On 15 June Germany conducted a test flight of the first jet-powered bomber, the Arado Ar 234, though the early engines proved unreliable. On 16 June the Japanese air force was defeated by over Guadalcanal Island by American fighters, losing 107 out of 120 planes. And on 18 June the Allies began to bomb Sicily and the Italian mainland, as a precursor to the forthcoming invasion.
The John O’Groat Journal reported that on Stroma’s fields this week, “Turnip sowing is getting well advanced; this week should see them all in. The hay crop is looking well on the island this year.”
The pupils of Auckengill School had to roll up their sleeves for the doctor on 18 June: “Work as usual except during this forenoon when Dr Bruce examined the children and immunised them against Diphtheria.”
A meeting of the Wick Harbour Trust this week discussed a letter from the Head Postmaster, saying that the “telephone silence kiosks” in the Fish Mart, “were being wilfully damaged and abused”, and suggesting that they be withdrawn. “After consideration the meeting decided to recommend that the kiosks remain, but that they be locked after nightfall, to prevent damage and abuse in the blackout.”
The same meeting also discussed the rotten state of sandbags at the harbour cellars. “These sandbag emplacements had been originally erected for Air Raid Protection, but were now crumbling into disfiguring rubbish.” The Trust resolved to take the matter up with the County Council.
Finally this week, the John O’Groat Journal reported the case of Robert Angus, a labourer from Watten, who pleaded guilty to having been drunk and disorderly on the bus between Thurso and Halkirk. Mr Angus had five previous convictions, but the last was in 1921. “Remarking on this fact, Sheriff Trotter said that the accused must have been converted, and it was significant that he had not been in trouble since 1921, the year that Wick went “dry”. (Smiles.) He imposed a modified penalty of 30s, or 20 days.”
Coming soon! Week 199, 21st – 27th June 1943, will be published on Monday 20th June 2016. To view previous issues please use the menus on the right hand side of the page.
Come and join us on Facebook, let us know what you think about Caithness At War, ask any questions you may have or just say hello! Click on the Facebook link below to be taken directly to our page.
