Sir John Moore
Foundation

Appleby was, to some degree, sheltered during the War and life carried on much the same. The village shop became the ‘hub’ of the village and, although food was rationed, there was plenty to go round.

Villagers who were eligible were called up for active service. Those who remained were considered to be in reserved occupations having vital skills essential to the war effort which included farming, shopkeeping, factories, mining – many being conscripted into the mines due to an acute shortage of experienced colliers. Some miners also formed part of the Home Guard and the ARP (Air Raid Precautions) wardens.

Women worked in factories, including the local shoe factory, munitions and agriculture (the Land Army). Others worked as volunteers in the WRVS (Womens’ Royal Voluntary Service), ATS (Auxiliary Territorial Service), British Red Cross.

‘Dig for Victory’ gardens were cultivated by all, and the village children kept rabbits and helped pick the potatoes and blackberries.

Villagers who gave their lives in service of their country during WWII: Jack Adams, Herbert Beadman, Thomas Howes, William Spencer.

“I volunteered for the RAF as a flight engineer and served on the Halifax bombers. I went on raids, sometimes three a week. Spitfires would escort the bombers to the coast” Steve Burton

“Colonel Llewellyn was Commanding Officer of the Home Guard. An unexploded bomb was found in Appleby, in the field behind Dr Salmon’s house.” Iris Holt (nee Beadman)