By 8 October Field Marshal Paulus reported to Hitler that his latest attempt to take Stalingrad had stalled: although the Soviets had been pushed back to the River Volga in places, they were still holding on. Hitler, who believed that the Soviets were almost beaten, ordered a new offensive to begin next week. In the Pacific American ships defeated a Japanese fleet at the battle of Cape Esperance, opening a supply route to the beleaguered marines on Guadalcanal Island.

Across Caithness farmers were still busy with the harvest. The John O’Groat Journal reported that in Dunbeath, “Harvest work is still going on. A number of farmers are cutting and leading into the yard. The potato crop is good and plentiful.”

As usual, this was having a knock-on effect on school attendances. The Head Teacher of Stemster School in Bower recorded in the log book for 7 October that “Exemption has been granted to 2 boys to allow them to work at the harvest; 1 has been granted 4 weeks, the other 3 weeks.”

The autumnal weather was making itself felt in schools across the county. Pulteneytown Academy School in Wick noted on 8 October that a letter had been sent out from the School Management Committee containing the following advice from Dr Dick, the medical officer of health: “I hereby certify that, in my opinion, looking to the weather conditions prevailing and to the ages of the children accommodated, central heating should be commenced as from this date.”

Tragically, on 6 October PC Mackay of Castletown notified Wick Police about a fatal plane crash: “about 1 a.m. this morning an aircraft crashed near Wester Road, Olrig… The machine was completely burned out and the crew of five are dead. I was informed by an R.A.F. Officer, Castletown, that this plane was based at Kinloss.”

John Calder of West Murkle Dairy, Claredon, Thurso, had written to the Education Committee, stating that he would no longer be able to supply milk to Castletown schools. “Everyone knows the small amount of feeding stuff we are allowed for our dairy cows, and also the great difficulty of getting milk bottles and caps not to mention the additional labour involved and as Castletown is the only school in Caithness now getting milk I have decided to cease at 10th October. Please put this letter before your first meeting and let me know what you have to say about it.” The Director of Education now wrote to the Milk Marketing Board in Inverness asking them to provide Mr Calder with the materials he needed.

Finally this week, in those times of rationing, the John O’Groat Journal reported that in Berriedale “Deer-stalking is now in full swing, and His Grace the Duke of Portland, with his customary generosity, has had venison distributed to all tenants and employees on his estate, which is being much appreciated.”

Coming soon! Week 163, 12th - 18th October 1942, will be published on Monday 12th October 2015. To view previous issues please use the menus on the right hand side of the page.

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