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Wartime Memories

Brighton beach August 1940
By Chris Pellett

This photograph of my mother Edna, on the right, and her friend, was taken on Brighton beach in 1940.

Very shortly after this was taken, the girls joined the Women's Land Army to engage in vital war work.

Photo:My mother, on the right, on Brighton beach 1940

My mother, on the right, on Brighton beach 1940

From the private collection of Chris Pellett

This page was added on 09/01/2012.

Comments about this page

Are you sure this is August 1940? I recall the beach was mined early in 1940 not long after the two piers had the middle sections cut out and you were not allowed on the lower sea front road. And all along the walks under the piers from way beyond Rottingdean and into home had barbed wire across them.

By Ken Ross (10/01/2012)

This photo would have been taken in early to mid 1939 as World War II was declared in late summer and all the beaches were closed for the duration.

By John Wignall (12/01/2012)

You may be right, I do not know. In my mother's album it is captioned "Last day on the beach August 1940". I believe the visit was in part because the beach was to become out of bounds. Incidentally the other lady is Marjorie Clarke from Hollingbury Rise who later married Will Baker, a well known Brighton Council Officer. By pure coincidence I have this week received a letter from Marjorie who, despite having a fall before Christmas, is back at home and recovering well (aged 90). I'm sure past members of St Matthias and others who know her will want to wish her well.

By Chris Pellett (12/01/2012)

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