Week158: 7-13 Sep 1942
In Stalingrad the initial German advance into the rubble of the city had stalled. Hitler now summoned Paulus, the German commander, to his headquarters where he explained his plans for a fresh offensive, which was launched on 13 September. At the same time, General Chuikov was put in charge of the city’s defences. Meanwhile on Guadalcanal, US marines repulsed a Japanese attack on Edson’s Ridge on the night of 12 September with heavy casualties.
The harvest in Caithness was in full swing, with many districts reporting a bumper crop. On Stroma, the John O’Groat Journal reported, “Harvesting has begun on the island but the corn still requires a week of good weather.” (The paper also noted that “A large basking shark has been in the vicinity of South Pier this week. Sometimes it would come within a few yards of the pier – a fine target for Home Guard sharpshooters!”)
Children across the county were drafted in to help with harvest. The log book for Crossroads School in Dunnet records on 11 September: “One pupil is still absent owing to inflammation of the eyes. Harvesting is now begun in the district and one or two of the older pupils have been giving necessary help.”
The rudimentary conditions which still pertained in some parts of the county can be seen in a letter written by the Director of Education to the owner of Ballachly near Dunbeath on 9 September. “We have had great difficulty in getting a teacher for Swiney School and one of the main objections is the absence of a water supply. The Committee have decided to introduce water and I am instructed to ascertain whether you would have any objection to our using the water in the present well on the mill-side … the present tenant does not use this well but there is always a possibility that future tenants might prefer to.”
On 10 September the Wick Police were informed that, “Spitfire crashed near Auckengill, pilot safe but suffering from shock. Will you please send ambulance.” A note adds, “RAF ambulance left for scene of crash at 11.50 a.m.”
Finally this week, the John O’Groat Journal reported an unedifying argument at the 
Thurso School Management Committee over why no teachers had attended the recent Halkirk School Picnic. Mr Sinclair, who had organised the event, rounded on the headmaster, Mr W. Reid: “If it’s anything you have to dip your hand in your pocket for, you keep clear of it,” and accused him of not telling some of the younger pupils about the picnic. Mr Reid replied that he should have come to the teachers first.
“That is only your way of getting out of it,” Mr Sinclair told him. “If you were a man you would have done something for the children.” Mr Reid: “I object to these personal remarks.” Mr Sinclair: “You started them yourself.” And on that high note the debate seems to have concluded.
Coming soon! Week 159, 14th - 20th September 1942, will be published on Monday 14th September 2015. To view previous issues please use the menus on the right hand side of the page.
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