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                                                          Inspirational Books

 

 

 

Names and Comments of Some of the People Who Visited Glen Cottage

Taken from remaining visitors’ books

 

 

Thanking all the Royal Marines, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, also the dear old Army boys for the good times we have all spent during the War… Barbara Poole

 

EXTRACTS FROM THE VISITORS BOOKS

To Newton Ferrers, the Pooles and all I’ve known here, au revoir (but not goodbye, I hope).  I shall never forget the good times I have had here.  All that I would like to say in appreciation I find impossible to put down in words.  Ever yours,

Sorrowing Paddy

 

Pedro Corrigaros, La Buque Trene, Buenos Aires

 

Albert Deroeck, Brussels (HMS Imperieuse)

 

James Dodd, AB, Knotty Ash, Liverpool 14

 

There will always be an England while there are folks like these. 

D Bilborough, RN

 

To Mum.  Thank you and god bless you for putting me on the road that has brought me through.  Nearly 7 years ago we first met but eternal time can never erase the golden memories.  I hope someday I hope you will visit my family, so for now it is au revoir, not goodbye. 

Love Johnny, 13 Orchard Place, Faversham, Kent

 

England forever. Scotland forever.

 

The rain was trickling down on my neck, as I said to Bob: “If we

Could only find a cheery spot and have a cup of tea.

We were both browned off, for Bob was far from home and wife and bairn

And I was longing for the lass who is my main concern

And so two sailors stood and groaned and wondered what to do.

When suddenly we heard a voice, “d’you want some tea, you two?’

You know the rest.  You know the hospitality we got

You’ve had a basinful yourself of the wonder of Glen Cot.

Gordon Sell (late of Amagede, Nigeria), BWA

 

When climbing the hill of prosperity may you never meet any old friend falling down.  God bless you and your loved ones. 

AC W/1 Walker E, Collaton Cross, WAAF

 

England 1942.  ‘Hold On’.  IK

 

The Sailors’ Toast: Here’s to our wives and sweethearts - may they never meet. 

George E Collett, 17^th May 1944

 

ATS Toast: Here’s to our husbands and boyfriends. May they never meet also.

In this world or the next. 

From two go-getting Netton-ites

 

Who stole the pasties?

 

If there’s room for me in this book, there’s room for me in your heart

There’s room for both of us in heaven, where true friends never part. 

Stokers D Kay, RR Evans, J Wright, L Williams

 

We enjoy your apple tarts, they’re just like mother makes. 

480 Batt, ATS

 

It was in 1941, the last time I was here at Mr & Mrs Poole’s, then I was in the 7^th Batt the Buffs.  The Pooles have not altered, in fact, it seems they are much kinder than ever to all personnel of the services, also the best friends I have yet had.  God Bless them. Dated this day the 24^th January 1945. PS – and still are. 

Ed McClatchie

 

Glen Cot and the Pooles exactly the same. 

The constant flow of faces hasn’t worn them out

And never will.

RN E J Fisher, Plaistow

 

A little kindness on a cold day, surely goes a very long way. Thank you. 

Cpl D Hough

 

It’s comfortable and homely

Is this little place

A haven when lonely

And you’ve got a ‘long face’

When its portals you enter

The atmosphere you feel

Then your mood has to surrender

For on it peace sets its seal.

An apple tart, a cup of tea

Which bucks you up no end

They do it just for you and me

That hand on the way, which they lend.

It’s not a canteen, but a haven

A place you must appreciate

Its memory of which you’ll be saving

Until you reach your own garden gate.

So please remember

Your appreciation to show

By leaving it as you found it

Before you go. 

BF 9^th August 1944

 

Home Sweet Home. Best wishes and kindest regards to Mr & Mrs Poole for their kindness and hospitality towards me when home on leave.  Thank you. 

Pte W Bending, Army Dental Corps, Royal Army Medical Corps, No 19 Coy (now with 102^nd General Hospital)

 

Here’s to them that we love, here’s to those that love us

Here’s to those that love those that love us.  Good Luck to everyone at Glencot.

Signed 3 Leading O.T.U.’s. 

Eric Dyson, Rochdale; Jeff Powell, Wrexham; Harry Phipps, Leyton E10

 

Appreciation for all that Mr & Mrs Poole have done cannot be expressed by words – sufficient is it to say: “We have been at home here, and now we must leave”.  (The lads know what it is like to leave home). 

Colleen Hurst (Cpl PJI), 23 Laureate Terrace, Exning Road, Newmarket, Suffolk.  21.2.1948

 

The house in the valley I shall always remember no matter where I go as it gave me

The greatest place of repose. 

J Smith, Sept 21, 1944

 

We wish to thank Mr & Mrs Poole for her kindness not only to us but for all the services. 

We hope with all our hearts that after the war she will always prosper and never want through her lifetime. 

WAAF 13BC, Collaton Cross

 

Glen Cot is – England at its best. 

L B Davies, 8.7.46

 

Have destroyer, have a yacht.  But station me at old Glen Cot. 

Walter Watkins, LDG/S70 HMS Onslow

 

Thank you very much Mrs Poole and family for food which was welcome when I was hungry; and hospitality which was even more welcome because it is so rare and unexpected these days. 

Donald D Sim(s), September 8^th, 1947

 

The best this world can offer. 

Gnr Newhouse

 

I peeped through the window

Was invited inside

Went under the porchway

Through a door open wide

Into a room

Very tidy and neat

And was greeted by a girl

Very lovely and sweet.

Babs is her name

I don’t know the rest,

But any house that she enters

By beauty is blessed. 

A J, London

 

I cannot express myself with your kindness more than a simple thank you, but it comes sincerely.  Glen Cot has been a wonderful haven during my stay at Newton Ferrers.  Thank you very much Mrs Poole and the family. 

B B Bailey (Bristol)

 

When I have ceased to beat my wings

Against the hopelessness of things

And learn that compromises wait

Behind each hardly open gate

When I can look life in the eyes

Grow calm and very coldly wise

Life will have given me; the Truth

But taken in exchange – my youth.

When you are old Mrs Poole

When you are old and gray and full of sleep

And nodding by the fire, take down this book

And read, and dream of the soft look

Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep.

How many loved your memories of glad grace

And loved your beauty with love false or true,

And loved the pilgrim soul in you

And watched the sorrows of your changing face.

Then bending down beside the glowing bars

Murmur, a little sadly, how love fled

And paced upon the mountains overhead

Then hid his face amid a crowd of stars. 

Jock McIntyre. 2 MRV 10^th August 1947

 

England for ever.

Wales for one day longer. 

Vivienne Stacey, WREN, Cwmrhydyceirw

 

You ask me to write in your album,

I hardly know how to begin,

but I wish you joy in simple things,

In friendship, books and flowers

That every day, in every way

Be filled with many happy hours.

Thank you Mr & Mrs Poole, for the most wonderful time I have had since I have been at Collaton. 

Vernon S Wickland (RAF) 46 Ashbournham Rd, Greenwich, SE10.  March 4^th, 1943

 

A friend in need is a friend indeed. Many thanks for hospitality and a grand cup o’ tea.  Frank Fawcett, RN

 

This was my lucky day I discovered Glen Cot

Home from home with plenty of good, big eats

The applet tarts are sweet, and so are Mr & Mrs Poole

Many thanks for your hospitality and the best of luck. 

Bill Young

 

I walked in solemn silence in a dull dark cloak – awaiting the sensation of a short, sharp shock – from a cheap and chippy chopper – on a big black block – but then I found Mrs Poole.  Many, many thanks. 

Wilf Darby, 10 Squadron RAAF, Melbourne, Australia

 

Many thanks for an excellent lunch.  My first beneath this roof

One of the most happy experiences of my life.

P, 13 April 1943

 

This is all the gang of the Royal Marines.  The best bunch of fellows that have ever come to Newton Ferrers, at least we think so.  The landlords at the Swan, the Dolphin and the Globe will second this.  We taught the ferryman Bill Roach how to row and he showed us the way to fall out of a boat (at least two of us got wet shirts) coming to Auntie’s.  Wakie, wakie, rise and shine.  The morning sun is strong enough to scorch your eyeball out, it’s raining hard enough for a walking stick.  Steady boys, steady.

Signed by the lads of P Company 

 

Glen Cot is the kind of place you want to write home about – a rare thing, an experience not often found in Service life.  We’d like you to know two brothers have this week-end enjoyed a memorable meeting, chiefly due to Mrs Poole’s generosity and warm hospitality.  You’ll never make a fortune but you’ll be rich in the good wishes of us all.  Aug 23^rd, 1942. 

Ron Downing AB, Jx255510

Ken Downing Cpl RM, Ply x868

 

Food like the Ritz

Far from the Blitz

Four miles from 441 HAA Bty RA. 

Gnrs Butterworth JHR, C Ford, R Beasby, Jimmy Perkins

 

A little place, away from home,

Waters green, flecked with foam;

Dear country folk, so good and kind

At Newton Ferrers you will find.

An apple tart, a cup of tea,

A happy host, good company

Many thanks for all this lot

To Mrs Poole and old Glen Cot. 

C Parkinson, LSBA, S Best, SBA, RN Hospital, Plymouth

 

When months and years have passed you by

And on this page you cast your eye

Remember it was a friend sincere

Who put these lines of remembrance here. 

George Punnouris, RAAF, 66 Bayswater Road, Kings Cross, Sydney, NSW

 

Mere words cannot express our appreciation in tasting real eggs and strawberry jam again.  It was lovely.

J D Abdy WRNS

 

As I was walking down the street the other day

A woman passed by and said, ‘oh, by the way

Why aren’t you dressed in khaki or in navy blue

Fighting for your country that’s been fighting for you?’

I turned around and answered with a smile

I’ve been fighting for my country all the while

I gladly took a chance, now my right arm’s in France

And I’m one of England’s broken dolls. 

Gerry

 

I thank you from the very bottom of my heart for the many kindnesses which you have bestowed upon me.  I shall remember to the end of my days this happy little household set in the heart of the most beautiful countryside in England.  Again as I sign off I thank you. 

Gnr G Barton, RA

 

Of all the places that I’ve been

And hospitality that I have seen

Has happened at Glen Cot

A cottage just below the village green

Where all the boys in Services

Can go and spend their spare time at the Cot. 

R F Rowe Gnr, 525 Battery RA, Romsey, Hants 

E L Austin, 546 Battery, HMAA Romsey, Hants

 

Poole’s teas are a delight to all the men who have to fight.

Many thanks for the kind hospitality you have shown me. 

God bless you Ma and Pop.  

Gnr A Girvan 525/82^nd S/L Regt RA

 

Just a lonely soldier far from home and wife

I thought the pleasures I once had

Were my inheritance for life.

But then came blood and slaughter

Battle and sudden death

The peace of home was shattered

And parting choked one’s breath.

But a sailor comes ashore again

Still very far from home

For a rest between the battles

Just free from wind and foam

Chance led him to the house of Poole

Though stranger that he be,

He was welcomed there and made to feel

Like one of the family.

A sailor travels both far and wide

And meets peoples of many races.

But if he could choose his port of call

It would be ‘Glen Cot’ and all its graces. 

Bert

 

To Mrs Poole.

When walking along a country road and wishing some friend to meet

Just cast your thoughts on Netton and sometimes think of me. 

Signed L/Bdr Goodall, Stoke Point

 

It is very hard for me to put in words my feelings toward Mr & Mrs Poole and Barbara of Glen Cott.  All I can say is that I greatly appreciate all that they have done for me, allowing me to spend three most wonderful days here.  Thank you with all my heart and I shall never forget it. 

Bob Miller (G. Robert Miller), SM 3/c USN.  C/ss LCT (5) 293.  Atlantic Fleet

 

When down in Devon I chanced to roam

To find this haven, home from home

These are the words of a grateful guest

For a night of peace and rest.

And I sincerely hope and pray

That I shall enjoy a return visit some day. 

J W Heath, A/B.  RN

 

It is our wish to thank Mr & Mrs Poole for their hospitality and kindness.

The Diamond Brothers ‘Adagio Trio’ : last appearance, the London Palladium. 

We remain yours most sincerely,

Ed, John and Happy

 

So happy a spot, is this wee Glen Cot.

Mr & Mrs Poole, thanks a lot. 

Hugh Copeland, Helensburgh, Scotland.

 

I shall always remember Glen Cot when at sea and hope to be coming back one day.

Terry

 

I am no poet and prose is certainly not my forte, so must confine myself to a simple but sincere ‘thank you’ for all you have done and are doing me and man other lads in uniform who are fortunate in being stationed within easy reach of Glen Cot.  Sincere thanks, 

W A Fellam (Tellam?), Wireless Mech RN, Stoke Damerel, Devonport

 

Thanks to Mr Poole for all the comics also parcels he contributed to the dance prizes, also the way he looks after the girls in 480 Battery. 

Yours WM & NC

 

They say see Naples and die;  but why die when there are still apple pasties to be enjoyed at Mrs Poole’s in Newton Ferrers.  One thing Naples and Glencot, Newton Ferrers have in common is they are both run by dictators.  The Glencot one called Major Barbara.  Many thanks Mr & Mrs Poole, for your unequalled hospitality and generosity to me. 

Eric A Wood, Wireless Mechanic, Stoke, Devonport, 17/10/41

 

Although my heart echoes the sentiments so truly expressed in the foregoing pages, no word of mine could serve appropriately to describe my innermost thoughts when I reflect just how much the kindness, generosity and pleasant company of Mr and Mrs Poole, Barbara and Yvonne have meant to me during my long stay here. 

Stuart, 20^th October 1941

 

A home from home means a lot to me which I greatly appreciate.  Newton Ferrers is a lovely spot, but I far more enjoy Glen Cot.  Mrs Poole and Barbara’s influence have stopped me from going to the places of booze which I have promised to do. 

Albert (Fred)

 

We did our training at -----ing

We practised firing in Wales

But the place where we found hospitality the best

Was at Glen Cot with Mrs Poole and the rest. 

Sgt R Brocklehurst RM, Marine H Firth

 

Dear Mammy & Pop

You will never know how much I look forward to coming to your home which I have now come to regard as my own.  No words of mine can express my appreciation of all your kindness and the infinite care you take to make ‘the boys’ happy and comfortable when they come to see you.  I am quite sure that long after we have all returned to our own homes, we shall have cause to remember, with sincere thankfulness, Glen Cot and its very hospitable occupants.  On behalf of us all, once again, many, man thanks for the grand work you are doing so willingly.  Sincerely yours,

Jimmy III (J F T Potter) O/Sig, RN.  Croydon, Surrey

 

In Newton Ferrers arrived us three

A lovely time was had by we

Man a time we’ve stayed for tea

And we sincerely wish it could always be

(But this war has got to be won)

Thanks very much Mr & Mrs Poole for the unstinting generosity you have shown us boys.

Bill, Lofty, Waky and Yorky

 

To Mr & Mrs Poole, who have been like parents to me while on a few days leave.  May god see fit to pin more peoples’ eyes to the wonderful work which they are doing and may they receive their reward in heaven. 

Billie D Myers RM 2/c USN

 

This is only my first and I hope not the last

Of my visits to this nice place

Where once I have seen and still hope to see

Many a kindly face.

Thanks a million everyone.

Stan Wright, Gunners RA

 

I’ve been in many homes both in my own country and here in England, but I can truthfully say that I have now found for the first time a place where I feel ‘at home’ and brother, the words ‘at home’ mean an awful lot. 

‘Buddy’, Alfred N Hynan, RM 2/c USNR

 

My most enjoyable weekend in the Navy was spent at Glen Cot.  It’s a place one doesn’t forget easily.  Thanking Mrs Poole for her kind hospitality. 

Alan R Baugh ER, W Howell, ERA

 

On behalf of the Marines and myself, I thank you for your kind hospitality and true friendship.   I can add a lot more to that but I have written what I think in the most simple manner.  Sincerely yours, 

J K Henderson, RM, Fifeshire, Scotland

 

Glen Cott – ‘far from the maddening crowd’.

Bob

 

Mrs Poole, this has been a pleasure to stay with you.  The work you do for the boys is grand and I wish you all the best of luck.  I wish too that there were many more in the country like you. 

A S Clinch, RN

 

It took three visits to Newton Ferrers for me to find Glen Cot. 

I know now that the first two were just a mere waste of time. 

Gnr E G Packer, 525/82^nd RA, Ascot, Berks

 

Never again will I visit Noss Mayo as it reminds me of home. 

Slim

 

This is my first time here and I hope is not the last.  I find it Home from Home and only wish other people like Mrs Poole existed. 

Sig Ronald Bibby, Preston Lancs, 30^th August 1942

 

Many thanks for delightful apple tarts and an hour’s real PEACE in a world at war. 

Colin Andrews, London W12

 

On behalf of my ‘big bro Thackie’ and insignificant me, I express our sincere thanks and gratitude for the wonderful reception we received.  Personally, I only hope the opportunity arises when I may come and be among you again.  Don’t think I’m raking it in; but your hospitality is almost overwhelming in every respect making one feel forever indebted.  Anyway at least I’ll send you a postcard.  “To hell with convention”.  That seems to be the motto round here, and I’m all for it.  Well, here’s to the next time and good luck to all at Glen Cot.  I think the best little phrase I can use is, God bless you all. 

Marine C V Wright, 9 Cromwell Place, St Ives, Huntingdonshire

 

From Lincolnshire I come, to Lincolnshire I go. 

When Lincoln’s done for me to Aunties then I go. 

With respects to Mrs Poole.

From Marine Albert (Bill) Birkett, Scunthorpe, Lincs

 

Though the time spent at Mr & Mrs Poole’s was short every minute spent was thoroughly enjoyed by one and all. The boys, 4 Taffs and a Jock. 

J Harris, RN, Pontypridd

J McLeod, Brithdir, Wales

D H Thomas, Cardiff

P Williams, Brithdir

Jock Pilkethly, Dundee

 

The kindness shown to us and described by Gordon in above article cannot be over estimated.  We were two strangers walking through this quaint little village in a downpour of rain when we received the kind invitation from Mrs Poole to partake of some tea.  We two, Gordon and I are indeed grateful.  As I write this I am seated comfortably in a soft armchair in front of a log fire in the home of Mr & Mrs Poole, again I repeat we are indeed very grateful. 

Robert S Howie RN, Cast Street, St Andrews, Scotland

 

We herewith submit our application for transfer to the Newton Ferrers Fire Brigade, forthwith. 

S Moulde, NFS, Jack Vale, NFS

 

Whenever in this book you smile

Whenever in this book you frown

Please don’t forger the chap who spoilt it

Writing in it upside down

All the best and many thanks to Mr & Mrs Poole Barbara and Don, also Yvonne from

I J (Tom) Bourke, NZD 3551, RNVR

 

Streams may come and streams may go

But the Poole’s stay on for ever.

Thanks a lot for a wonderful time.  Yours for ever,

Dick Williams, Royal Marines.

 

With heartfelt thanks to one and all, as to this village we chance to call, and though it rained from morn ‘til night, the peace we found, was a pleasant delight.  Many thanks to Mr & Mrs Poole for your kind hospitality. 

From two of the boys RN

 

Glen Cot has provided me with warmth

And many a pleasant hour

But the heart of Mrs Poole

Is just like an open flower.

God luck and God bless you. 

C Freeman, 1015 RM

 

We take the opportunity of thanking Mr & Mrs Poole for the kindness and generosity  they have shown us.  The apple tart and cooking is the best I have known, and I always tell my friends to visit Mrs Poole when they want relaxation and comfort, not forgetting the peace and the neighbourhood.  In Glen Cot, one finds warmth and happiness, when life gets you down.  I am truly thankful, my friends told me of this lovely abode.  We also thank Barbara for the ‘smacking’ time she has given us, especially the afternoons spent collecting chestnuts.  Thanks again Mrs Poole, while people like you exist, England will never fall to the enemy, that includes Barbara and Mr Poole too.  Thanks a million. 

Ord. Seaman F Yates, RNVR

Ord Seaman D Fradgeley, RNVR

 

Thanks to them that’s far away

I wish that they were nigh

If drinking tea would bring them back

I drink the Poole house dry. 

Cpl McManus M (Jock)

Even after two years’ absence we still remember Glen Cot and Mrs Poole’s tea. 

Leading Stoker E Williamson ex Heybrook Camp

 

Many thanks for your kind hospitality which is as rare as the beauty of its surroundings. 

SBA J Davenport

 

With very many thanks for the all too few happy evenings I spent at Mrs Poole’s in Newton Ferrers, my three happiest evenings I’ve spent in the Army! 

429 Hy A P, RA Gnr G Andrews OFC

 

Very glad to be back in them parts where people are hospitable.  A too rare thing these days but nevertheless all the more appreciated. 

Corporal J Clears and his wife August 42

 

From the white cliffs of Dover

To the people of Newton Ferrers.  We wish you the best of luck. 

S/Sq J I Beer, L/Bdr Gill E, Dover, 468 S/L Battery

 

I was down here before in 1941, I never thought I would be back

But here I am again to enjoy the same hospitality as before. 

J McInnes, August 1942

 

The world is large and food is not plenty, so if you are around this way, call at Mrs Poole’s when your stomach is empty. 

Another gunner

 

During two years of Army life and all the incumbent hardships caused thru’ not only Army short-sightedness but civilian stupidity I have found an oasis of sanity – Glen Cot. 

J C Bowdery

 

Life is nothing without music.

 

My sincere thanks to Mum, Pop and Babs for all they have done for me.  Although my stay was not very long, I shall never forget Glen Cot and the happy evenings we had together.  Hope that this is only ‘au revoir’ and we shall all meet again under more happy circumstances.  Until then the very best  of everything to you all.  If you are ever around my way, the address is, 14 Leslie Road, Toll Bar, St Helen’s, Lancs and I only hope that I can make you feel as much at home as you have me. 

Thomas Pender, REME

 

Being as we are no fools, we always dine at Mrs Poole’s

She makes a pastry that is tasty, and a mighty bun for the ‘44’. 

J W Downs, HAA, A Bunlim, HAA, R Apted, HAA, A Woon, HAA, J Anderson. HAA

 

While walking down the village street

I met a marine with blinking big feet

He said, ‘Don’t you be a silly fool,

Go and stay with Mr and Mrs Poole’.

Thanking them for a very enjoyable weekend, spent at (Glen Cot). 

Jack Morris and George Brant (Liverpool)

 

The month was June, the sky was blue,

I was at Glen Cot and saw Babs too.

At first I thought I’d make this a habit

But then I discovered she’d too much ‘rabbit’

But nevertheless and notwithstanding,

The hospitality passes all understanding. 

Ron

 

Whose eyes say stay, so you stay and talk

And later on you say, how about a walk?

But Babs knows the answers and puts you right,

She’s a charming girl and we’ll come again

‘Cos the tea is good and the grub alright. 

John, Dover.  Eddie, London.  Hughie, Glasgow

 

He’d agree, the same as me That Glencot is the place to be For fun and friends and company And homely hospitality Are all found there abundantly And I say thanks with all sincerity To Mum and Dad and dearest Babs For all the lovely hours you gave me.  Yours Johnny

 

The weather was dull and life seemed cruel

So we came down to see Mrs Poole

She made us tea with a big apple tart

The way we were treated would warm your heart

I thank you sincerely, here’s ‘all the best’

It sure was a pleasure to be your guest. 

Tel E Garvie RNVR.  Paisley, Scotland

 

Never was so many grateful for just two

Nothing is too much trouble for them to do

We thank them from the bottom of our hearts

For the comfort they gave us and their lovely apple tarts.

North, South, East or West.  This place is the best. 

Eric McDonald, Perth, Western Australia

 

This house is like my own home although it is far away I shall always think of my wife don’t matter what ever happens.  Please God get this war over.  Thank you for a quiet seat and a good read. 

George Stubberfield, London

 

Mouse no cast shadow like Elephant. 

Harrie Douglas, 10 Sqdn RAAF Mt Batten, 22^nd May 1942

 

We aye have a braw tea.  “Up wi’ the bonnets”. 

L/Bdr Jock Knight RA, Fife

L/Bdr N D Cooper RA, Loughton, Sussex, 25/5/42

 

A good cup of Scots’ tea by a lovely fire

It’s just like being at home by your own fireside.  From a Scot (Edinburgh). 

WAAF Spencer, AC

 

My life I’ve spent in wandering around

Many good billets have I found

But without a doubt the best of the lot

I found when I came to dear Glen Cot.

A homely welcome and cheerful smile

Has helped to make my life worthwhile 

L/Bdr Skidmore

 

When I find a more beautiful place I shall stay there. 

D R Thomas, Ardath, 13 Rangers Road, Cremarne, Sydney, NSW Australia

 

When, when, when

Shall we find a pint

To have after our tea?  26.6.42

Albert, Jock and Lea

 

Do you know if you and I could make life so happy and beautiful as the Lady of this House does to all our fellow friends, life would be worth living.

Ken Dovercourt, 2.8.42

 

There is a famous seaside place called Blackpool

That is noted for its fresh air and fun

But even this is nothing compared with ‘Glencot’

And the hospitality that is offered to one. 

F Dowell, AB. Ex Valiant

 

I’ve served my time in a warship, I’ve served my time at sea

But I’m coming back to old Glen Cot, and the welcome that is waiting for me. 

Ken Jones, AB.  Valiant, the fighting ‘Val’.

 

I’m a lad from Wembury Coastal Defence Station and have made this my second home for some while now and will soon be leaving for sea.  I shall never forget you at Glen Cot. 

P A Singer, HA Range RN, Wembury. 9.8.42

 

Artillery Gunners never say no to a nice cup of tea at Mr & Mrs Poole’s. 

This place reminds the Gnrs of home.  

Gnr Powell RJ, and Gnr Staples, 341 HAA  Bty RA (nightbirds) 

 

The world is large and food is not plenty, so if you are around this way call at Mrs Poole’s when your stomach is empty. 

Another Gunner

 

I’ve spent my life in the saddle, I’ve earned a cowboy’s pay

But I’m coming back to old ‘Glen Cot’

When I’ve saved a bit more pay. 

Sheriff W L Viner AB, Ex Valiant, the ship of ships

 

Thank you for the happiness

Although we soon may part

I’ll have the memory of Glen-Cot

To carry in my heart.

My loved ones left me years ago

And none can take their place

But meeting Ma and Pop and Babs helped

Fill that empty place.

Happiness we cannot buy

The best things have no price.

So thank you dears for giving me. 

A glimpse of paradise. 

R H Arnold, J H Arnold, RNF

 

All over England green sites were had

But thoughts of leaving this one

Makes us very sad.

Amidst glorious surroundings and Beauty unsurpassed

And all the lovely ladies.

Blimey, ain’t they fast? 

Colin McKay, George, Ron Marshal.  5/5/42

 

Just a few lines from the Forgotten Army

While we are on site it drives us barmy. 

Gnr Green A.G. 468 RA

 

In days of old when scotch was scotch

It would start your tonsils singing

And trickled down your petrol pipe

And started up your engine.

But nowadays scotch isn’t scotch

It’s weaker and no wetter

And it costs you 22/6d a time

Just to tickle your carburettor. 

O.S. Ludbrook, late of Raleigh and Lyneham

 

Remembrance of you all is like a golden chain

That will bind us together till we meet again

And though we may be far apart

You will forever be in my heart.

George Harrison RN

 

Oh Scotia, my dear, my native soil

For whom my warmest wish to heaven is sent,

Long may your hardy sons of rustic toil

Be bless’d with health and wealth and sweet content. Burns. 

From an Airdrionian. 

Marine J Murray

 

Had we never loved sae kindly, had we never loved sae blindly,

Never met, nor ever parted, we had ne’er been broken hearted.  Burns. 

L/Cpl Jock

 

When the golden sun is setting

And your thoughts from cares are free

And of others you are thinking

Will you sometimes think of me?

Gnr J Cairns, Bonnie Scotland

 

Some hae meat, an canna eat;

An some wad eat, but want it

But we hae meat, and we can eat

So let the kind Lord be thanked.  Burns. 

Cpls Beaney, Durn, Middleton, L/Cpl Olven RN

 

With duster and sweeper I ought to be good

But I apparently turned out to be a ‘dud’

If everyone else was as good as I

You would see the muck rise gradually high.

 

We left ‘Aussie’ on Anzac Day (1942)

Bound for the Blighty shore.

And here we are in the land of beauty. 

Cpl D Cook, Narrabean, NSW, Australia

Cpl F L Masters, Worgan Hills, Western Australia, 10 Squadron

 

Ease not the protestations of my heart

Nor seduce the ecstasy from my body.

They live in the tissues of my blood

To be awakened only by you. 

Michael Baxendale, 241 Hy AA Bty RA

 

The Airman’s Lament

 

The poor airman lay down a’dying

As under the wreckage he lay.

The mechanics they gathered to listen

As his last dying words did he say.

Take the piston rods out of my back-bone

The connecting rod out of my brain.

From the base of my spine take the crankshaft

And assemble my engine again. 

G. Ladbrooke, 929984 LAC Mount Batten, Plymouth, 20 Dec 1942

 

Royal Marines

 

Royal, if a battle deem we’ll trust in you,

And our steam to pull us through

So till we touch the water cold

I’ll stand with you because you’re bold,

Fire that gun till deemed for hell

One thing no one else can tell,

Then I’m sure the presentation

Words shall be,

Marines and Navy rule the sea.

 

Steel

 

Though bayonets gleam of death to be

Counter and riposte, that’s me

This says the Englishmen as they tread,

That’s the reason Germans have fled.

But, those who have stayed

To fight it out, death as rained

Without a doubt

To soldiers this sounds great maybe

But remember it’s happened the same at sea

And although they fire, shot and shell

Boarding the Altmaru proves

The Marines can fight with hands as well.

Cradled in the arms of the crescent moon

And with heaven’s light our guide;

Till victory’s in sight we’ll advance with the night,

‘Per mare per terram’, to the fight.  

C/Sgt Maxie Abel 10040 RM 9 Nov 1941

 

Boxers come and boxers go

But Monagers go on for ever. 

C/Sgt Maxie Abel RM, Darlington.  Monday 3^rd November 1941.

 

Up the Marines and Navy. 

J K Henderson, RM, J Tidswell RM

 

Of all the homes I’ve ever known that is, a home from home. I know this is the best. 

When I see the faces all around.  So peaceful and at rest.  See you August

J Feilee

 

What!  Write in this book?

Where?  Ladies look and gentlemen spy.

Not I, I’m shy. Goodbye (but I’ll be back again). 

Stanley H Howe, RAAF, Adelaide, South Australia

 

Royal Marine Engineers. 

The work is hard, the pay is small.

So we do our best, and bless them all. 

Marine George Kenneth Wakefield, Berkeley, Marine J Large, High Wycombe, Bucks

Marine Scott Russell, Halifax, Yorks, Marine S M Williams, Warrington, Lancs

 

One day in September far back as I remember, I walked the streets in Akichat. What pride, with a stagger and a stutter, I sat down in the gutter and a pig came up and sat down by my side.  With a murmur and a mutter as we lay down in the gutter a passer by was heard to say, ‘you must judge a man who boozes by the company he chooses’ And the blasted pig got up and walked away.

 

You live for those who love you

Whose hearts are kind and true

For the heaven that smiles above you

And awaits your spirit too.

For all human ties that bind you

For the task your god assigned you

For the bright hopes left behind you

And the good that you can do. 

Ted O’Brien, Inverell, NSW Australia

 

What’s in a name?

There once was a fellow

Whose name was Longfellow

He rose to fame

By just signing his name

So that’s why I’ll sign my name

To see if I can rise in fame. 

Sgt Act A Payne, North Shore (NB) Regt. (Projure-Constant), Canadian Army

 

Lonely years we’ve spent apart

Will soon be ended now.

The face I’ve seen through lonely tears

Will soon be near my heart.

When I come home again,

The warmth of your smile

Will dry all our tears away.

When I come home again

The years will not seem

As long as they do today.

Though we have waited so long for the day,

Parted no more dear, I come home to stay.

When I come home again,

Memories will take

The place of our dreams today. 

E Lewsley, 29^th May 1949

 

The Darkened Path

I tread a darkened path
Whereon the things I seek

Are hidden from my sight

As sunbeams in the night.

In rain I search each happy face.

That, passing close might bear a trace,

A hint, a smile, to bathe in light

The darkened path I tread.

I know that I am last

And cast adrift, alone

To walk disconsolate

Each year dispassionate

For deeper into loneliness

And all I seek is happiness,

A sweet content to transform

The darkened path I tread. 

E Lewsley, 19 Langlands Street, Dundee, Angus, Scotland.  30th May 1949

 

While round in brutal jest was thrown

The half gnawed rib and marrow bone.

That was the Vikings’ Christmas feast.

But things have changed to say the least

And nowadays we don’t feed that way. 

Signed Gnr Murray and Woods L A.  341 Hy A

 

When the golden sun is sinking and the earth no more is trod

May your name in gold be written in the autograph of God.

Thanking Mr & Mrs Poole for a lovely time. 

Dorothy Lloyd, 546 Hy (M) DA 2.2.42

 

If you think your relative could have visited Glen Cottage, then please contact Lynda with their name and service details and she will check through all her information.