Home By Air - Private Maxwell Bridges

After spending more than three years fighting the Japanese in Burma, Private Maxwell Bridges of 1, Stocks Avenue, Whalley, has arrived home. At present he is on a months leave, but he will not go back to Burma, as he has not been fit, having had malaria 15 times. Private Bridges is a Chindit, a member of the special force created by the late General Orde Wingate, who are dropped behind the Japanese lines in Burma to wreck havoc and destruction. Indeed, he was lined up on an aerodrome, waiting to board a glider, when he heard of Wingate's death. Although unable to say anything about tactics or equipment, Private Bridges never the less painted a vivid picture of the conditions under which the Chindits live after they glide down into a jungle clearing. Interviewed by an 'Advertiser and Times' reporter, he declared the most dangerous enemy was not the Jap, but disease malaria, typhus, dysentery which attacked them despite the most rigid precautions. They were ably provided with food in the shape of American concentrated food packets, each of which also contained four cigarettes.

Generous Gifts

About sixty parcels were dispatched to local serving men at Christmas. Seventy to eighty are being sent for Easter and a further consignment will follow in July. In the Christmas parcels were woolen garments, handkerchiefs, cigarettes, sweets, etc. For Easter the local members of the forces are being supplied with socks, mittens, handkerchiefs, boot laces etc and a New Testament or other religious books. To raise money for this achievement numerous social events have been held, including public and private whist drives. No less a sum than £230 has been raised since the beginning of November last. This magnificent result has been made possible by a perfect unity of purpose on which the ladies of Whalley and the area are to be congratulated.

Clitheroe Advertiser and Times March 15th, 1940

Calderstones Efforts

As the result of a whist drive and dance held last Friday, the staff of Calderstones Institution have raised between £20 and £30 for the Air Raid Distress Fund, and further efforts for the same cause are to be held in the near future. A month ago, the staff organised a whist drive and dance for the Spitfire Fund, raising no less a sum that £83.17s. Previously 25 guineas were sent to the Finnish Distress Fund and a further £26 to the Red Cross Society.

Clitheroe Advertiser and Times November 15th, 1940

Red Cross Effort

As the outcome of a whist drive and dance promoted by the Calderstones staff in aid of Red Cross Funds and held at the Institution last Friday, the funds of this most deserving war organisation will benefit by more than £26.00. The event arranged by the Institution's Social Committee, was largely attended and proved most enjoyable. The games were supervised by Mr W. Lancaster and a dance band, under the leadership of Mr Robinson provided the music. The Social Committee were responsible for light refreshments served during the proceedings.

Clitheroe Advertiser and Times dated August 9th, 1940.

St Lawrence Church, Longridge

In the church is a wonderful board with a green background and the following words in yellow print -

Burma Star Association 1939-1945

Presented by John Bryan, a member of the Preston Branch of the Burma Star Association to St. Lawrence Church to the Glory of God, to commemorate the men of Longridge, who served in the Burma Campaign and Far East Theatre of War.  

Burma Star Kohima Epitaph. When you go home tell them of us and say for your tomorrow we gave our today.

Stray Pigeons -Should be taken to the Police or Military.

Christopher Scott (71) of 8 Wilson Square, Clitheroe appeared before the Borough Magistrates, yesterday, for finding two stray pigeons and failing to deliver them forthwith to an authorised person. Dismissing the case the Chairman (Mr.W.Standing) said it was important that people should realise their duty in regard to stray pigeons and this prosecution should be taken as a warning. P.S Whitehead told the magistrates that under Defence Regulations it was the duty of anyone finding pigeons bearing identity rings to deliver them at once to the police or military. From the security point of view this prosecution should be taken as a warning.

Police Constable Sutcliffe spoke to visiting defendant's home in the company with S Grant and two representatives of the National Pigeon Service. He found that the two pigeons were in a meat safe in the kitchen. Both carried identity rings, one of the Scottish Homing Union and one of the Welsh Homing Union. Defendant said he had found one in the troughing of his home and the other in the market. Told he would be reported, "All right." he replied and afterwards said he could not read the rings. Defendant told the bench that being an old pigeon fancier, he took the birds and fed and watered them...

The article finishes at this point but obviously Mr Scott decided to then prepare them for lunch at some point!

Clitheroe Advertiser and Times June 25th, 1943.