German forces continued their rapid drive into Russia this week, cutting off Leningrad in the north; taking Minsk and advancing on Smolensk in the; and pushing deeper into the Ukraine in the south. Stalin demoted Marshal Timoshenko and declared himself commander in chief of the Soviet army. On 8 July Britain and the USSR signed a mutual defence agreement against Germany.

In Caithness the total amount of money raised in the recent War Weapons Week now became apparent. Not only did the county match the target of £100,000, it far exceeded it, raising a remarkable total of £256,088 11s 4d. As the John O’Groat Journal observed: “And this in a county with no large industrial resources and comparatively small population. It is a highly creditable – indeed, many will say, a magnificent – response.” It’s hard to disagree with the editor’s verdict: “Well done Caithness!”

One feature of War Weapons Week was a procession in which the Caithness Land Girls took part. As the John O’Groat Journal tartly observed: “All the girls at present employed throughout the county were present, and it was significant that they could all be accommodated in one small motor vehicle.” In fact there were only eight all told, “and four of these are natives of the county.” For whatever reason, Caithness farmers were reluctant to take on members of the Women’s Land Army, despite the shortage of labour: “Efficient farm land girls are available, and still they are not being asked for.”

During the Second World War local authorities had the powers to requisition the property of enemy aliens, i.e., citizens of countries with which Britain was at war. The shop of Mr Andrew Cabrelli, an Italian citizen, at 97 High Street, Wick had been taken over by the Burgh Council. An unseemly wrangle was developing between the Burgh and the Custodian of Enemy Property in Edinburgh as to who was going to pay the rates on the property. Now, to add to the Burgh’s troubles, Georgesons Solicitors were bringing a claim to the effect that the shop actually belonged to Mrs Bremner, Mr Cabrelli’s wife, and so the requisition had been illegal.

A special meeting of Thurso Burgh Council took place this week to consider “an urgent desire on the part of the Admiralty to get the use of the Town Hall Buildings for the feeding of naval personnel stationed in and passing through Thurso … [Mr Mitchell, Surveyor of Lands] would like to get the Council’s permission to install a cooking galley in the anteroom adjoining the platform entrance, and to use museum or games room and the main hall for feeding the personnel.” When the Council refused, it was tactfully pointed out that the military could probably requisition the premises anyway: Mr Mitchell “said that it would be most disappointing indeed to him to send a report to the Admiralty that the Council had turned down the proposals right away.” In the end it was agreed that the request should be put in writing, to be debated at some future date.

Coming soon! Week 98, 14th - 20th July 1941, will be published on Monday 14th July 2014. To view previous issues please use the menus on the right hand side of the page.
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