Brixham to honour WWII heroes with memorial and 40 events

Brixham is set to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe with a special public event honouring the town’s wartime heroes and heroines.

The Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon will unveil a series of heritage information boards at Churchill Gardens, Berry Head Road, on VE Day, Thursday, May 8.

The event will begin at 10:15am and forms the centrepiece of more than 40 free public activities taking place across the town to commemorate VE Day.

Other activities include a parade, concert, dinner, dancing, theatre show, church service and museum exhibition.

Brixham Future community interested company  is a not-for-profit  group that seeks to deliver small-scale, quick-win, low-cost projects and events that benefit the community.

The boards, created by Brixham Future with support from the Brixham Lottery and a Torbay Heritage Grant, highlight the stories of local individuals who contributed to the war effort, including those who received national honours. The display also pays tribute to the 125 Brixham residents who lost their lives during the conflict.

The project includes eight large information panels, featuring donated photographs and historical context surrounding the Second World War and Brixham’s role within it.

A spokesperson for Brixham Future said: “On the 80th anniversary of VE Day this year, we mark the occasion with a lasting memorial that informs future generations of the scale and sacrifice of our forebearers. 

“There is a saying that those who do not remember their history are doomed to repeat it.

“We wanted to mark this historic occasion by creating information boards that highlight major stages of the conflict and the involvement of local people. 

“We have included some donated photographs of our local heroes and heroines to put on these public display boards. We are grateful to all the local people who have helped with this project.”

For further information about the initiative, contact John Brennan on 01803 852270 or you can email John.Brennan@brixhamfuture.co.uk

Listed local Brixham heroes and heroines —

1) Skipper Lt Leonard Lake RNR of Bolton Street, Brixham, was in command of HM Trawler Polly Johnson BM 322. He was awarded the DSC for his actions.

2) Skipper Alfred Manning Lovis of Northfields South, Brixham, in command of HM Drifter Paxton, was awarded the DSC for services under fire.

3) Leading Stoker Frank Putt of Middle Street, Brixham, made 10 trips to the beach at Dunkirk and was awarded the DSM.

4) Squadron Leader John Worrall of Gallard Road, Brixham, who attacked superior enemy aircraft numbers in July 1940. He was awarded the DFC for his great courage and skill.

5) Sergeant Minns with members of Brixham Auxiliaries, including the Hannaford family.

6) Henry Maddick Smardon of Bolton Street, Brixham, was awarded the MBE in 1945 for his public service work.

7) John Robertson Owen received the OBE in 1946 for services as a member of the Torbay ARP committee and work with the vital D-Day preparations.

8) Brixham born, Captain Churchill made 16 Atlantic crossings in his ship the Bridgepool. Mentioned in Dispatches for his conduct.

9) Skipper Lt Harry Lang RNR was awarded the DSC for successful action against enemy submarines in December 1939 while skipper of HM Trawler, Loch Tulla. He returned to Brixham after the war and became the harbourmaster.

10) Skipper Lt Richard William Alward Hicks RNR was awarded the DSC for the rescue of 60 survivors from a convoy attack in March 1943.

11) Chief Petty Officer George Samuel Mills was awarded the DSM for his use courage and outstanding skill on the guns on HMS Garth in 1944 when the ship was torpedoed.

12) Lt Stafford Hook RN of Kings Barton, Summer Lane, Brixham served on the aircraft carrier HMS Eagle. He was shot down over Rhodes in 1940 and interned by the Italians and later by the Germans, only returning to Brixham in 1945.

13) Flying Officer Roger Rennels Drew of Fore Street, Brixham, was posted to Malta in March 1941. He destroyed three Italian flying boats and other aircraft near Tripoli. He was awarded the DFC.

14) Lt Brian Constable Price Rowe of Berry Head Road, Brixham. He served in Tunisia, and on 25 April 1943, he was sent forward to destroy German guns. His position was attacked by dive bombers and Tiger tanks, inflicting heavy casualties. After a bitter contest, his actions allowed the Allies to advance. He was awarded an MC for gallant conduct.

15) Captain John Price Rowe of Berry Head, Brixham, led a commando unit taking part in enemy-occupied territory. During the North African offensive in 1942, he joined the Joint Services Planning Staff and received the MBE for his services in June 1944.

16) A local doctor, Dr Dowell, was reported as missing whilst serving with the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) but became a prisoner of the Japanese after the fall of Malaya in 1942.

17) WO John Alfred Cronin Lovis took part in 38 raids over Germany and Italy. He was posthumously awarded the DFC devotion to duty after a raid of 764 aircraft on Berlin on 23 November 1943.

18) Squadron Leader Roger Rennels Drew of Fore Street, Brixham, led 13 Squadron on 33 raids from an Italian base, mainly against enemy communications and supply lines. He was awarded a Bar to his DFC for his determination during an attack on Cecina near Pisa.

The spokesperson for Brixham Future said: “There were many more local heroes and heroines, with small and great acts associated with their names in both the military and civilian fields. 

“We cannot list everyone who served, or received awards, or performed gallant selfless acts without public recognition. We express our gratitude to everyone who contributed to the above.”