This postcard view of a building which will be remembered by many; internally it bears no resemblance to those views included in this image and externally is passed by many who are unaware of the buildings former essential use. Originally opened on 26th December 1913, for the Skelton Territorials “G” Company of the 4th Yorkshire Regiment, in the 1960s it became a social club. After burning down it was altered into apartments, bearing the title of Marlborough Court; it still stands at the southern end of Marlborough Road. Image courtesy of Peter Appleton.
We had no date for this image or any information regarding persons present or location. Keith Bowers has now advised us: ”The details on the reverse of this photograph bear the details as: Driving Instructors 3 M.T.T.C. Dreghorn Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland 1943.”
Image courtesy of Joyce Dobson and Keith Bowers, also thanks to Keith Bowers for the update.
After the Second World War, the breakup of the British Empire saw rival factions attempting to take over the former colonies. In Burma and more so in Malaya the Communists fought a long battle with British troops. George Ronald Bowers (”Tron”) was one of the National Servicemen to be involved in the conflict. This photograph could be related to” Trons” amateur boxing interest, he is to the right of the three Englishmen on the back row. David Calvert tells us: ”My dad Bert Calvert was in the army with Tron.”
Image courtesy of Keith Bowers and thanks to David Calvert for that update.
At the back is John (Jack Lem) Grey, left front Charles Powell (Charlie) Smith, and last but not least Edward Isaac (Ted) Money all in their Home Guard uniforms and looking rather serious.
Our image shows North Skelton railway signal box, beside the still existing double railway bridges being guarded by the East Yorkshire Regiment during the 1911 miner’s strike. They must have been expecting problems, perhaps they were more ”boisterous” in North Skelton.
Skelton man Corporal Robert Bannister of the 4th Battalion Green Howards, spent the whole of the Second World War in captivity, he is shown (centre of our image) between two Green Howards, left is E. W. Horner (Loftus) and on the right is Jock Pearson (from Lingdale). The photograph was taken in a prison camp in Poland or Germany, from where Robert sent home some brilliant greetings cards painted by himself. We have been passed this image by Bill Danby of Skelton (he having been told by Robert’s son Terry Bannister of Burnley). At first the Archive (and Bill Danby) had no name for the third man; however Tracy Park has advised us: ”The soldier on the right is Alan ‘jock’ Peirson from Lingdale – we also have this picture sent by my dad from his pow camp Stalag XXID (dated 05.04.42). The man on the left is E. W. Horner from Loftus.”
Image and information kindly supplied by Bill Danby; also thanks to Tracy Park for the updates.
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