1945 News
History > Newspaper Stories 1900 - 2000 > 1940-1949
05 Jan 1945 (1) Dartford Chronicle (2) Gravesend Messenger
Desertion of Wife
Edward Shaw [b 1899] of Rosary Cottage, Stack Lane - alleged desertion of wife Peggy
05 Jan 1945 Kent & Sussex Courier
Kent Local Education Authority
Notice that council has created 13 education divisions. Division 4 covers all of Gravesend, Northfleet, Swanscombe and part of Dartford RD (Ash, Fawkham, Hartley, Longfield, Ridley, Southfleet, Stone) and part of Strood RD (Cobham, Higham, Luddesdown, Meopham, Shorne)
12 Jan 1945 Bromley & West Kent Mercury
Parliamentary Boundary Review
Advert from Boundary Commission about the division of the existing Chislehurst and Dartford seats into the following constituencies: Bexley (Bexley MB) 56,518; Chislehurst (Chislehurst & Sidcup UD, Swanscombe UD, Dartford RD) 70,749; Dartford (Dartford MB, Erith MB, Crayford UD) 69,539; Orpington (parts of Beckenham MB and Bromley MB currently in Chislehurst Division, Orpington UD) 53,352.
[The House of Commons (Redistribution of Seats) Act 1944 set up th current Boundary Commission but also instituted a minor review to split the 20 seats that were over 190% of the electoral quota of 53,110 registered voters, this included Dartford and Chislehurst seats)]
12 Jan 1945 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Sizmur - Brookes Wedding
Wedding at Congregational Church of Roy Ralph Sizmur [1922-1993] of Ash Road and Kathleen Brookes [1919-1964] of Ash. He works for J&E Halls at Dartford
13 Jan 1945 Gravesend Reporter
Local News in Brief
(1) Merchant Navy Knitting party - report for 1944; (2) Naturalist Club at WI Hall - film show; (3) Obituary of Mrs Gladys E Bignell of Colyton (funeral 20.1.45).
20 Jan 1945 Gravesend Reporter
Ash Youth Club Pantomime
Pantomine for Red Cross at Country Club by Ash Youth Club
26 Jan 1945 Dartford Chronicle
Local News in Brief
(1) Request for sweets to be sent to Country Club for childrens treats; (2) Obituary of Mrs Bignell (51) of Colyton
27 Jan 1945 Gravesend Reporter
Local News in Brief
The Late Mrs Oldrey
"In the passing on Friday at the age of 80 of Mrs Rosalie E Oldrey, of The Limit, Hartley, the parish has lost one of its oldest and most beloved personages to whom the churches and all social functions are indebted, for willingly given and valuable services. An accomplished pianist, her services were in constant demand, and she had rendered served at the organ at both the Parish Church and the Congregational Church, officiating at the latter church every Sunday morning until recently. Born at Port Elizabeth, South Africa, the deceased lady and her late usband came to reside at Hartley about 23 years ago. She had been widowed about 5½ years. The cremation was arranged to take place at Golders Green Crematorium yesterday (Thursday)."
Hartley Naturalist Club
Cine film presentation by Universities Federation for Animal Welfare. Club for under 16s has 30 members and 5 associate members over 16.
27 Jan 1945 Evening News
600 People with Five Addresses - Why Letters go Astray
"The 600 odd reisdents of the straggling isolated village of Ash hidden in the North Kent Downs, have a lot of trouble with their letters. The village has no fewer than 5 postal addresses, which causes much confusion and delay in delivering the mail. Ash is so scattered that parts of it are covered by delivery post offices at Dartford, Longfield, Meopham, Wrotham and Sevenoaks. And it's no good simply addressing letters to Ash, Kent because there is another village of the same name in East Kent."
02 Feb 1945 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Chickens for sale
"For sale, 5 Stock cockerels, Rhode; 2 goats, 1st kidders; 1 incubator, 100 egg size; hot water system. Morgan: Greycote, Manor Drive, Hartley, Longfield."
03 Feb 1945 Gravesend Reporter
Children's Entertainment
Entertainments for 140 children at Country Club
09 Feb 1945 Dartford Chronicle
Garage Fire at Church Road
Garage Fire at Church Rd, building and car destroyed
09 Feb 1945 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Great Pluck When Wounded - Hartley Gunner is 'Mentioned'
"Among those whom the King has approved should be mentioned in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy is Gunner C L Larkin [1920-2004], aged 24, only son of Mr and Mrs Larkin of Jessern, Ash Road, Hartley.
Before being called up for the Army at the age of 20, he worked for Mr Sharmoon at Trosley Towers, near Wrotham. He has 2 sisters.
Gunner Larkin went to North Africa in November 1942, with the 1st Army and was in the Tunisian campaign.
Afterwards he was with the 5th Army landing at Salerno, on September 9th, 1943, when he was wounded in the left arm and left foot.
Mrs Larkin has received a letter from Lt LW Aldous, expressing his great appreciation of her son's behaviour on the morning of the Salerno landing.
'Through no fault of anyone's, it was unfortunately quite a time before we could do more for him other than first aid,' he writes, 'He never complained, and by remaining cheerful throughout did much to enable men to carry on with their work in a calm and normal manner.'"
[1729540 Gunner Charles Leslie Larkin (1920-2001) was part of the 80th Heavy AA Regiment, Royal Artillery.]
16 Feb 1945 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Hartley Parish Council
"The clerk reported that LPTB and the Rural Council Transport Committee had arranged the extra stop asked for by the Parish Council in Ash Road above St John's Lane. Mr Gates reported on the meeting concerning post-war housing recently held at Dartford, and said the meeting contributed no solution to the question of temporary accommodation, being mostly occupied by the views of contractors and operatives on the superiority of good brick construction. The council decided to hold a special meeting to discuss how the subject would affect Hartley."
17 Feb 1945 Gravesend Reporter
Local News in Brief
(1) Obituary of Peter Newcombe of Rosyth, left Hartley 14 years ago; (2) Ratepayers Assn: discussed new war memorial, widening of roads etc
25 Feb 1945 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Junior Naturalist Club
35 attended Junior Naturalist Club, including 9 new members
02 Mar 1945 Dartford Chronicle
Home Guard Dinner
Home Guard Dinner for No 3 (Hartley) platoon at Country Club
03 Mar 1945 Gravesend Reporter
Country Club
Country Club AGM; thanks to CM Ellerby for laying out sports ground (article includes list of events)
09 Mar 1945 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Local News in Brief
(1) WI social evening includes entertainment by WI Drama Group; (2) Longfield Young Farmers Club - "About 25 members visited Joyce Green Farm and watched machine milking. Afterwards the senior members visited Mr Strickland's while the younger members went to the rhubarb sheds in Dartford. The party was led by Mr F Barker, club leader."; (3) Hazel Chisholm of Restharrow fined 10 shillings for driving when licence had expired on 5.4.1944
10 Mar 1945 Gravesend Reporter
Message from Australia
"Mr and Mrs Hoadley, of Church Road, Hartley, have received a letter from Mr H Bain of Hurstville, New South Wales, stating that their son, Stoker D R Hoadley [1924-2011], was entertained by the Penshurst Sub-Branch of the Returned Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen's Imperial League of Australia at a convivial evening held on December 23rd last. 'As I write this Christmas Day,' states the letter, 'I know that your thoughts are of him, and we join with you in praying that he will be delivered safe and sound to you before Christmas 1945. We of the 1914-1918 conflict remember the hospitality extended to us and we are determined to try and repay in some small measure that hospitality, and have therefore thrown one clubroom open to all members of the British services. The writer carried very pleasant memories of the hospitality extended to him by the people of Dartford in late 1916 and early 1917 after leaving Lincoln, where he was a case for 17 weeks. Your son is well and happy and asked me to send a note of love and remembrance to all. I conclude with wishing you and all the folks of Dartford a very pleasant and peaceful new year.' Stoker Hoadley, who is at present in New Zealand, was at one time a member of the Home Guard at Hartley and joined the Royal Navy over 2 years ago."
10 Mar 1945 Gravesend Reporter
Local News in Brief
Home Guard Good Service Awards
"Two NCOs of A Company, 19th Batt (Farningham) Kent Home Guard, have been awarded the certificate for good service. They are CSM F Smith (Longfield) and CQMS John Sale, of Hartley."
WI Social Evening
"Social Evening: As the result of a very successful social evening held at the Women's Institute £11 7s 6d was raised for St Dunstan's. After games and refreshments, the audience was entertained by members of the Women's Institute Drama Group and the Choir. An amusing ballad version of 'Widdecomb Fair' with a modern flavour left spectators weak with laughter, especially at the antics of the grey mare played by Margaret Phillips (hind part) and Lorna Willmot (front half). Two sketches 'Granny is 100' and 'Winter in Torquay' were much enjoyed, and the choir concluded with songs from 'The Maid in the Mountains'".
16 Mar 1945 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Hartley Parish Council
"Mr Charles Sizmur presided at the March meeting, when letters were read from Ash Parish Council regarding the proposed revision of omnibus services, and from Mrs Firman regarding the proposed lopping of her tree overhanging the highway. Mrs Gates reported that at a further meeting of the post-war housing conference, sponsored by Dartford Trades Council, she had been appointed to a rural district committee which would suggest improvements to the rural area and submit a list to the Housing authority. Captain Bignell pointed out that the chief needs of the district were more good houses, those already owned by the RDC having stood up to blast very well, but the present shortage of labour and material restricted any operations. Mr Bishop complained of the furring of pipes and the hardness of the water, and it was agreed that the attention of the Mid Kent Water Company be drawn to this."
23 Mar 1945 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Local News in Brief
Land for Sale at Gorsewood Road
"Hartley - for sale. Plot of land, 100 feet x 200 feet on Gorsewood Road, woodland, also a plot on Gorse Way 120 feet by 200 feet, pasture; water and electricity to both sites; price £210 each plot - Coney, Hartley Bottom, Longfield."
Tractor for Sale
For sale: iron horse tractor, plough, cultivator etc, £168 - Free, Castle Hill.
Canon Parker to Retire
"After 10 years as rector of Longfield, Canon Parker is to retire. From 1912 to 1935, Canon Parker [b 1871] was headmaster of King's School, Rochester, and he and his daughter Miss Norah Parker [1897-1962], intend to live in Rochester after his retirement. During the war he has taken an active part in Civil Defence duties in Longfield, while Miss Parker has been in charge of the first aid post at Kent House."
06 Apr 1945 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Get Together Club in Cairo
"Kent Men at a theatrical event. An amateur theatrical show of a rather sophisticated nature, with a medium hot American dance band music to round out the evening, caused Servicemen and women of the Get Together Club at Cairo to roll up in hundreds….. Kent men who enjoyed the show were.......Cpl H Skennerton RASC, Foreman's House, Longfield Hill......"
13 Apr 1945 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Local News in Brief
Lost Two Sons in War - Sad News for Hartley Parents
"News has been received by Mr and Mrs JR Stickland, the Old Downs, Hartley, that their thrid son Cpl Alfred Gordon Stickland, 20 (pictured), has been killed in action in Western Europe.
In March 1941, another son, George Norman Stickland, was killed in an air accident while serving in the RAF.
Educated at Haileybury College, Cpl Stickland joined the Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment in September 1942, and was later transferred. He went abroad in October last year, and was in the 51st Division.
His eldest brother, Capt John Charles Stickland MC RA served through the Malta campaign.
Mr and Mrs Stickland also have a girl and boy still at school." (also mentioned in Times 4.4.1945 and Reporter 14.4.1945)
[14405011 Corporal Stickland 1/7 Battalion, Middlesex Regiment died 24.3.1945 buried Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Netherlands. At the time his unit was involved in the battle to cross the Rhine]
Hartley Parish Council
"Mr Charles Sizmur presided at the monthly meeting on Wednesday last week. The question of short distance passengers on the Gravesend - Hartley bus service was again discussed. The clerk read a letter from the Gravesend engineer stating that trees were being lopped or removed from Darnley and Old Dover Road to permit the use of double deck buses on local services. This would relieve the pressure of local passengers on the country buses. The owners of overhanging trees in the Hartley area have expressed their readiness to remove them with the council's assistance. Mrs Gates reported on the recent meeting in Dartford of the post-war housing committee, which she attended as delegate, and Captain Bignell confirmed that the RDC had been allotted and secured sites for 150 temporary houses in Stone, Swanley and Horton Kirby (50 in each). The question of permanent houses was deferred for the present.... Reply was received from the Mid Kent Water Company that no further steps could be taken to soften the water supplied to Hartley, and that this was no harder than was common to all chalky districts. Arrangements were made for the repair and repainting of the council's notice boards on Hoselands Hill and Church Road."
21 Apr 1945 Gravesend Reporter
All Saints' Church Organ
(1) All Saints: organ fund for installation costs, donations to ST Carter of Rose Cottage, Church Rd; (2) Country Club Social with the Regal Orchestra; (3) Sgt John Sale of Broomfield, Ash Rd, returns from being POW
23 Apr 1945 Evening News
DFC
"has been won by Acting Squadron Leader R M Sleep of Hartley near Gravesend who has made more than 70 flights over enemy territory." [Robert M Sleep b 1918 was living at Southfleet in 1939]
27 Apr 1945 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
John Sale released POW
Sergeant John Sale returns home after being liberated by Americans from POW camp
28 Apr 1945 Gravesend Reporter
Local News in Brief
Dr Barnados Collection
Dr Barnardos house-to-house collection raises £8
Hartley Rabbit Club
Rabbit Club: 1st AGM (Mrs Gates chm; Mrs Withers, sec)
30 Apr 1945 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Bedstead for Sale
"Full size Iron Bedstead with spring and wool mattress - Apply Costen, Homestead [Tor Lodge, Church Road], Hartley, Dartford."
11 May 1945 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
VE Day Celebrations
Caught napping: Hartley, near Gravesend, arranged a meeting for Wednesday night to plan its VE Day celebrations!" (in other words a day after VE Day!)
12 May 1945 Gravesend Reporter
Local News in Brief
Longfield Entertains the Children
Longfield Village celebrated VE Day by the youngsters taking the matter into their own hands while the adults were considering what should be done to amuse them. Early in the day a group of lads with flags and bunting paraded the streets, they asked for nothing, but money and foodstuffs were thrust upon them, and the material for a bonfire was kindly given by Mr Skelton, the wood merchant, and on the woodpile a tripod was erected on which hung an effigy of Hitler. But the children had in the meantime built up an appetite; fough tables were procured and the youngsters, about 40 of them, did justice to a splendid tea in the open air by the roadside. Abundant help and provisions were forthcoming as the adults entered into the spirit of the thing. Next came sports in great variety and a large crowd had assembled by the time the fire was kindled and Hitler went up in smoke.
In the Village Hall the Scouts were preparing for a dance in the evening, complete with dance band and no entrance fee, and by 9pm the hall was crowded with joyous youth and a good sprinkling of adults.
The Parish Church was more than full at the Thanksgiving service, conducted by Canon W Parker, who used the Order of Service issued for the occasiion adding only a very short address.
Hartley Bonfire
A large crowd assembled in the evening of VE Day on the sports ground of Hartley Country Club and shortly before 10.30 there was a huge bonfire which could be seen for miles around. Afterwards it was open night in the Hall of the Club and there was dancing until the early hours, the music being provided by Mrs R Howe.
Earlier in the day All Saints' Parish Church was filled to overflowing when a Thanksgiving Service was conducted by the Rev J W Henderson (Rector)."
[Reporter 19.5.1945 said there were further Thanksgiving Services at All Saints' and the Congregational Church on the following Sunday.]
18 May 1945 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Rabbits for Sale
Rabbits and hatching eggs for sale - Townley, Hartley Cottage, Hartley Green
25 May 1945 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Local News in Brief
Hartley Rabbit Club
First show of Hartley Rabbit Club, list of winners - Mrs R Balchin, Mrs Pentland, Mrs Townley, Jean Gay, Mrs Alexander, Michael Gay, Mrs Hollands. Reporter 26.5.1945 - special prize for Mr Alexander of Cavan
Death of Mrs Geo Day
"Ebenezer Chapel, Ash was filled with relatives and friends on Tuesday to pay a last tribute to Mrs Day, widow of Mr George Day, who after a service conducted by Rev JD Vigo waw buried there beside her husband.
Mrs Day, who died on Friday, aged 73, was much loved throughout the village, where she took an active part in social life until she was obliged to relinquish her activities during her husband's illness.
The late Mr Day was a magistrate and county councillor, and one of the most prominent men in the public life of the district.
Mr and Mrs Day celebrated their golden wedding in 1941.
Over 50 years ago Mrs Day came as a bride to North Ash Manor, and when, 6 months ago, the manor was sold, whe went to live in a small house in Church Road, Hartley.
Among the flowers at the funeral was a bunch of roses from the old manor garden, sent by the present owners, Dr and Mrs Cressall." (list of mourners and picture of Mrs Day)
08 Jun 1945 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Local News in Brief
Children's Party
"About 125 children were entertained at a Victory party in the Country Club Hall, which was decorated with red, white and blue flowers. The tea committee, comprising Mrs McKenzie [b 1907], Mrs Shambrook [1879-1972] and Mrs Phillips were assisted by Mrs Hooper [1869-1959], Mrs Johnes, Miss Ling [1882-1966], Mrs Sizmur, Mrs [1889-1964] and Miss Townley [1918-1991] and Mrs Withers [??-1965]. Mr C Sizmur chairman of the parish counicl and the Rev JW Henderson spoke, and Mrs Gates and Mr Withers organised games. There was a punch and judy show and ventriloquial and conjouring entertainment. Before the children went home they had ice cream and lemonade served in bakelite picnic cups which they took away as souvenirs."
Victory Celebrations
"Hodsoll Street and Ridley held their victory celebrations on Saturday, the chief attaction being a fancy dress parade. Mr John Bolster brought out his early Edwardian motor car, and the occupants were in period costume. Mr Bert Graham produced a Victorian chaise, which was occupied by two ladies dressed in early Victorian style. There was also a penny farthing bicycle. Nursery Rhymes such as 'Mary had a little lamb', 'The old woman who lived in a shoe', 'Little boy blue', and others were portrayed. There were many original and picturesque costumes. Led by Miss Pamela Lucas as Drum Major, the Culverstone band led the procession through Hodsoll Street and back to the meadow, where sports were held. Mrs Short of Meopham and Mrs Meager of Ash, were the judges and distributed the prizes. Mrs Claud Goddard of Holywell Park, gave prizes to unsuccessful entrants. After the sports, tea was served and later there was dancing on the green, Culverstone Band providing the music."
Seaside Once More
Members of the [Ash] Social Club and friends spent an enjoyable day at Hastings on Monday.
Home Again
"Prisoners of War, Jim Young and George Ripley, both of North Ash, have arrived home."
09 Jun 1945 Gravesend Reporter
VE Day Celebrations
(1) Children's VE Party at Country Club (see article); (2) Hartley Players revived
15 Jun 1945 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Local News in Brief
Dogs for Sale
Daschunds for sale 10 guineas - Brickend, Longfield 2146.
Hartley Parish Council
"On Wednesday last week, it was reported that the gun pits on Hartley Green will be filled in as soon as labour or volunteers are available. It was also reported that the relighting by the Southern Railway of the steps at the Ash Road end of the Fawkham Station path was under consideration. The chairman, Mr C Sizmur, reported on the success of the children's victory party, and it was resolved to send letters of thanks to Mrs McKenzie (WVS), Mrs Phillips (WI) and Mrs Shambrook (Congregational Women's Guild) for their help. Mrs Gates reported complaints of the collection of the 2.30 post at Hartley PO before the advertised time and the clerk was instructed to write to the Postmaster of Dartford. Mr Bishop wrote requesting the council to take up with the Food Office the refusal of rations for the children's VE Party, in view of press reports that special rations would be granted for celebrations arranged by public authorities. He said it was not fair that individuals should give up their own scanty rations, as had been done in Hartley."
17 Jun 1945 Sunday Mirror
When Your Man Comes Home to You - Be Loving Be Patient
"…...It's difficult to know the thoughts that may be going through a man's mind when he comes home for good. Of course all men have not had equal experience of war, any more than have all civilians. Most of the men I have met say: 'There's been hell over here too, hasn't there?' when I have appeared to sympathise with them. But really they are surprised at the degree of comfort we have been able to maintain. Mrs Sims, of 8 Valley Villas, Longfield, near Dartford, Kent, whose son in law came home 3 weeks ago in plaster - he had contracted arthritis working down the mines for the Germans said: 'They don't like to hear you grumble. When I started to criticise the rationing my son said: 'You should taste real hunger.' They are not bitter about experiences of that kind until we grumble......"
[Probably Ellen Sims 1879-1954]
22 Jun 1945 Dartford Chronicle
Captain Bignell MBE
Capt C S Bignell of Colyton awarded MBE for Civil Defence work (also Reporter 23.6.45)
29 Jun 1945 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Two Men Kept Her Talking While Confederates Rifled House
"Four young men were concerned in a daring daylight robbery at The Gables, Hartley, near Gravesend, the residence of Mrs Newcomb, a widow who is deaf and lives with her two daughters.
The thieves stole a sum of money, and a quantity lof valuable articles, including jewelry, a cigarette lighter, and a wallet of stamps etc.
Mrs Newcomb, who was in the house by herself at the time, answered the back door to two men who requested a drink of water.
While these two men engaged Mrs Newcomb in conversation over their drink of water, two confederates - who had entered the house by the garden door - raided the bedrooms and study.
To make sure the two men she had been talking to found their way to the public footpath, Mrs Newcomb courteously escorted them to the garden gate, where the other two men were waiting.
The four men cordially thanked and said goodbye to Mrs Newcomb, who was not aware of the theft until some time later." (also in Chronicle 29.6.45 and Reporter 30.6.45)
30 Jun 1945 Gravesend Reporter
Local News in Brief
(1) Hartley Coop Soc - committee turned out in poll; (2) Bishop of Rochester to visit to baptise Rev Henderson's son
06 Jul 1945 Dartford Chronicle
Local News in Brief
(1) Local buses to run an hour later; (2) Summary of war from civil defence viewpoint in Dartford RDC; (3) Engagement of John L Moncrieff, son of Mr & Mrs Crofton of Spinney Corner
07 Jul 1945 Gravesend Reporter
General Election 1945
Election - large audience for Conservative candidate at Country Club
13 Jul 1945 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Youths Tricked An Old Lady
"'It is difficult to think of a more despicable thing than to steal from the house of an old lady of 80 years,' said Mrs M Ling (presiding) at Dartford on Friday, to 3 youths who appeared on a theft charge.
The accused, all of whome came from Rotherhithe were Frederick Donald Chapman [1927-2001], 17, Francis Barton 18 and a lad of 16.
All pleaded guilty to stealing articles and cash to the value of £106 10s 10d.
Evidence was given that Mrs Newcombe, aged 80, was alone at The Gables, Hoselands Hill, Hartley on June 20th, when one fo the accused knocked at the door and asked for a drink. Mrs Newcombe later went from the house to direct the accused on the way to London, and he was met by two other youths.
It was alleged that these 2 youths gained access to Mrs Newcombe's house through a spare room window while the other accused had asked for water.
Det Cons W Bone said he was in Parrock Road, Gravesend, when he saw the accused at the front door of an unoccupied house. As a result of his interview, they were later charged.
The 16 year old lad was remanded until the next juvenile court, and the two others were remanded for 21 days to appear at the next London Sessions.
Det Cons Bone was commended by the Magistrates."
Hartley Parish Council
"It was agreed on Wednesday last week to write to Capt CS Bignell congratulating him on the award of the MBE, it being the opinion of members that this was most worthily deserved. It was reported that no reply had been received from the Food Officer to the council's request to purchase rationed foods so that residents might be reimbursed with the rations they gave for the children's victory tea. A further letter is to be sent asking on what authority the Food Officer declines to issue permits, as it is understood such permits are authorised by the Ministry of Food. It was reported that £24 6s 8d had been spent on the VE Day Fete, leaving £36 13s 4d to be refunded to the rating authority out the grant of £61. The postmaster wrote stating that the time of collection of letters from Hartley Post Office had been deferred from 2.30 to 2.40pm. Members noted with pleasure the improved bus services."
10 Aug 1945 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Northen - Townley Wedding
Marriage at All Saints' Hartley of Captain Basil Northen RE [1916-1994] of Rutland to Junior Commander Mollie Elizabeth Townley [1923-2016] of Hartley Cottage, where reception for 40 was held.
07 Sep 1945 East Kent Gazette
Author's Cottage?
"The roof of a dilapidated stone cottage at Hartley, Gravesend, in which Daniel Defoe is believed to have written 'Robinson Crusoe' has fallen in. Villagers want the cottage to be restored and a plaque placed on it."
[This is very unlikely to be Defoes Cottage, as it was probably built in the early c19th]
02 Oct 1945 Daily Mirror
Shooting Charge
"Lieutenant Leonard John Michael Burns [1920-1999], 25, of the Wiltshire regiment, stationed at Wrotham pre-OCTU training camp, Kent, was remanded at Northfleet yesterday, charged with shooting Mr Harry Brunt of Manor Drive, Hartley near Gravesend in the foot. It was stated that Burns was talking to friends, including Brunt, in an inn when he told them he was in trouble, pulled out a revolver and fired it."
12 Oct 1945 Daily Mirror
Woman Aged 82 is to wed man of 38
"A woman of 82 and a man of 38 are to be married soon 'for companionship'. The woman is Miss Florence Treadwell of Rats Castle, Darenth, Kent, the main Mr Leonard Lee.
Mr Lee has been living as a paying guest at Miss Treadwell's for 3 years. The banns were called in Darenth Church in August. There was a rumour in the district that the couple had eloped and got married. But this is not true. It arose because they left Rats Castle a few days ago. But yesterday Miss Treadwell told me 'We are not married and we have not fixed the date yet.' Miss Treadwell said she would have marreid years ago, but her parents needed her and she looked after them. The man she would have married has been dead for 2 or 3 years.
Miss Treadwell said her age had been given incorrectly. She was, she said, not more than 20 years older than Mr Lee. But Mr E T Wade, of the Post Office, Green Street Green, a village near Darenth, assured me that Miss Treadwell, who is his sister in law, would be 83 next February. And the rector of Hartley, Kent, where Miss Treadwell was born, told me that in his register he found that a Florence Treadwell was baptised at Hartley Church on February 22, 1863.
Miss Treadwell consented to be photographed in the garden of Royle Cottage, Boughton, near Faversham, Kent, where she and Mr Lee are staying. At my request she went in and asked Mr Lee 3 times to come out, but he would not." (picture of Miss Florence Treadwell).
[They were married in 1945 Q4 in Dartford Registration District. She might have been a lot older but in fact she outlived her husband. Leonard died in 1954, Florence died in 1956 at the age of 93]