Following the success of the recent book Our Glorious Dead about Malmesbury and the First World War, we are now endeavouring to research World War Two, can I therefore appeal to your readers for any information.
Very little has come to light so far concerning three of our war dead – George Brown, a Royal Navy seaman who died in December 1939, Vivian Ody, a merchant seaman who died in August 1942 and George Thornbury, a soldier who died in 1948.
Also only a sketchy outline has been uncovered of the cadet units formed in the town.
Incidentally, this research has brought to light a couple of errors in the article about the Athelstan Players.
The Gazette in April 1940 reported their first public appearance although it is possible they may have existed previously and performed privately.
In May 1951 the report of their production I’ll Leave It to You began: “After well over two years of inactivity, the Athelstan Players returned to the stage of the Town Hall.....”
Charles Vernon, Treasurer, Malmesbury Civic Trust, Dark Lane, Malmesbury.
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