On 2 December, Enrico Fermi and Arthur Compton achieved the world’s first nuclear chain reaction, making atomic weapons a possibility. In North Africa, Allied forces advancing east into Tunisia met fierce resistance from German troops, while Montgomery’s army continued to push the remnants of Rommel’s Afrika Korps west from El Alamein. At Stalingrad, Soviet forces continued to squeeze the encircled German defenders.
Heavy snow came to western Caithness this week, disrupting schools across the county. Stemster School in Bower recorded the impact over several days: “30th November – Snow has fallen, but good attendance, only 2 pupils absent.” Next day: “Drifting snow, only 2 pupils present, 21 absent.” Then on 2 December, “Drifting snow, only 1 pupil present today.”
At Crossroads School, Dunnet, on 4 December “Seven children who come by car from Dunnet Head were unable to come to school for three days, as the road was blocked.”
Pulteneytown Academy, by way of contrast, had attendance problems of a different kind: “4:12:42 – As several children from various classes in the school were immunised on 30th Nov., the attendance for the week has suffered in consequence”.
The John O’Groat Journal reported this week of a new export from John O’Groats, lime shells. “While the shell sand can be utilised in lieu of lime for agricultural purposes, which can no longer be had in the North, the shells make excellent grit for poultry when properly treated. Even at the present time the larger shells, locally known as “buckies” are being made into lime by people in the district.”
Finally this week, on 30 November James Bain Swanson of Lower Toftingall, Watten, wrote to Lt.-Colonel McHardy of the Home Guard, requesting a temporary exemption from duty: “I have two cows hanging in the balance of calving, one possibly this week and the next within the next ten days, & you will appreciate the fact that I will not be able to attend the H.G. until these are delivered.” He added, “I would be a willing member of the Home Guard if I could have my way to attend, but as I am it is not humanly possible.” 
