February 1940 and this is the first German bomber to be brought down on English soil. A North Eastern Gazette photograph of the ’plane after it had crashed into a farmhouse near Smeaton Castle. There is a commemorative stone to denote the situation of this event. David Richardson tells us: ”This was the Heinkel He111 that was shot down around 10.00a.m. on 3rd February 1940 at Bannial Flatt Farm, just outside of Whitby (half a mile from Sneaton Castle). The first German bomber shot down on British soil. The Luftwaffe crew were: Pilot – Fw Hermann Wilms, survived. Wireless Operator (/ Dorsal Gunner) – Uffz Karl Missy, wounded in both legs but survived. Observer – Uffz Rudolf (Rudi) Leushake, aged 23, died almost instantly. Mechanic (/ Ventral Gunner) – Uffz Johann Meyer, aged 25, mortally wounded.” Geoffrey Powell tells us: ”This plane was brought down by Pilot officer Peter Townshend, later Group Captain and equerry to Princess Margaret who was denied marriage to her by the establishment. As part of a disposal unit based at Goldsborough 1962, we travelled daily to Fylingdales to clear munitions so the builders could work in safety; building what is now an update of the original golf balls. One day when we were on the way back from a days work at Fylingdales we dropped off the truck and looked around with our mine detectors and found ammunition boxes and a machine gun in the undergrowth.”Sandie Dowkes tells us: ”My grandfather Leonard Frank Robinson took Police Sergeant Welburn from Hinderwell police station to search for the plane. When found the rear gunner was still sat in his seat unfortunately deceased. The pilot was taken into Whitby hospital where Group Captain Townsend later visited him.” John Richardson tells us: ”My mother, Marjorie (Peggy), née Oliver, of Guisborough was nursing at Whitby Memorial Hospital at the time and assisted at the operation to amputate one of Karl Missy’s shattered legs. She kept the bullet removed from his leg as a souvenir, my sister still has it.”
From cutting part of a collection gifted to the Archive, most of the cuttings coming from the Northern Echo and cover the period 1930 to 1940. Thanks to David Richardson, Geoffrey Powell, Sandie Dowks and John Richardson for the updates.
I am presuming this is a postcard (by Tom Watson of Lythe) of the old castle but what a beautiful place it must have been wish I could have seen it in all it’s glory. David Richardson confirms with: “It is indeed a lovely view of the castle which dates from the 1890’s.”
Image courtesy of Keith Bowers, thanks to David Richardson for the update.
Now known as the Badger Hounds on Hinderwell High Street, this Valentine’s postcard image shows a High Street much quieter than today; but isn’t this one great with the boys and their metal hoops. The condition of the road surface indicates a time before buses and motor vehicles of any sort. Sandie Dowkes tells us: ”My great grandmother Rosa Robinson was the licensee of the Commercial Hotel in 1929 and her son Leonard a Frank Robinson ran a taxi service from there and was the first person to take a motor car down into Runswick Bay to bring out a sick lady to bring to hospital.”
Image courtesy of Maurice Grayson and Keith Bowers; many thanks to Sandie Dowkes for the update.
This is a view of Barrass House at the head of The Barrass; despite the mis-spelt title on the original image. A typical Staithes photograph and even if it wasn’t named lots would know where it was! Steve Fathers tells us: “This shows our cottage at the top of The Barrass, it is know as Barrass House. Any other images of the Barrass or our cottage would be most welcome?”
Image courtesy of Keith Bowers and thanks to Steve Fathers for the update.
Counted as always by the people who walk up them but, I think this shows the donkey track rather than the steps, but a lovely photograph never the less.
Having asked for comments regarding this scene of the Cod & Lobster corner (but minus the Cod & Lobster!) the Archive team were lead to believe it to be a view after the tidal wave which swept the east coast in 1953, but even now are still unsure. The image has always been blurred and the style of dress could be from that time or an earlier period. Any anybody else assist? John Stott commented: “I think this shows the scene after one of the pubs known as Cod and Lobster was lost in a bad storm, I am 65 years old and can remember two different buildings on the same site.” Yvonne Pemberton added: “There are three pubs in the old village; the Cod and Lobster (central in the picture above), very atmospheric and perched on the harbour edge. The previous Cod and Lobster was washed away in 1953. In High Street is the Royal George and at the top near the car park is the Captain Cook.” Whilst Paula Miller suggested: “I have a massive collection of old photographs 11,000 images and pieces of information and have been collecting for many year I have a clearer image of this but not much and going by other photographs in 1953 this is not then; it seems to be much earlier. It is very old this one and very grainy, most photographs in 1953 are in colour.”
Image courtesy of Keith Bowers and thanks to John Stott, Yvonne Pemberton and Paula Miller for their updates.
An unusual photograph of Whitby bridge and pre 1909, before the swing bridge was built. The buildings on the right of the view, known as ”Boot’s corner” were demolished in 1975 as part of a road widening scheme. Image courtesy of Joyce Dobson & Keith Bowers.
This card is from Peacock ’Autochrom’ Regd., The pictorial Stationery Co. Ltd., London. A paddle steamer can be seen in the harbour in the view of the East Cliff. The view from Larpool must have been taken from the railway viaduct.
This view of the harbour, Whitby, is one from E. T. W. Dennis & Son, Ltd., London & Scarborough. Was it taken in the early sixties? If it had been posted it would have required a tuppence ha’penny stamp (1p).
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