AN APPEAL for money to help the war effort brought a magnificent response from the people of Oxford.

Organisers set a target for Warship Week in February 1942 of £1,250,000 and that was easily reached.

Young and old organised concerts, collections, competitions and a host of other events and raised amounts large and small.

The photograph above, sent in by Sheila Charles, of Wendlebury, near Bicester, shows buglers from the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry at Carfax, in front of a huge sign keeping everyone up to date with the appeal’s progress.

The picture was taken on Wednesday, February 11, the fourth day of the appeal, when the total had already reached £520,862.

The week began with one of the biggest and most spectacular processions the city had ever seen. About 3,000 people, 50 vehicles and 10 bands joined the parade.

It was nearly half an hour before they had all passed in front of the dais outside St John’s College, in St Giles, where the mayor, Mr AE Skinner, and other dignitaries took the salute.

From St Giles, the parade made its way along Cornmarket to High Street, Cowley Road, James Street, Iffley Road and back to St Giles.

An estimated 30,000 people lined the route.

The Oxford Mail reported: “The procession was well organised and timed and everyone was impressed, not only with its comprehensive character but also with the smartness of all the units which took part.

“Because it was Warship Week, there was a special roar of welcome for the Royal Naval and Royal Marine contingents. Rarely have Oxford people shown such enthusiasm.

“The cheer that greeted the kilted Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders and the contingent from the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry was almost as warm. Every unit received applause.”

Events during the week included a boxing tournament, a Town Hall ball, which raised £53 9s 10d, a history of ships exhibition at the Ashmolean, daily auctions at the electricity showroom in George Street, and a model cruiser and poster exhibition at GR Cooper, the St Ebbe’s ironmongers.

At Therm House, in St Aldate’s, visitors could get a close-up view of a submarine periscope.

Children also played their part in raising money during the week.

Pamela Arthurs, 10, and Denis Johnson, nine, of Hurst Street, ran a competition for a parcel of groceries and collected 10 shillings, while Connie Jackson, 12, and June Sloper, 10, of Bridport Street, raised £1 15s with a competition for cigarettes and artificial flowers.

Everyone was urged to “give every penny, every shilling and every pound” – and they did!

  • Mrs Charles has also sent in another photograph of a Light Infantry bugle band but she doesn't know where and when it was taken, nor the names of those pictured. Let me know if you have any answers.