Southend on Sea, Essex. September 1939

[PaulDorrell]

Hi,

In September 1939 Southend seafront and pier were taken over by the Royal Navy for the duration of the war. My grandfather (then 56 years-old) used to work on the seafront before the war. Can anyone tell me what happened to council employees once the Navy moved in? Were they redeployed? Does anyone know what took place please? Southend Borough Council don't answer my requests for information.

Paul

[Peter Goodey]

Southend Borough Council don't answer my requests for information.


Whom did you contact? The local studies collection seems to be at -

Southend Central Library
Victoria Avenue,
Southend on Sea,
Essex SS2 6EX

http://www.southend.gov.uk/content.asp?section=323&content=1604

[Browneyes]

Still looking but in case you haven't seen it there's some information relating to the pier on the following site that might interest you.

www.thesoutheastecho.co.uk/pier_history.htm

[keith9351]

You could try the local paper, they used to have a local historian whose features were very interesting. Not sure of his name but i think it could be Tom King. Its been a number of years since I brought that paper.


http://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/

There is also a museum next to the Library, I'm sure the Council would put you in touch with them.

Keith

[benny1982]

I have recently been to Southend Central Library. They do hold newspaper records for one Southend newspaper for the 1930s and 1940s. I think it is The Southend Standard.

[PaulDorrell]

Thanks to you all for your replies. Next stop the library by the looks of things. Peter, I used the email contact service from the council website. I've had one acknowledgement and one message saying they are raising a complaint on my behalf (I didn't ask for that) but still no information - not even a "sorry can't help".

[crimea1854]

Paul

Try contacting Peggy Dowie at Southend Pier Museum, they do have a website, and you should get an answer!!

Martin

[PaulDorrell]

Thank you Martin, I'll do that. Paul