Residents Recollections – Wartime

As we remembered the war

A fascinating collection of memories provided by the people of Sprowston. One must remember that for most when they experienced war were only children who often saw the events through children's eyes. Alas many of the contributors are no longer with us so any and any anomalies in their individual memories can now longer be verified so the statement of many times and locations of events may not be entirely correct. This said it gives a telling insight into what life was like.

Recollections of Sprowston Hall during World War Two

The military began to take over the hall and grounds in 1939. and to my recollection the first to arrive was an anti¬aircraft and searchlight battery. One of the first duties of the newly formed 'Local Defence Volunteers' (later the Home Guard) to assist in guarding the site, top end of Blue Boar Lane. The Royal Norfolks began to take over using it as a holding base with many types of vehicles and stores. Also motor cycles complete with training of dispatch riders. The Norfolks had some talented entertainers based there and The troupe, all in the army, did a round of tours throughout the county, calling themselves the 'Norfolk Turkeys.' The two main stars were a Griffiths Jones, a dramatic actor, enjoyed one-man set pieces. Starred in many films, one being "Wicked Lady" filmed at Blickling Hall. The other, John McHugh, Irish tenor. Singing the full range, opera to popular songs of the day. He mainly appeared on the London stage -and radio. The rest of the troupe were not of their status. I wonder if anybody can remember the 'Turkeys’ performing on three occasions at the Sprowston, the then central school.1940. Troops from many nations were stationed there on a short term basis, although at one time a unit from Newfoundland were in there for a year slightly offended if called Canadians. One odd event that I witnessed with my father, was a German bomber flying unopposed in reasonable weather from the Thorpe direction, towards Sprowston hall almost parallel with blue boar lane, dropping about eight bombs and remarkable that it Failed to hit anything. It turned east and sped off. The bombs exploded in blue boar woods and the last two in the present day Tesco supermarket car-park. Having seen a German bomber target map for that area recently, i am convinced the real target was Barnards, but having made a mess of the approach, had no option but unload and head home. At the end of the war and for some time afterwards the ministry of food had an office there. This may have been due to Norwich office suffering severe bomb damage. I remember that a special eastern counties bus was laid on for the staff only. This rankled with the Sprowston bus regulars, but obviously. A good reason for this special service.

V.R.BENNETT 2002.