Wartime Memories

In this section of the website you can find wartime memories from residents of Frome and evacuees.

Ron White talks about life in Frome during the Second World War
Ron White talks about life in Frome during the Second World War 778 1024 Mercer Design

Ron White remembers life during the war as well as the hundreds of soldiers that came to Frome after the evacuation of Dunkirk

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Michael West recalls his move to Frome in World War Two
Michael West recalls his move to Frome in World War Two 839 910 Mercer Design

Michael West recalls how he and his family moved to Windsor Crescent when his father’s engineering firm, Rotol, was relocated to Frome

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Zelda Brown shares her observations of life in Frome during the war
Zelda Brown shares her observations of life in Frome during the war 880 1024 Mercer Design

A reading from a letter by Zelda Brown, which describes her experience of being an evacuee in Frome during the Second World War

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Muriel Chapman recalls hosting evacuees during World War Two
Muriel Chapman recalls hosting evacuees during World War Two 480 640 Mercer Design

Muriel Chapman married in 1938. She discusses how two evacuees from the East End arrived on her doorstep at the beginning of the war

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Ray Daniel reflects on his mother’s role in the family and her war work
Ray Daniel reflects on his mother’s role in the family and her war work 250 339 Mercer Design

Ray Daniel talks about how his mother took on the role of both parents after his father died, and worked at a munitions factory during the war

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Jim White shares his memories of Frome in the Second World War
Jim White shares his memories of Frome in the Second World War 760 768 Mercer Design

Jim White describes how local railings were removed for the war effort and recalls American, New Zealand and Australian soldiers being in Frome

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John Burge remembers the American GIs based in Frome during the war
John Burge remembers the American GIs based in Frome during the war 750 727 Mercer Design

John Burge talks about the American soldiers based at Marston during the war and how they would come into town to visit local pubs and dances

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Isabel George recalls her wartime work at Wickendens in the Market Place
Isabel George recalls her wartime work at Wickendens in the Market Place 650 768 Mercer Design

Isabel George worked for a catering firm which was regulated by the Food Office. She explains the importance of food and clothing coupons

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Hilary Daniel shares his observations of life during the Second World War
Hilary Daniel shares his observations of life during the Second World War 350 337 Mercer Design

Hilary Daniel recalls preparations for war and Chamberlain’s declaration and describes life with gas masks, blackout inspectors, and evacuees

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An account of war work in Frome read by John Payne
An account of war work in Frome read by John Payne 300 190 Mercer Design

Local firms including Nott’s Industries, Houston’s and Singer’s contributed to the war effort and Evans Engineering relocated to Frome

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