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SALUTE THE SOLDIER WEEK


What was 'Salute the Soldier' Week?

'Salute the Soldier' Week was a fund raising scheme to encourage civilians to save their money in Government accounts, such as War Bonds, Savings Bonds, Defence Bonds and Savings Certificates. Cash would be paid into Post Offices or Banks. In much the same way as War Weapons Week, it would coincide with a week of parades, exhibitions and other war paraphernalia.

In 1944 it was decided the national scheme would be themed around raising funds to equip an Army that would be good enough to take on the German Army on their own ground.  A target of £75,000 was set for the Mildenhall Rural District Council area.


How did Brandon raise funds? 

The Home Guard organised a sports meeting at the Recreation Ground and a large crowd was drawn to the occasion.  Also attending were The Wisbech Town Silver Prize Band.

  Other attractions included:

A baby show

6–9 months old:

  1st Brian Muteham 2nd Annette Rutherford  

12-18 months old:

 1st Irene Makins   2nd Graham Dukes  

8-24 months old:

 1st Joan Decamps  2nd Brenda Baskett  
Tug of War:  

  1st Brandon Home Guard  

2nd Mundford Home Guard  
Ladies Ankle Competition:  1st Miss. M. Butcher  2nd Miss M. Mail
3rd Miss L. High  
Rifle Range Team:  1st Lt. Smith; 
 Cpl. Ridgeon;
 Cpl. Howe;
 Cpl. Levett;  
Rifle Range Individuals:  1st F. Royal 2nd Lt. Smith
3rd Sgt. Bocock  

  There was also dancing and a baseball match between two teams of Americans.

The total figure raised for 'Salute the soldier' for Brandon was £18,869 2s 11d.  Other regions included: 

Elveden £4,197 15s 10d   Lakenheath £8,724 12s  
Santon Downham £634 5s   Wangford £1,082 12s  

  The total for the Mildenhall Rural District Council region was £114,101 8s 7d.


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