On a day of gales and squally rain looking out Bridlington Bay looked more like the North Cape but members enjoyed an excellent lunch in the comfort of the Expanse Hotel.
The speaker was Michael Fearon, a Filey resident and former pupil of Bridlington School, who spoke about World War 2 in Filey and Bridlington. Both towns were especially affected because of their being next to the sea and their proximity to Germany. They were therefore more susceptible to air raids and the possibility of invasion. Bridlington suffered 600 air raid warnings, 30 air raids in which 24 people were killed and 100 houses bomb damaged. Four parachute mines were dropped on the town. Because both towns are sea side resorts many were evacuated from cities, mainly Hull and Middlesbrough. Filey accepted 1 300 evacuees, Bridlington approximately 2 900 though after about 6 weeks the majority returned home. Empty holiday accommodation was also used by military personnel so that Filey and Bridlington almost became garrison towns.
By 1943 – 44, because the Wolds countryside resembled Normandy, the area was extensively used for rehearsals for the D day landings. The speaker added a fascinating personal story of having met Field Marshall Montgomery at Bridlington School when he inspected military personnel and the school’s JTC. At a later date when stationed at Catterick Michael was spoken to at another inspection and asked by the Field Marshall where he came from. Montgomery said “I’ve never been to Bridlington!” Michael was able to correct him and refer to the earlier inspection on the school field.
The speaker referred in detail to the effect of blackouts, rationing, fuel restrictions, restrictions in the use of beaches and piers and of the mining of waters and cliffs. He also referred to the Home Guard Group who were led by Tommy Alderson, who became the first winner of the George Medal.
Mr Fearon referred to the use of Carnaby Aerodrome as an emergency landing strip and how, on 22 December 1944 a combination of 92 Liberators and Flying Fortresses had landed there! A spectacular sight for the locals no doubt!
The vote of thanks for a fascinating talk which brought back many memories for the more elderly members was given by Cyril Dawson.
The speaker was Michael Fearon, a Filey resident and former pupil of Bridlington School, who spoke about World War 2 in Filey and Bridlington. Both towns were especially affected because of their being next to the sea and their proximity to Germany. They were therefore more susceptible to air raids and the possibility of invasion. Bridlington suffered 600 air raid warnings, 30 air raids in which 24 people were killed and 100 houses bomb damaged. Four parachute mines were dropped on the town. Because both towns are sea side resorts many were evacuated from cities, mainly Hull and Middlesbrough. Filey accepted 1 300 evacuees, Bridlington approximately 2 900 though after about 6 weeks the majority returned home. Empty holiday accommodation was also used by military personnel so that Filey and Bridlington almost became garrison towns.
By 1943 – 44, because the Wolds countryside resembled Normandy, the area was extensively used for rehearsals for the D day landings. The speaker added a fascinating personal story of having met Field Marshall Montgomery at Bridlington School when he inspected military personnel and the school’s JTC. At a later date when stationed at Catterick Michael was spoken to at another inspection and asked by the Field Marshall where he came from. Montgomery said “I’ve never been to Bridlington!” Michael was able to correct him and refer to the earlier inspection on the school field.
The speaker referred in detail to the effect of blackouts, rationing, fuel restrictions, restrictions in the use of beaches and piers and of the mining of waters and cliffs. He also referred to the Home Guard Group who were led by Tommy Alderson, who became the first winner of the George Medal.
Mr Fearon referred to the use of Carnaby Aerodrome as an emergency landing strip and how, on 22 December 1944 a combination of 92 Liberators and Flying Fortresses had landed there! A spectacular sight for the locals no doubt!
The vote of thanks for a fascinating talk which brought back many memories for the more elderly members was given by Cyril Dawson.