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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
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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:
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| Elveden
£4,197 15s 10d
|
Lakenheath
£8,724 12s
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|
| 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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