate to war damage insurance and compensation, and there are also many applications for advice in regard to allowances to wives of servicemen.
A special department has been established to deal with Red Cross messages.
Questions relating to the Rent Act, hire purchase, mortgages and extra clothing coupons for children are also dealt with.
A growing phase of the work of the bureau is in relation to domestic problems.
At the moment the bureau is hot on the trail of a large quantity of potatoes which are missing from an allotment in the Home Counties.
A man who worked the allotment has to move to the Gravesend district and made arrangements for a friend to harvest the potatoes.
When this man went to dig them up, he found the military authorities had taken over the land and the potatoes were gone.
The Government pay 50 per cent of the cost of running the CAB and the other 50 per cent comes from the National Council of Social Service.
The Gravesend bureau also has a small fund of its own to help with the work.
The increasing number of sellers shows how much the services of the bureau are appreciated and it is seldom that the officers are able to get away at the normal closing time.
But this does not worry them one bit. They are happy in the knowledge they are doing a really useful job."
How Women Keep the Home Front Going
Picture feature on seven Gravesend Women and their jobs - milk round, butcher's assistant, postlady, railway porter, waste paper collectors and lorry driver.