1941: Following a Ministry of Home Security circular on the carrying of gas masks, a Mrs Mellows organised four lectures aimed principally at housewives of active servicemen, on how to handle a gas situation. The second talk was held on this day. Each lecture covered: latest information about gas attacks; first aid for gas casualties; how to protect yourself and dealing with incendiary bombs and fires. All lectures were very well attended. (Gray, David, Peterborough at War 1939-1945, David Gray, 2011)
Taken from The Peterborough Book of Days by Brian Jones, The History Press, 2014.
1787: Born on this day in Whittlesey, Harry Smith served in the local yeomanry at Norman Cross. In 1805, he was offered a commission in the army. He joined the 95th Rifles as a lieutenant, serving in Buenos Aires, South America in 1806 and Spain and Portugal from 1808. In April 1812, he married Juana Maria de los Dolores de Leon - a Spanish girl of well born lineage. She followed him on virtually all of his later travels. In America he was at the battle of New Orleans, and saw Washington burn before returning to Europe for the Battle of Waterloo. In 1828 he was sent to South Africa, then known as the Cape of Good Hope. He became a provincial governor there, before being moved to India as deputy-adjutant-general of the forces there. He was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath, before returning to Africa as High Commissioner and Governor of Cape Colony. He and his wife are remembered there in the names of the towns of Harrismith and Ladysmith. They returned to England in 1852, where he retired, dying in 1860. The Sir Harry Smith Community School (now College) in Whittlesey is named after him. Quite an interesting life for a Whittlesey lad, don't you think? (People of Peterborough, Peterborough Museum Publications, 2009)
Taken from:The Peterborough Book of Days by Brian Jones, The History Press, 2014.