Appeal for canal war memories (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Appeal for canal war memories

Canal trust chairman Brian Poulton stands by a pair of wartime pill boxes (30886/3)THE Kennet and Avon Canal Trust has been awarded more than £13,000 to stage an exhibition focusing on the canal during the Second World War.

Kennet and Avon at War will feature photographs, memorabilia and a "living history" DVD chronicling life on the canal between 1939 and 1945.

The exhibition, to be launched at the trust's Heritage Museum in Devizes in November, has been made possible thanks to a £13,011 grant from the Home Front recall scheme.

This is a joint Lottery grants programme supported by the Big Lottery Fund and Heritage Lottery Fund.

Trust chairman Brian Poulton said it was important to recognise the role played by the inland waterways during the war.

He said: "A certain amount has already been written about the canal during World War Two, including its use as an important line of defence during the invasion threat of 1940 when pill boxes and anti-tank blocks were constructed alongside the canal.

"I hope we can encourage people to recall their associations with the K&A between 1939 and 1945, for example perhaps you worked for Devizes builders W E Chivers, the contractor responsible for building many of the pill boxes."

Carol James, who lived for several years in the former lock keeper's cottage at Bollands Hill, has already been in touch with her memories of being evacuated to Seend in September 1939.

Mrs James, who now lives in Northampton, told the trust about a tragic accident that took place in 1943/44.

"During that time tanks were on manoeuvres, driving from the Bath road through the back of the village towards Bridge 153.

"One of the tanks hit the bridge wall, broke through, and fell into the canal below. Unfortunately all four crew members drowned."

Mrs James's memories will be recorded onto a DVD that will play throughout the exhibition, with an overlay of pictures from the era.

Anyone else willing to share their memories should contact Maureen Crossley at the trust on (01380) 721279.