Page 29 - Moreton Village Only Book

Moreton Village Only 29

Every effort in trying to raise it at the time merely caused it to sink even further into
quicksand. Compared with the destruction in the larger towns and cities, other than slight
damage to the roof of the Chapel, damage to property in Moreton was minimal. This was,
however, inconsequential when seen against further loss of life, with sadly the names of
Frederick Howes and an A. Quainton added to the Moreton War Memorial following the
Second World War.

A number of theories have been expounded as to the reason for bombing Moreton.
One was that the many ponds in the area glinted in the moonlight giving the impression
from the air of the runways at Worminghall aerodrome. Another, perhaps more likely
explanation, is that the bombers were trying to extinguish the searchlight, which was
located in the field between Bates Leys and the Windmill.

The year 1940 saw the arrival in Moreton of Allan Wynn Snr. and his wife Phyllis
following their purchase of Meadowbrook Farm. At the time, the farmhouse was the
Windmill House (actually known as Meadowbrook House and which now belongs to
Barry Mott). At the time the house was two cottages, one was demolished and the remaining
one renovated and extended. Earlier occupiers of the farm were Oliver Dodwell and also
a Mr. Gauntlett who reared pheasants.

In the early 1940’s Mick Dodwell farmed Moreton Field Farm and did his bit for the war
effort by grazed horses for the Army. On occasions there were so many that it took two weeks
to shoe them all. Certainly, it took 15 men to take 60 horses at a time to Thame station.

Memories of wartime abound, and those who grew up in the village will remember how as
children they were occasionally made to crawl through an old tin shed filled with smoke. This
was in the field opposite Chestnut Farm behind the post box. The exercise, arranged by the
ARP group, was intended to test that the children’s gas masks were in proper working order.
Jim Howes recollects that a number of
POW’s (Prisoners of War) from the camp at
Milton Common frequently worked in the
fields behind Elmfield House. Some of them
were obviously expert basket makers and they
would practise their skills during their lunch
breaks and by selling baskets cheaply could
make a few pennies to buy cigarettes.

Meanwhile, Canadian soldiers on
manoeuvres at Shabbington would bivouac
at Elm Tree Farm, known at the time as
Rose’s Farm, much to the great delight of
the local kids. The Canadians kept their bren
gun carriers along the verges at each side
of the driveway and it was not unknown to
see local kids gleefully being pushed around
the village sitting on a bren gun carrier.

In 1942 Alfred and Liz Howes died within
a few weeks of each other and the three Willow
Cottages were sold for £360.00. It is thought
by the family that Alfred’s demise could have
been hastened by the shock of the front door
and window at Willow being blown in by the
bomb blast, a piece of shrapnel from which
landed on the kitchen table. On later
examination it was found to have the letters
W.C. on it which convinced Alfred that the
device was definitely intended for Willow
Cottages, and not Winston Churchill!
Meanwhile the occupants at Vine Cottage may
well have taken refuge in their Anderson air
raid shelter which still remains today. The particulars of sale for the three Willow Cottages.