Wartime in Kirkham & Wesham
From Italian Prisoners of War to American Servicemen, the population of Kirkham and Wesham changed significantly during the Second World War.
The stories here tell of rationing and shortages, farming life and what it was like to live with the Americans!
Stanley
Italian Prisoners of War & American Servicemen
Stanley recounts a time when the local corn mill was used to
house Italian prisoners of war and American soldiers
created a distraction for local girls.
John
Demobilisation At RAF Kirkham
John talks about Kirkham’s RAF base as the major dispersal
location, for thousands of individuals from across the commonwealth, being demobbed and joining civvy street.
Stanley
Rationing & Shortages
Stanley shares memories of a time when everything was scarce and his mothers ration book, contained stamps that were exchanged for items such as clothes and food. It was a time when nearly everyone wore clogs.
Jenny
Italian Prisoners of War Working on Local Farms
Maggie
Recollections of The Freckelton Air Disaster
This work forms part of Kirkham’s Heritage, Health & Wellbeing programme. It has been funded through the Kirkham Futures programme, a partnership between Historic England (part of the High Street Heritage Action Zone) and Fylde Borough Council.
All memories are the personal opinions and recollections of the individuals involved.
The organisers take no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the recordings.
