Here’s a selection of greetings cards from the servicemen overseas.  There were no cheery messages of goodwill to all mankind!

Above: 1941: From Gunner Harry Carrick, Royal Artillery stationed in Malta to Doris & Bernard Kay.

Above: 1943: Lance Bombardier Norman Hogg, Royal Artillery to his sister Corporal Mary Hogg, who was stationed at RAF Dalcross, Inverness, Scotland.

Above: 1944: 9th DLI Christmas Card December 1944.

Above: 1945: From Marine Ronnie Heaviside stationed at Malta to his parents

The King being head of the Church of England provided spiritual guidance in the form of the New Testament issued to all servicemen and women.  There can be of little doubt that in times of crisis such as war, faith is revived and followed by many. 

Maurice Bennett and an extract from his New Testament are pictured below.

Keith and Maurice Bennett from Station Terrace were staunch Primitive Methodists and worshiped at the Ramshaw Chapel.  Another PM worshiper was Mary Hogg from Gordon Lane.  All served in His Majesty’s Forces, Keith in the Fleet Air Arm, Maurice and Mary in the RAF and all returned home safely.  In 1948, Maurice and Mary married. 

St. Paul’s holds a book of Holy Communion presented to the church by family of Thomas Snowdon in his memory.  He was killed in action 15 June 1942 at Gazala, Libya.  He lived with his parents John and Hannah at Manor Street.  He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Alamein Memorial.  Not forgotten.