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were representatives from the Army, R.A.F.,
W.A.A.F., A.T.C., Special Constables, Fire
Service, A.R.P., Home Guard, Army Cadet Corps,
C.T.C., Girl Guides and Boy Scouts.
The parade
assembled at the Recreation Ground and marched to
the Market Place, where a service of intercession
was conducted by the Rev. R.L. Gardener of St.
Peter's, Brandon and the Rev. H. Tyrell Green from
Santon Downham. The assembly was led by a
united choir, conducted by Mr A.E. Chapman who was
an organist at St. Peter's Church and the hymns
were sung to the accompaniment of two military
bands.
Also at the
service with Air Vice Marshal Sir Patrick Playfair
were F/O H.W. Lumsden, Mr F.W. Gentle, Mr H.
Lingwood, Squadron Leader M.D. Day and Major F.F.A.
Heilgers, M.P.
Mr Gentle,
representing the 'Wings for Victory' Committee,
expressed his thanks to the public for their
attendance and said that it bode well for the town
to have a very successful week.
Then followed an
address by Major Frank Heilgers, M.P. who spoke of
how vital it was to have air supremacy and the
great need for war savings and investments.
He said that "if you spend your savings
you send up the prices and make everything dearer
for everyone. There is a danger of that now
because people are spending a bigger proportion of
their incomes than they did a year ago. I
commend to you in particular War Savings
Certificates. It is the only instance where
you can bet on a thing and have sure knowledge
that it will not let you down."
Squadron Leader
M.D. Day spoke of how he felt whilst abroad about
the time he had heard about the Battle of Britain.
He then went on to say that the day had now come
to pay back the Germans, but more and more
aircraft were needed. Not just bombers but
also training aircraft and fighters and he
appealed to all the town's residents to do their
best to support the 'Wings for Victory' Week.
General de
Lotbiniere supported this by saying that "it
was no good just praying for victory unless all
did their bit by subscribing all they could to
their 'Wings for Victory' effort."
Also on the first
day a concert was held on Mr F.W. Gentle's Coulson
Meadow. A military band played and a speech
was given by Wing Commander Watt. A
collection at the concert raised £19 19s 7d.
Monday
A mock auction was held in the evening by Mr
Witton (Thetford) on the Market Hill and from this
the sum of £4,374 was invested.
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