Chapter 4   The World War II Years - Ludham Village  Ludham War Memorial

Just inside the gates of St. Catherine’s Churchyard stands a memorial to those in the armed forces, who lost their lives in the two World Wars.

The memorial, an Ionic Cross, is made of Balmoral Red Granite and stands on a solid stone base. It is inscribed with the names of the eleven men who died in World War 1 and the four men who died in World War 2. It was one of the first in the county to be erected. A public meeting was called on Thursday March 27th 1919 at the school, and a committee was set up to collect money for this to be built. The memorial was designed and supplied by F. J. Perfitt of Stalham.

It was dedicated, and unveiled by William Wright on January 25th. 1920.

Preparing for World War II

Although much of the story of World War II in Ludham centers around the presence of both the Army and the Air Force, indeed the presence of both must have made it more likely that Ludham would be a target for attack, nevertheless, the village had to prepare for war and protect itself as best it could, along with every other village in the country. As early as October 1936 we read that the Parish Council was being asked by the District Council to consider its arrangements in the event of air raids and subsequent fires. In April 1938 a further letter from the District Council about air raid precautions led to the Parish Council signing up ‘en bloc’ as volunteers.

War Is Declared

On September 1st 1939, Germany invaded Poland, and Europe was at War. By May 1940, Poland had been defeated and Denmark and Norway had been occupied. Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg had been invaded and Nazi troops were in control of the channel ports in France. British troops had to be evacuated from Dunkirk at the end of May 1940, leaving behind much of their ammunition and many guns. There was now a very real possibility of an invasion of Britain.

Home Guard

On May 14th 1940, Anthony Eden broadcast to the country about the setting up of the Local Defence Volunteers. “Men were told in the broadcast to report to their local police stations. Most police stations had run out of enrolment forms within the first 48 hours” (Hoare). For many of these early volunteers this seemed to be a way of serving their country without joining the forces.

Ages of recruits ranged from seventeen to seventy. Some had fought in the First World War, and others were waiting to be called up. Some were in reserve occupations, but women were not allowed to join (even if they were good at shooting) until 1943 when they could become a Home Guard auxiliary, assisting with stores, clerical work and other such jobs. By May 17th 1940, between five and six thousand volunteers had joined the LDV in Norfolk, and by 31st May, that number had grown to 30,000.

Weapons were in extremely short supply, with even pikes and cudgels being issued as late as 1941; however, many people in rural Norfolk had guns of their own. Uniforms were non-existent at the beginning, but khaki arm bands with LDV (sometimes interpreted as Look, Duck, Vanish), written in white, were issued as from May 22nd 1940. In Norfolk, these volunteers were divided into battalions that would correspond with the following eleven police divisions:

1    East Dereham 2    Downham Market 3    Harleston 4    Holt 5    North Walsham 6    Norwich

7    Kings Lynn and Sandringham 8    Swaffham 9    Wymondham 10   Norwich 11   Great Yarmouth

    
The battalions at Brancaster, Sheringham, Hapton, Downham Market, Norwich and Reepham were formed later.

Ludham Home Guard at the Village Hall - 1944

Back row: Jack Wright,  ? Richardson, George Wright, Reg Westgate, Bill Moy, Roy Roll, Sam Horner, Ted Hall, Frank Bensley, Putty Debbage.

2nd row: ?, Issac Nichols, Bob Goodwin, John Rix, Authur Leggett, Charlie Thompson, Randel Beaumont, Sam Hall, Walter Westgate, ?, Harry Bunn, Percy Thompson, ?, Cyril Hunter, Ernest Grapes.

3rd row: Wilfred Brown, ? Housern, Harry Norman, Jack Fuller, Thomson Thrower, ?, Charlie Powley, Leslie Trivett, Jack Mason, Roy Nudd, Authur Amis, Gordon Bensley, Geo Hooker, Tom Mattocks, Ernest Parker, Reg Wilkins.

4th row: Sam Hicks, Jimmy Thompson, Bert Gilding, Tom Rix, Sam Myhill, Albert Knights, Col.Taylor, Bob Turner, Jack Sayer, Dock Slaughter, Jimmy Dack.

Front row: Stanley Grapes, Eddie Newton, Chips Grapes, Edward Slaughter, Sam Cook, Billy Allen, Herbert Bunting, Randell Beaumont,jnr, Jeff Barber, Victor Trivett, Jack Whittleton, Alfred Gedge, Albert (Shoddy) Clarke.


In Ludham the commanding officer was Colonel Taylor with Captain Albert Knights as second in command, and Jack Sayer, Bob Turner and Sam Myhill as sergeants. Tom Rix, Bert Gilding, Doc Slaughter, Jimmy Thompson and Sam Hicks were Corporals (Fuller). A report from July 1941 shows there were eighty men in this force. This 1944 photograph shows sixty five men outside the Village Hall.

The Ludham Home Guard paraded on Stocks Hill. Captain Albert Knights used his Rolls Royce (with its large boot area) to transport ammunition around the village. It is believed that the brick and concrete building in the field to the south of Norwich Road near the culverted stream at ‘Heronway’ was used as an ammunition store.

On 9th June 1940 orders were received that 85 road blocks should be built in the whole of Norfolk. By October 8th 1940, 1,697 miles of barbed wire, 73 miles of anti-tank mines and 440 miles of anti tank obstacles had been laid in Norfolk with the expectation that 5,819 pillboxes would have been constructed.

Also, each unit was to set up observation posts, which should be manned day and night.

In July 1940 the name of this volunteer force was changed to The Home Guard, and their duties were defined as:

• Observation and Information.
• Obstruction.
• Patrol and Protection” (Hoare).
  

    A couple of memories from Mike Fuller

Sergeant Jack Sayer with seven or eight men had to patrol the hills behind the beach at Hemsby. Each man had a rifle and five rounds of ammunition. When the night patrol was finished the men would line up to unload and make sure they had no live ammunition in their rifle. This one morning one man pulled his trigger and bang went his rifle. The round missed Jack's head by a whisker, leaving a burn mark which he had until the day he died. Jack said this person was one for missing training, but not after this incident. On another occasion German planes were flying over the area and bombing Gt. Yarmouth. Father and I were watching, the whole sky was lit up with flares dropped by these planes. It was like day time. Later, father was called out to Horsefen Marshes as there were twenty large flare canisters with their parachutes either on the ground or hanging from trees. These were all collected by the Home Guard and the police, all before going to work. The canisters were about four feet long, round like a big saucepan and each had three smaller saucepan like flare holders inside

By the end of July 1940, the Home Guard was being more rigorously organised throughout the country. “The basic unit would be a Section, usually based on a parish. Four sections would form a platoon, four platoons would form a company and four companies would form a battalion” (Hoare). By 24th July 1940, there were 1,300,000 members of the Home Guard in the country. An invasion was still expected and a date in September 1940 would have had the right conditions prevailing for the enemy to invade. If this did happen, church bells were to be rung. The Home Guard Training Manual was published in December 1940. A “Test Invasion” took place on Sunday March 15th 1942. Captain Acton, a “Military Officer” explained to the Parish Council on March 10th, what would be expected of the Services on that occasion. “It was decided that the Home Guard Head Quarters would be the control station and that each of the services should have runners posted there. Ludham resident Beulah Gowing was a runner for “First Aid”.

The Ludham Home Guard Map       

The Home Guard map of Ludham (Norfolk Record Office (MC 1759/) shows that there were observation posts at St. Benets Abbey (which also appears to be a fortified strong point, as loopholes were cut into the wall by the mill), Goodwins Mill (or near by), High Mill, How Hill Mill, the Village Hall and almost opposite Wilgress Loke on Catfield Road.

From the map, we can see that there were four defence posts at the following cross roads:

• Staithe Road, Norwich Road, Yarmouth Road and The Street.
• Malthouse Lane, Catfield Road, School Road and The Street.
• School Road, Wateringpiece Lane and Braeside.
• Norwich Road, Lovers Lane and Braeside.

These four were quite possibly pre-prepared positions for a mobile spigot mortar. There appear to be three pill boxes, at the junction between Malthouse Lane and Yarmouth Road, in the churchyard on the southern boundary, and on the west side of Catfield Road opposite Grange Road.

There are markings across the road, probably indicating some kind of road block and possibly tank traps, at the following places:

• North end of Staithe Road from the Old Post Office to the cottages.
• From the Bakers Arms to Manor Whin,
• Across School Road by the school.
• Across Malthouse Lane at the first bend by Garden Cottage (name the house).
• Across the Catfield Road near the pillbox at what is now Grange Close.

We think there may also have been one across the Norwich Road between the Church and Church View houses. There are no markings on the Home Guard map showing any defences at Ludham Bridge. The map shows that at the junction of Hall Common Road, Coldharbour Road and Staithe Road was a major defence position. It was felt that any attack might come across the marshes from the river.

It is known that a firing range existed in the Sand Holes (where sand was quarried for the village). A pill box stood on the north side of the corner (and still does) and the map shows a black coloured area to the south, with slip trenches to the south and east. Firing lines seem to radiate from that corner.
Another defensive position is shown on the north east corner of the airfield. This map is now in the Norfolk Record Office and can be viewed (Reference: MC1759/).

Other Defences In Ludham

Other pillboxes that are known about in Ludham and can still be found just south of Fritton Farm on the west side of the road (a square box) and to the east side of the sewage works (This may not be a pillbox).

The mill to the north east of Ludham Bridge was adapted for use as a two storey pillbox or ‘converted strong point’ by inserting loopholes at first floor level, but due to the wooden floor there was no baffle wall to stop bullets entering via a loophole and injuring a defender on the opposite side of the building. This, therefore, would have made it a vulnerable position to be in. A spigot mortar was built just to the south of this, and another on the Horning side of the River Ant, almost opposite. The concrete bases for the spigot mortars are still very much in evidence here, with their stainless steel spindles on which to mount the gun still in place.

Salvage In Ludham, the Parish had also to be concerned with the subject of salvage. The minutes for the Parish Council meeting on April 16th 1940 read: Correspondence from the clerk of the District Council was read relative to systematic collection of salvage materials such as paper, old iron, rubber, bones etc. It was agreed that the clerk put up a notice in the village inviting parishioners to co-operate in such collection. By April 1941 this was much better organised. “The purpose of the meeting was to discuss a circular letter from the RDC with regard to the collection and disposal of Salvage Iron, Rags, Bones and Paper. It was understood that Mr. C. A. Thrower would take charge of the iron; the W.V.S. for scrap paper, it was agreed to ask the W.V.S. to be responsible also for Rags. Mr. W. K. England agreed to accept the Bones and be responsible for their disposal. Mrs. Evans explained that the same dump at the Vicarage could be used for scrap metals. It was agreed that the clerk be instructed to write to all farmers asking them to collect all useful materials and if possible to convey same to the Dump at the Vicarage. Also to put up Public Notices for the Public’s attention to this urgent matter.”

On October 7th 1941, it was reported to the Parish Council that a circular letter from the District Council with regard to a survey of the Parish of all railings, posts etc. had been received. The Clerk reported that on advice and instructions from the chairman, he had undertaken the Survey. The result of the Survey was placed before the Council and reviewed by them, and the findings forwarded to the District Council with the recommendation that a suitable substitute should be found to replace certain railings. Also that the clerk be paid for the two and half days taken by the Survey at a rate to be fixed by the District Council. Mr. N. Adcock reported on Fire Watching in the Parish, noting that a considerable decrease in numbers had taken place since the harvest. After discussion, the following resolution moved by W. K. England seconded by C. Thompson was unanimously agreed to. That in view of changed conditions and circumstances with R.A.F. and Military establishments in the Parish, it be a recommendation through the District Council to the Area Commissioner that the Parish be made a compulsory Area.

Allotments Another concern was the working of the allotments, the clerk reported on April 15th 1941 that all allotment rents were paid up to date. He also drew attention to the fact that some of the holders had joined the forces and their allotments were being worked by other allotment holders; this was appreciated so long as it was understood there was no sub letting. An entry in the minute book for April 6th 1943 states that the Chairman brought to the notice of councillors a circular letter requesting the council to take every step possible to see that all gardens are being cultivated to the full and best advantage. Invasion Committee Early in 1941, “Invasion Committees” were being set up in towns and villages throughout the country. The threat of invasion still seemed high and local plans needed to be made for local protection. The Home Guard played an important part in these plans. In Ludham a meeting was held on June 25th 1941, and another on July 4th 1941 showing how local preparations were made. These minutes also show the strength of the local forces.

June 25th 1941: A Meeting of the Council and Heads of Local Defence Services was held in the Council School on Wednesday June 25th at 7 p.m.

Mr. W. Wright occupied the chair. Present Miss N. Hacon (First Aid), W. Barber (Fire Fighters), G. H. Kitchener (Home Guard), W. K. England (Food Officer), C. Thrower (ARP), Acting Sergeant Edmunds for Police. Others: G. Hayhurst and A. W. Riches. The business of the meeting was to discuss a circular letter from the County ARP Controller with the view to setting up a Parish Invasion Committee. After the reading of the letter, the Chairman explained at considerable length what was required, stressing the need of avoiding panic and the co-ordinating of the various defence services to prevent overlapping. The discussion which followed revealed that the various services were under strength to meet such an emergency as an invasion. After a very full discussion it was decided that: The present Heads of Defence Services would constitute the Invasions Committee. That every household in the Parish be given a circular letter setting out a list of the various services for which volunteers were required, and stressing what is required of the Parish and the urgent need for strengthening of the present Defence Services. Mr. C. Thrower undertook to get the letter out and to collect same and that another meeting be called as soon as the results are known. It was decided to ask Mr. N. Adcock to be in charge of the Fire Watchers.

Meeting of the Parish Council and the Invasion Committee was held in the Council School on Friday July 4th 1941 at 7 p.m. under the Chairmanship of Mr. W. Wright.
Others present W. K. England (Food Officer), Miss N. Hacon (First Aid), W. Barber (A.F.S.), G. H. Kitchener (Home Guard), N. Adcock (Fire Watchers), Sergt. Page (Police), G. Hayhurst, A. W. Riches, C. Thompson, Mrs. Adcock, Mrs. Brooks.

The clerk reported on the circularising of every household in the Parish, it was considered that a fair response had been made to the appeal for volunteers for the various services. It was agreed that the services meet separately to arrange their own personnel and to report the strength of each to the clerk.
Information was given that Mr. J. Dale was in charge of Demolition; it was agreed that he should be a member of the Invasion Committee.
Mr. England reported that talks had been had with Mr. Davies on the food position in case of invasion, it was hoped to be able to report fuller at a later meeting.

Strength of Services

Home Guard  Fire Watchers ARP  First Aid Food Distributors Demolition

80 100 8 19 17 Unknown

Volunteer Fire Service

The local Volunteer Fire Service was started in 1941. A Fire Station was built on the corner of Latchmore Lane and Yarmouth Road. The Government supplied the materials, and the Volunteers erected the station (Fuller). At the beginning it was equipped with a Buick Car and a Coventry Climax Trailer Pump. In 1944 this changed to a Van-type towing appliance with a trailer pump. The station was used by four villages, Ludham, Catfield, Horning and Potter Heigham. Sub-Officer Stanley Hunter was in charge of the station and about 12 firemen (Fuller).

Early members of the Ludham Volunteer Fire Brigade were:

        Sub Officer               Stanley Hunter

        Leading Fireman       Albert Berry

        Firemen                   Sam Cook                Bill Trivett                  Ken Grapes
                                      Geoff Barber              Gordon Barber           Leslie Trivett
                                      Robert Attoe              Charles Beaumont     Pat Thrower   
                                      Tom Grapes               Mike Fuller               Vic Trivett

At a meeting of the Parish Council on July 30th 1941, Mr. Adcock reported that the parish had been divided into four sections for fire watching and that the scheme was already in operation. Also that Mr. Boardman had offered to supply Bamboo Canes for Fire Fighting, which was considered very useful for the purpose. The Chairman with the co-operation of Mr. England offered to supply sand, to be put in convenient places in case of need.

The Parish Council meeting on October 31st 1942 discussed the possibility that the Fire Service should be allowed to tap into the water supply that ran through the village. The Council agreed to support this proposal.

Women’s Land Army

The Women’s Land Army helped out with labour on the farms in Ludham. Those staying in “the hostel at Ludham Hall numbered about thirty, as well as land girls from farms around” (Snelling). As a group they paraded during money raising weeks in the village. “We had ‘Wings For Victory’ week and ‘Salute the Soldier’ week and many others. We all turned out looking smart and tidy, wearing our hats and armbands with our green jumpers and breeches” (Snelling). The local Headquarters were in Castle Street, Norwich, and “in April 1941 there was a Registration for Employment Order from the Government for all women between the ages of eighteen and forty five” (Snelling).

Fund Raising

Some of these money raising weeks were mentioned in Parish Council Minutes.

• June 23rd 1942 “The purpose of the meeting was to discuss ways and means for an “Aid to China Week ending July 7th 1942” (Minute Book). Three means were suggested 1. A house to house collection, 2. A request that the churches donate a weeks collection and 3. A whist drive in the Church Room. The following meeting (October 31st 1942) showed that Ludham “was second on the list in the Aid to China Week with a contribution of £52-10-0.” (Minute Books)
• A “Wings for Victory” collection was discussed at a Public Meeting which followed the Annual Parish Council Meeting on April 6th 1943 and a Parish Council Meeting dedicated to discuss “ways and means of raising Funds for the Norfolk War charities” The target of £100 was not reached so further fund raising events were organised (see appendix 1).
• More money was needed, and in the meeting dated April 11th 1944, a letter was read asking the council to take part in the War Charities Week, May 13th to May 20th. It was agreed to organise a house to house collection (raising £39.1.3d) and a whist drive (raising £14/10/2d.)

The War Ends

Although the official signing of surrender by Germany did not take place until May 1945, the Parish Council was looking at the subject of housing in the April Council Meeting (see appendix 2 and 3). This resulted in some of the Nissen huts from the bases during the war being used as temporary housing.

A Thanksgiving Savings Week was fixed for October 6th to October 13th 1945 and at the Annual Parish Meeting, April 18th 1946 notice was given “regarding Victory Celebrations on Saturday June 8th 1946” (Minute Books). Also at that meeting steps were taken to have the Village Hall and grounds “de requisitioned and put in order”. It was also agreed that “the sign post on the Yarmouth Road, near the Bakers Arms” be replaced (Minute Books).

The public Meeting due to organise the Victory Celebrations decided that “in view of the poor attendance (18 parishioners present) at the meeting, no action be taken in the matter. This was unanimously agreed to (Minute Books).

The Army Camp

The Army began constructing a camp in Ludham in late 1939. From an aerial photograph taken in 1944, a map has been drawn showing where we think most of the army buildings were situated around the village. The main areas were along School Road, spreading out into Braeside and Wateringpiece Lane, and then in the Manor Grounds. The amenity huts, the NAFFI, cinema and recreation hall were to be found in Nissen Huts just to the east of the School. .A sewage works for the camp was situated on what is now Willow Way, and further showers and washing facilities could be found near the Manor gates. Various regiments used this camp.

One of the main Regiments was the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry (KSLI). They were the ones who changed the guard. They were in ceremonial clothes and they would come down at twelve o’clock, midday and in front of what is now the Ludham Butchers shop (Stocks Hill), they changed all the different guards. They had all the bugles, and it was a regular daily ceremony. None of the other regiments did that.

There were the Royal Norfolks, and they were based around the Manor. According to the regimental records, they did not come to Ludham until 1944, and moved to Great Yarmouth in 1945. The Pioneer Corps were also billeted down in the Manor grounds. “Two of them unfortunately got killed one night. They used to do guard duty on the old railway bridge at Potter Heigham, an old iron construction that went over where the bypass is now. They were on guard duty there, and two of them got hit and killed by a train. It was a dark windy stormy night, and they didn’t hear the train. They are buried in Ludham churchyard.” (Frank Thrower)

A Welsh Regiment was stationed in School Road. “What I remember most clearly about the Welsh Regiment is that they used to come up to the King’s Arms, and when they turned out at 10.00 o’clock at night, they used to stand outside Mrs. Turners, and they used to all sing in Welsh, harmonising. It was lovely. I can still hear it now, beautiful. They used to get round in a big circle and sing” (Frank Thrower).

“The Canadians were here. It was in about May. They were on both camps, the Manor and the one in School Road. While they were on the Manor camp, they had Bren gun carriers, like a small tank. It was in May that they started to put sides on these carriers, and we couldn’t make out why. They were welding them on and then waterproofing the joints. It wasn’t until later that we realised that they were to be part of the invasion on June 6th 1942. A lot of them were killed, I think on Dieppe Beach along with the thousands of others.

One young lad knew what was going to happen. One of the local boys, a Trivett, was coming down Mill Loke where the old fire station is. He had been shooting rabbits. He had his gun with him and was going back to his home, one of the cottages in The Street. He met this Canadian and the Canadian asked if he could look at his gun. He gave him the gun, and the soldier turned the gun on him and said, “Right, clear off. Get out of the way”. Young Trivett ran home and they told the local police from the Norwich Road. They went up there and he’d killed himself. He knew all this was coming and he just couldn’t face it. He laid on the side of the track.” (Frank Thrower)

The Duke of Wellington’s Regiment was stationed in the Ludham Army camp for quite a while, as were Spaniards, Chetzs and Poles.

War Time In Ludham – The Memories Of Mike Fuller

I was ten years old and living at High Mill Cottage on Yarmouth Road, these are my memories of the war in Ludham.

The army moved in and built the camp at School Road and in the Manor Grounds. The main camp was on the field between Norwich Road and School Road, the MT Section, showers and ablutions were built in the Manor Grounds and near to Staithe Road. Next, the Army came and dug slit trenches in fields around Ludham for a covering system for the beaches.

In 1940 the first bombs fell on Ludham, at the junction of Norwich Road and Pound Lane. The two or three bombs were very small, demolishing an army Nissan hut, but no damage was caused to the nearby houses. It was fairly quiet around Ludham for a while, letting us watch the bombing of Gt. Yarmouth from our hill top view.

The next event came on a misty morning early in the summer of 1941 when a German plane flew very low over Ludham and machine gunned the street at Stocks Hill, killing Mrs Powell in her shop (now the butchers). The boys in the School play ground ran for the door of the School to get away from the noise. No other damage was done, except for some broken glass.

The airfield was built in 1941, starting in February and was finished ready for flying in December when the first Spitfires landed, however, the first aeroplane to land, in the September on the unfinished airfield, was a Hurricane.

Two Spitfires crashed on the airfield hitting each other on the runway, but this sort of thing was happening most weeks. One crashed in Hickling Broad, one at Catfield Heath Farm, and so on throughout the year.

It was about this time that the Swordfish from 811 squadron would fly in just before dark to load up with bombs and torpedoes to fly on shipping strikes to Holland and other places.

A German bomber flew across the Airfield very low one afternoon and was shot at by the Bofors gunners and while doing so, it shot off the tops of some trees along Fritton Road.

During the summer of 1943 there were three large bombs dropped on the junction of Malthouse Lane and the new road built by the RAF leading to the sewer. These caused damage to the Gipsies Lane bungalows, breaking most of the glass, but nobody was injured.

Later the same year mother told us that some bombs had been dropped towards Potter Heigham. They were ten small bombs causing craters about twenty feet across, all in a line in the field on the left of Yarmouth Road near to Red Roof Farm, so that morning we went to have a look and found small pieces of the bombs, still warm.

The remains of the Lockheed Lightning outside Throwers shop

Later in the year we had the American Lightning plane crash while trying to land at the airfield, it came through the opening between England’s Butchers and Throwers shop after demolishing the small sheds behind Throwers. The pilot was saved by Cyril Thrower and Russell Brooks. He was trapped by his foot until they managed to get it free. Parts of the plane finished across the road and in front of the shop. Later, the pilot came back to thank them, and he then re-visited in the 1980's.

A pilot from Ludham either took off and lost power, or was trying to land in a Typhoon one morning, and finished up in the marshes at Potter Heigham, near to the old railway bridge. The guns from his plane were found in the 1990's.

The next event was on Easter weekend, 1944, when we heard a lot of planes about in the morning. It was foggy so we couldn't see much until we heard a braking noise on the runway, and out of the mist came a Flying Fortress, all silver, on runway 014. It crossed Fritton Road and came up the field and stopped, so we ran across to have a look and the crew got out and looked alright. They started to talk to us and let us look around and touch the plane. While we were doing this we heard some more braking and rumbling and out of the mist came a Liberator on its bottom as it’s undercarriage was broken. It stopped so that one wing and two engines were across the road. The engines were stopped and there it sat. Out came ten more Americans, later the policeman came and found everything alright so left us talking to the Americans until later, when they cleared the barbed wire and towed the planes back onto the airfield.

I think there was one more Fortress that was glad to get back to the airfield, It landed on the runway towards Red Roof Farm and crossed the road near Bells buildings on Fritton Road. When we came home from school we cycled to see it, no damage could be seen, it may have been engine trouble.
The airfield changed over to the Fleet Air Arm in August 1944, as H.M.S. Flycatcher until February 16th 1945. It was used as a MONAB (Mobile Naval Air Base) for shipping groups of maintenance for the Fleet Air Arm to Australia to help with the Pacific war.

In February 1945 the Spitfires came back to attack the V2 rockets in Holland and other places, but during the Fleet Air Arm time there was a Mosquito crash on runway 026 but no one was hurt and my friend and I got to sit inside it the next evening which was most interesting.

On 21st March 1944 a Lancaster bomber landed at night with one engine out. It landed and ran off the runway, across Catfield Road and into the next field. The next night we went to have a look, there being nobody there, we went into the plane and had a good look round. The next day it was gone, towed back to the runway, repaired, and later flew away.

The war finished that May in 1945 and everything seemed to slow down, and by September the airfield had closed. Later the National Fire Service took over the large hanger and used it for maintenance of the fire service until 1959.

There was one other incident which happened in 1948 when a Meteor carried out a dead stick landing on the airfield due to an engine failure. From then on the land went back to the farmers, except for when the crop spraying company started to use the runway for their work.

Laurels Crescent

The Army Camp also finished in 1945 and was closed down, which is where Laurels Crescent and all the School Road houses are now. The land containing the Army sewage plant later became Willow Way. For the early part of the war there was a Searchlight company in the Coldharbour area. Ludham Home Guard was formed at the same time as several other villages. Their duties included patrolling the cliff tops at Hemsby beach during the night. They carried out rifle shooting practice at what is now the allotments on the corner of Hall Common Road and Cold Harbour Road.

The was a Volunteer National Fire Service in Ludham, the land was given by Mr Green of Beech Farm and the Station (now a hair dressing saloon) was built on Yarmouth Road in 1941. They carried out their duties every Tuesday night throughout the war, and this continued until 1958 when it was disbanded. While the station was there other villages (Catfield, Potter Heigham, Horning) used it for their night duties during the war. There was a crew of four.

Ludham during the 1939 - 1945 War By Beulah Gowing (née Turner)

Norfolk and the East Coast changed dramatically during the war. Airfields were built every few miles apart. Ludham Airfield was built for smaller aircraft, to protect the coastal area from attack, and to be ever ready to accompany the great droning planes loaded with explosives, gaining height this could take time circling above. The smaller swift aircraft, Hurricanes and Spitfires, took the place of other slower craft, and would be at the ready to join the bombing missions overseas. This was not without risk and loss, and it was a sad sight to see the large planes limping back after several hours, with loss of power, engines out of action - and large holes could be seen. I remember the moonlight enemy raid on Coventry. Aircraft seemed to fill the sky, unseen but heard, too light for searchlights to pick them out. Also, Norwich city in flames could be seen. Airfields were built by the Royal Engineers, the Pioneer Corps, Italian prisoners of war, Irish labourers and local tradesmen. Nissen huts, air raid shelters, runways, miles of barbed wire - much was needed before it was possible to operate. The Americans were not based in Ludham, but came daily for a short duration, to wire the telephone system, loud hailers, sirens and possibly the electrical wiring for the airfield. How quickly those boys worked, what strange, casual garb they wore, and how entertaining they were by their friendly manner! The slouching walk and indifferent salute to an officer meant no offence.

Damage in Norwich

At the same time the village became surrounded by Nissen huts for the military. Men with bowler hats and clipboards measured plots of land, and soon Ludham village became a military base, bringing noise and confusion. Again the Royal Engineers, who at first slept in the Village Hall, and other labour appeared. Nissen huts were used for living, sleeping, cookhouses, the entertainment of weekly dances, and sometimes concerts. The training of rifle shooting took place on the marshes - dreadful yells could be heard. There was the change of guard at 6 pm on Stocks Hill, with much stamping and shouting before marching off. Friday was “doubling day”, when soldiers were expected to run about their duties. Those stationed in the Manor grounds had to jog their way to the cookhouse in School Road; with their
mugs and utensils attached to their belts it was noisy! The only way to get out of jogging was to push the wheelbarrow, which went past often enough.

We had the Canadians here, generous to the children with sweets and goodies. We had no fear during wartime with all those extra men in the village. Despite blackouts and late-night dances in the camp, they were all decent to our locals. Of course a few harmless romances flourished, and some of the non-drinking soldiers came to tea, instead of the Kings Arms lot. The WVS had a canteen in the Church Room, and it was popular. Army wives arrived, and found accommodation, their officer husbands billeted in private houses. It was often compulsory if one had a spare bedroom and home comforts to offer, and of course the payment and extra food rations were welcome. The Free French were always trying to buy soap to send home Many looked so young and sang the French "Marseillaise" so often that I thought I would play for them on the piano, which brought even more emotion and tears from them. There were Spaniards in the Pioneer Corps, who were very good dancers and could sing in harmony. There was even a small Burmese pilot in the RAF, and of course many pilots were Polish and Czech, and constantly wore their flying gear; the few hours of respite would be shattered by the airfield siren, and away they went in the jeep to the airfield. I knew several by sight, but their names were not necessary - or hard to pronounce! King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visited the airfield, and I am sure it was a pleasure to all who met them. It gave a boost to the morale Of those constantly facing danger. Of course as well as the military and the RAF we had the Fleet Air Arm, and some Naval personnel. That’s how the airfield became know as HMS Flycatcher. More strange addresses were needed and constantly changed for security. After all, If Lord Haw-Haw, who broadcast, knew that Norwich City Hall clock was slow, and that the red geraniums on Yarmouth sea front were looking especially good - what chance did little Ludham have? Norwich City Hall Clock

The evacuees arrived as well, and found billets with local people. Children and some parents from towns, they did not settle very well. Country life was not to their liking - little entertainment, a strange accent to understand, no mod. cons. We had not yet gained a sewage plant, although the Army and Air Force had progressed to it as necessary. So many evacuees returned to their former homes. Yarmouth High School children, some from Ludham, were sent to Retford for safety. Yarmouth itself was like a ghost town at times. The sea front was forbidden, and there were large shelters below the principal stores, where one was compelled to go during “enemy overhead alert", which meant that the bus ride to Yarmouth could be a wasted journey, and coming home in the dark meant dim lights to drive by, slatted wooden seats around the side of the bus, and straps to hang on in the middle. A lot of vehicles used gas, which was attached to the outside rear of the bus. So it would chug along, but often passengers had to get off and push over Potter Heigham bridge. It was even worse going to Norwich, with Ludham and Wroxham bridges to contend with.

The Kings Arms became crowded with so many servicemen who came to drink and sing. Sometimes words were not too choice! Mother would switch off the light as a sign of disapproval. I didn’t hear the words, so many variations being sung, so I would keep on playing this medley - which all the different regiments appeared to know. I thought “lights out” signalled “time gentlemen please”!

There were so many different accents. Scots and Geordie were harder to understand than American, Canadian and broken English. The Irish spoke too quietly; those in the forces would speak openly; it was the furtive Liverpool Irish who fought each Friday night, when they received their pay and expressed anger against their fellow Irishmen. Windows were broken weekly, to be repaired on the Saturday. They were only here during the duration of building the airfield. Otherwise we had very little trouble with so many different nationalities.

The Red Caps appeared sometimes, found all was well, and departed again. Our local men, who were farm workers, boat builders and others considered to be essential were in protected employment, so the Home Guard had a large, enthusiastic company who drilled and did duty as expected. They kept alert, and were issued with the khaki uniform - having begun with an armband only. My brother-in-law Jack Sayer was proud of himself and his uniform, but one day he was shaving at the sink when he saw strangers in the next field to his home. They were to be challenged. So in just trousers, singlet and a chin of lather, he seized his empty rifle, ran and cleared the wire fence and in no uncertain terms demanded to know the identity and purpose of these men. One of them, in a bowler hat and with a clipboard, confessed he was a man from the Ministry, come to measure up for more Nissen huts. Jack came in for prolonged teasing from his fellow Home Guard!

Everybody was to do their utmost, however small or large the task. Married women registered to work on the fruit farms in the country, and help with the food production. The Land Army girls took the place of a lot of male labour, who had been called up to enlist in the services, although several remained in
the essential service of agriculture. The population grew, with overseas forces arriving and training with eagerness to return to their occupied countries wherever possible.

In Ludham the Spitfire collection was made by willingly giving money to buy one. Pots, pans and iron railings went for use in factories, after melting down for the metal. Waste paper collection and sorting gained an assortment to be sifted into piles. Jams and jellies were made in quantities by the Women’s Institute. Children helped in gathering wild fruit and rose hips to make into syrup. Garden lawns were dug into vegetable plots. The Kings Arms had already a large garden and fruit trees, so the bowling greens were sacrificed to the chickens, who soon made a difference to the smooth grass and flowerbeds.

The Air Raid Precaution team, doing their nightly duty, and were proud to bang on windows if a chink of light was seen. It grew more smoky in the public bars, with Woodbines and shag; no ventilation was possible. The bars were leaned on by servicemen who occupied the space the locals once had. One had to learn to lip-read the orders above the constant chatter, coughing, and occasional bursts of patriotic songs. The Welsh always sang, there was the occasional Irish “Londonderry Air”, Scotland was remembered with songs, shouts, jigs, and of course the Sword Dance - taking army boots off first! Many servicemen were gifted singers and musicians, so they sang their hearts out and stamped in time, and we wondered why the Green Room floor didn’t collapse, and everyone ended up in the cellar below!

As well as servicemen there were evacuees from Great Yarrnouth who came to live in Ludham for safety, and were businessmen with wallets bulging with money. The taproom was soon filled with whisky and gin drinkers, their wealth hidden away for safety, but no harm ever came to them in the
blackout. The beer was delivered on Thursdays, and by Sunday it was sold out, except for some to make shandy to last all the week. Mother made beetroot sandwiches for the hungry young soldiers; bread was available, and this was free of charge and acceptable.

Of course the searchlight unit was down the old Staithe Road, first opposite Hall Common Farm, then it was moved further, opposute St. Benets Cottage. These soldiers felt they had first claim on the Village loyalty, having been here longer, and being on first-name terms. There were other searchlight units
nearby, so air activity meant the sky was lit up with beams. What defence there was other than machine guns I don’t know, but a hidden “detection” was on the base, and always guarded as secret. We also had the First Aid and other long lectures, with the names of many types of gas which might be used
the cause and effect and long names to remember.

Gas masks were a constant reminder of its possible use, and we had to practise in the stuffy masks which steamed up and became heavy. It was worse for infants to be enclosed, and the day of issue and fitting remains in my memory of the small ones’ distress. Because I was not always available if working at the Kings Arms, l was appointed the lightweight “injured person”, to be bandaged and re-bandaged according to my supposed “injuries”, lifted on to a stretcher, and almost injected. There was a phial of morphine in a locked cabinet, only to be used in extreme conditions. So when the American plane crashed in the High Street between Thrower’s shop and England’s butchers, and l was crossing the road to Powell’s stores - now the butcher’s shop - and heard such noise and saw dust and tiles flying, I dodged behind the pill-box defence. Then I dashed to the house of Nellie Hacon for the key for the First Aid point, which was in the old Vicarage stable at the time. I was sure our first casualty would arrive. So I missed all the drama in the street of horror, terror and bravery in the rescue by local men, Russel Brooks, Cyril Thrower and others. They worked with bare hands and impossible strength to free the trapped pilot, who was then taken to hospital. When he recovered he returned to thank his rescuers, and commendations were presented for their bravery.

The First Aid unit and the ARP worked together, and I was the messenger between them. At that time the First Aid was based in a room at the Manor, and I felt quite important as l sped with messages to the school, where the ARP was waiting. My bike was at the ready. The order was made that Ludham was to have a tear-gas attack, and all masks were to be worn at such a time - possibly whistles were blown to signal the beginning warning and the all clear. We stood around in anticipation, then donned the dreaded masks, not long before I was given a written message for the ARP and instructed to return with the reply, and make haste. Gas masks are not very easy to breathe in, in through the ventilator and out through the rubber sides. I biked through the street in instructed haste, trying to gain air and not suffocate, and ejecting it through the pliable sides where it snorted loudly like a trumpet. Intent on my duty I tried to ignore the laughing soldiers standing around, and was met with cheers on my way back - red-faced, steamed up and breathless, but still I could not remove the mask until the all clear whistle.

There was a wailing siren up at the airfield. No one liked its miserable sound. It was so slow gaining volume that enemy hedge-hopping aircraft could be overhead and gone - and they were, on occasions. One aircraft shot up the village and caused the death of the grocer’s wife at Powell’s stores, and Injured a girl in a bungalow up the Norwich Road. Considering the military activity and many huts and vehicles which were obvious targets, Ludham was very fortunate not have serious attacks. When bombs dropped it was mostly when enemy planes were on their way back, and not directed at anything. So one night in the bar a tremendous blast shook the glasses and they smashed onto the floor. The lights went off and on and murmurs of “that was close” were heard. Bombs had been dropped and there was a direct hit on stables on Norwich Road crossroads, and horses were killed. On the night we youngsters sat on the Jubilee seat on Stocks Hill and watched tracer bullets, some red and some green, and the local searchlight picking out the planes in conflict, we were aware of a parachute slowly descending with what looked like an oil drum beneath. The loud vibrating explosion revealed that it had been a land mine, which had landed on Potter Heigham marshes. Other than being a grim reminder, no other damage was done.

When the smaller but lethal flying rockets, the buzz bombs or doodle bugs, began to appear and explode at random, they seemed more threatening.

Hearing the spluttering motor give way to silence meant the bomb was about to descend - but where? Many were shot down on the coast, but it was a constant occupation and couldn’t be seen on the radar system, which was now in use at Neatishead. One night my mother vacated the smoky bar to gain fresh air in the yard, and again the noise of a rocket was heard. It travelled on, but her concern brought customers into the open. The sky to the northwest was a shimmering orange and red. It looked like a terrible fire almost overhead, and cast an eerie light. All present were certainly in awe, but it was a magnificent display of the Aurora Borealis, which no one had ever seen so brilliant before, and certainly no one has seen it since. Mother was sure the world was about to come to an end, and said so in no uncertain terms.

The wartime potato crisps were cooked in mutton fat, which lingered in the mouth and on the tongue. The chocolate wafers were peculiar but acceptable. The NAAFI buns were bright yellow, and dry to eat. Ration books for civilians were placed with the two butchers and three grocers - four if the Post Office had supplies. It was a minimum allowance, but country folk fared better with their own efforts with chickens or a pig which had to be registered and inspected to gain meal and corn supplies. A certain amount of black market goods were circulating, and clothing, which needed coupons, and no loose coupons were accepted. This became a farce, as everyone knew a person who also knew a person who would provide almost anything at a price.

It was possible to obtain wildfowl and game from the men with a gun - it was said during the First World War that the Norfolk boys made the best shots. Food was obtainable through local knowledge. Townsfolk had the British Restaurant and the chip shop. There was a pie shop in Yarmouth and also Caffleid had a weekly delivery of coupon-free pies, With a vast amount of pastry in the contents! As well as mother’s chickens on the bowling green, I had a row of homemade hutches for rabbits, and bred them for tender meat - this with all the war effort and the morning and evening work in the public bars. There was much collecting of weed and waste to feed and fatten my rabbit industry, whose hatch doors were made to fit the cavity. l was no carpenter!

Father had not removed the light bulb from the outside lamp over the front doors, although he had been asked to do so. One night, enemy planes were overhead, and our planes were busy attacking them. Mother and I and my cousin Faith, who was living with us, crept downstairs to feel our way down
the cellar steps. But just before that Mother had tried the bar lights to see if the recent bombs had cut the supply. She switched them on and off several times, but there were no lights in the bar. We settled in the cold, damp cellar until we heard hammering on the back door. “The Germans have landed!” exclaimed Mother. Our knees were knocking with fear, but then we realised that her name was being called and there was much shouting. An armed guard had arrived and was prepared to make arrests for signalling to the enemy! It took some explaining, and the offending light bulb was removed next day. But it was never forgotten.

The church services were well attended on Sundays by smart marching soldiers. Of course such a spectacle brought the parishioners to watch and attend the services. Some soldiers attended the Methodist Chapel, and were made welcome into homes.

In the early hours of D-Day, and still in darkness, the lorries containing troops evacuated the village. The continuous rumble of vehicles went on for some time. An officer had given me parcels to pack and send at intervals, to given addresses, which contained watches, rings, money, photos, etc., to send to the wives and families of the soldiers. This I did and was given permission to put a note in some of the parcels, as these boys were our customers and had become our friends. How sad I was to receive a reply that one of them had been killed on that D-Day mission, also his friend had been killed on landing, and that his wife had lost the baby they had been expecting. They were in the Duke of Wellington Regiment. So many did not return from that day of war.

My cousin became engaged to an RAF pilot, Josef Sokol, who was of Czech nationality. He later married a girl from Devon, and we corresponded for a while. Having been through the war flying a Spifire, he met with a simple flying accident when landing in his home city of Prague. I was requested to
send any photos of Josef taken in Ludham, and this I did. A letter from his widow dated 1948 mentions several of the Czech pilots stationed here; how tragic it was that three of the pilots had been shot down by our own guns when returning to base. Such are the misfortunes of war.

The peace which followed the war meant that the camps gradually either got demolished, or some of the RAF huts were occupied by families awaiting the promised building programme to begin. Runways were broken up, only the airstrip remaining. Wandering among the rubble I discovered that the
foundation included broken gravestones of the Hurry Palmer family of Great Yarmouth. So much effort and organising to prepare, and with determination.

Beulah Gowing.

An Additional Footnote (from Beulah Gowing):

The women of Ludham knitted balaclava helmets, scarves and long white wool sea boot stockings, which still contained lanolin, and made hands and fingers greasy. Sackfulls of home comforts were made and sent abroad.


Among the thousands of entries in the minute books for the Parish Council, we note the following  events, being of general interest.


Parish Council Meeting - Monday June 28th 1943

A Meeting of the Council was held in the Council School on Monday June 28th at 8 p.m. specially convened to discuss ways and means of raising Funds for the Norfolk War Charities.
Present W. Wright chairman, G. H. Kitchener vice chairman, W. K. England, R. Burton and C. Thompson.

The minutes of the Previous Meeting were read confirmed and signed.
The chairman outlined the purposes and uses to which the Norfolk War Charities were put and expressed the hope that the Parish would make a special effort to raise £100 towards the funds.
After discussion it was agreed to distribute a circular letter in the Parish, Mr G, Kitchener undertaking the arranging and issuing of same. Also that the chairman interview the head of the W.V.S. with the view to getting volunteers to take up a House to House collection during the Week commencing Monday July 5th (1943)


Parish Council Meeting - April 14th 1945

The clerk read correspondence from the Rural District Council on the matter of Post War Housing in the Parish. After considerable discussion it was decided to submit to the R.D.C. a short list of immediate applicants and expressing the opinion that the list would be considerably lengthened as hostilities ceased and demobilization took effect.


Parish Council Meeting - August 20th 1945

A meeting of the Council was held in the Council School on Monday August 20th 1945.
Present: Mr W. Wright chairman, Mr W. K. England vice chairman, Messrs' A. W. Riches, E. N. Adcock, C. Thrower and R. Burton.

The meeting was especially convened for the purposes of considering the Housing Problem of the Parish, and to the forming of an organization and Fund for the Homecoming of members of the Forces of the Parish.

After a most serious and lengthy discourse it was resolved on the motion of C. Thrower, seconded by R. Burton, that the R.D.C. be urged to take steps to procure some of the now vacant Nissen Huts in the Parish, for occupation as Temporary Dwellings at the same time urging the R.D.C. to proceed with all speed on a scheme of Permanent Re-housing. It was most strongly felt by the council that the Nissen Huts could readily be converted into Temporary Dwellings.

It was unanimously agreed that the Council with power to Co opt should constitute the committee for the purposes of the Victory Fund, and that Mr Bird, Mr Kitchener, Mr Cook, the Vicar and two members of the WVS be asked to become members of the committee. Mr C. Thrower was appointed organising Secretary and Mr W. K. England (Treasurer).

It was decided to hold a special Fete Week commencing Sept. 24th with the view to raising the sum of £400 to augment the already £124 held in Trust as reported by Mr W. K. England.


Bibliography

“Standing up to Hitler: The Story of Norfolk’s Home Guard and “Secret Army” 1940-1944”
by Adrian Hoare published Countryside Books second edition 2002

Ludham in Uniform” by Mike Fuller published Ludham Archive Group 2004

“A Land Girl’s War” by Joan Snelling published Old Pond Publishing 2004

Norfolk Record Office Home Guard Map of Ludham (MC 1759/)

The Minute Book of the Parish Council of Ludham October 1930 to April 1949