Soham Roots Interactive Website - First Aid Practise, Soham, World War II.

First Aid Practise
Soham
World War II.

Click images to enlarge

At 11.15 a.m. on Sunday 3rd September 1939 Soham Residents gathered around their wireless sets and tuned into the Prime Minister Mr Neville Chamberlan, for his broadcast to the nation. His sad voice told of the final note delivered to the German Government calling for the withdrawal of their Troops from Poland then came the fateful words that no such undertaking had been received and that consequently this Country is at war with Germany.

The first air raid siren sounded in Soham on Monday 4th September 1939, which was probably a practice one.

The following images show the Soham Volunteers in their First Aid Practise at the Pavilion and grounds most likely in 1939.

The following was taken from a report in
the local paper

First Aid Practise.
All Members and Probationers of the Red Cross ( Cambs 22 ) also the A.R.P.
Volunteers for the two first aid parties are especially asked to attend the opening first aid practice which will be conducted by Dr. H. C. Nickson in the large room at the Recreation Ground Pavilion next Monday at 8.pm. Uniform should be worn by The Red Cross Members and black tie and belt may take the place of the white apron.
Reported on September 8th 1939.

The photo on the right was taken in the Place grounds.

Showing the Angel Pub in the background, photo taken in the area of the Place grounds known as "The hole in the wall" The only gap in the wall that surrounded the old Place Estate when it was private.

Left: View from inside the ambulance, taken in Station Rd, nr the Angel Pub looking towards Gardiners Lane

Left: Dressed up in Gas attack precaution clothing..
Right: Stretcher bearers heading towards the Pavilion also showing the Tennis courts on the Place grounds or what is today known as the Recreation Grounds.

Left: The Angel Pub again in the background, The helmets they are wearing have the letters " F A " on them, We presume this must stand for First Aid.

Right: Photo taken in Pratt St, The Gardiners Arms Pub can be seen in the back ground, also known as Sundial House, after the ancient sundial on its outside wall, it was built in 1781

Right: Photo taken on the Moat Field's, that used to be part of the Morbey Estate, now part of the Soham Village College grounds.