50th Anniversary of Peace 1995
REDCAR & DORMANSTOWN 1939 - 1945
A BRIEF HISTORY
This is a very brief look at what occurred in the area during those troubled years. The information was gathered from books and records kept in the library at Redcar.
The Redcar season came to an abrupt end on the 3rd September 1939, when Great Britain declared war on Germany. Preparations had, though, been made since the beginning of the year in readiness.
A local National Service Committee was appointed forRedcar in January 1939 and a few months later a National Service Rally was held in the New Pavilion. Volunteers were also needed to complete Redcar's Civil Defence Service. Anderson and Morrison shelters were being hurriedly built in residents gardens and the like, as Redcar had been listed as "exposed to the liaibility of air attack". Public shelters were also erected throughout the town, one near the town clock.
In 1940 fear of invasion was rife - directions and other road signs were removed and the military authorities closed the pier in September that year. The sand dunes adjacent to the golf club were shrewn with land mines. Huge blocks of concrete were used as barricades around the town. Special permits were issued to allow people such as fisherman onto the beaches. Although all these preparations were in progress a football match was held between Redcar Albion and the Green Howards.
On the 21st October 1941, three high explosive bombs fell on the town, one killing Doctor Robinson having fallen on his house, his housekeeper was also killed by this bomb. The
second a direct hit on the Zetland Club, killing the Mayor, Alderman Charlie Harris, other Councillors and prominent citizens. That area has to this day not been built upon and is now
a rose garden opposite the Cenotaph in Coatham Road. On the 28th October of that year a combined memorial service was held at St. Peters Church for all the victims.
Warrenby Steel Works suffered several air attacks, 10 men were killed and 49 men and
women were injured during such an attack on the 15th November 1941, two months later
more bombs fell and more people were killed and injured.
Over a hundred Dormanstown residents were evacuated in December 1942 following an
air raid when a bomb failed to explode in Wilton Avenue. The last bombing of the area was on the 22nd March 1943, fortunately there were no casualties.
The unconditional surrender in Western Europe came on Tuesday 8th May 1945 and within 48 hours Redcar was alight with flags, streamers and bunting everywhere.
Tea and Street Parties all around.
The war in the Far East was still going on and many local men served in that war zone. That
war was soon to end and did so in August that year. Our thoughts are with those who didn't
return. REMEMBERED BY THE Royal British Legion |
