At the recent meeting of Denmead Village Association the Chairman introduced Steve Foster, whose talk was a prequel to last year’s when he told the story of his father’s escape during World War II.
Steve’s father was in the Territorial Army, which meant that he was amongst the first to be conscripted into the regular army at the outbreak of war. Steve described in great detail his father’s training and rapid promotions, which took him to Shildon in Co. Durham, Catterick and Rosyth. On 24th December 1939 the battalion was granted Christmas leave, and this was the last time they saw their families for 5½ years. On 9th April 1940 the Germans invaded Norway, and as a member of the 8th Battalion of the Sherwood Foresters, he was sent to Norway shortly after. The British soldiers were not equipped with Arctic clothing, and as their supply vessel had been bombed by the Germans they were often cold and hungry.
The Norwegian military was ill-prepared, and during the conflict the British soldiers ran out of ammunition. On the other hand, the German army was well supplied and well equipped; they had Panzer tanks and as they advanced towards the British the British again ran out of ammunition and had to try to return to the village they had been in earlier. Some were led by Norwegians to neutral Sweden.
Many of the British were killed, and many of those who survived, Steve’s father among them, were taken as Prisoners of War and sent to Stalag 28 or Stalag XX2. Other survivors were repatriated by the Royal Navy. Those who died were buried by the Germans in mass graves with no ceremony.
This was a very harrowing story, and many of our members became very emotional on hearing of the suffering of our soldiers. Thanks to Steve for telling us his family history.
Why not join us at our next meeting on Friday 21st January at 7.30pm in All Saints Church Hall, when Andrew Negus will be telling us Part 3 of his history of Winchester? Membership costs £5 and is open to all who have an interest in Denmead. If you would like any further information, please contact the Secretary on 023 9225 2063.