Meet the group recording Preston’s World War II memories

While many of us are thinking about how to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the ‘Ashton 1945’ group is making an extra effort to celebrate the wartime generation. They’ve been collecting personal memories from people who lived through the war, and they plan to showcase their findings in an exhibition at their church this November. So, what have they uncovered?

Recording the Past

The five members of the group met through St Michael’s Church in Ashton, brought together by a shared passion for history. They were especially eager to highlight lesser-known stories from the war and to honour soldiers who may have been overlooked. They also emphasised the urgency of recording memories. With many of the war generation passing away it is vital that family members who may be two or three generations down do not hide away the artefacts they have but instead celebrate them.

Piecing history together

Each member of the group has taken on a specific role in gathering and organising information. Jane has been working on expanding Ashton Roll of honour. She’s compiled all the names from local memorials into a single document and gone a step further by researching each soldier’s rank and regiment. Her list will also include men and women who served in the civilian services. This will provide exhibition visitors with deeper insight into those who served. Linda, meanwhile, has been delving into old newspapers, uncovering photos related to the war effort and Ashton, while also supporting the other members with their research into various aspects of the World War II.

A photo of servicemen and women from World War II this was loaned to the group for their exhibition. Pic: Ashton 1945 Group.

Voices of the past

Stephen has been interviewing members who have lived through the war. One of his interviewees was a 101 year old fire watcher named Violet. Her job was to watch over buildings and put out any small fires caused by incendiary bombs, weapons designed to set buildings ablaze and create fast catching flames. One night during the Blitz, Violet had swapped shifts with her friend and when she returned afterwards, she discovered that her home had been destroyed. Some people Stephen has talked to have leant him physical artefacts such as letters, medals and photographs.

One particularly poignant item was an RAF Observer Brevet, also known as a ‘Sweetheart Brooch’. This belonged to a soldier named Jimmy who had given the badge to his loved ones to wear and remember him by whist he was serving. During the war, his plane was shot down and whilst he parachuted out, he was later killed. Some of the letters which will be displayed were written by Jimmy.

Stephen’s wife Meg is also involved in the project and is focusing on the impact war had on daily life particularly on people’s habits and hobbies such as shopping.

RAF Sweetheart Brooch loaned to the group. Pic: Blog Preston.

A letter loaned to the group, this was written by RAF Pilot Jimmy. Pic: Blog Preston.

Women in the war

Julia’s research and contribution surrounds the social impact of the war on women. In World War I women largely volunteered to support the war effort, but in World War II women were formally conscripted, starting in 1941. Julia shared some fascinating insights, including that although women could identify enemy planes and perform the calculations needed to aim the equipment, they were not allowed to fire it themselves—a man had to do that. Women were seen as life givers not takers.

Some of the medals loaned to the group, The Italy Star (top) and a General Service Medal. Pic: Blog Preston.

Honouring the past and inspiring the future

The group have recently put in a bid for a National Lottery grant. They hope to be able to fund educational trips for schools in most deprived areas of Preston so that children can better connect to their past. They also hope to secure blue plaques for some World War II sites such as an Ashton dental surgery which used to be a home for evacuees.

The group are passionate about the work they are doing, and it is fantastic to see so many stories being highlighted. They have some additional materials too which they are keeping close to their chest until the exhibition, so if you want to find out more you will have to come back in November!

If you have any World War II memorabilia or stories about yours or other’s experience, they would love to hear from you! Whether it’s photos, insights into daily life in wartime or a story of your own get in touch with Ashton 1945 by email jgroberts1966@gmail.com.

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