Canadians in Eastbourne during WW2 …

[Michael Ockenden]

The south coast resort of Eastbourne was ‘home’ to thousands of Canadian soldiers, who were billeted in former private schools and large houses which had been evacuated by their owners. Scores of different units passed through – some staying for a few weeks, others for up to seven months.

On 7 November 2006, the town’s Local History Society is to publish ‘Canucks by the Sea’ (187 pages with 75 illustrations) – a slice of social and wartime history based upon the recollections of veterans, local residents and war brides, together with regimental histories and War Diaries. We are most grateful to contributors to this forum who have responded to queries over the years.

The genteel image of Eastbourne did not match that of a garrison town, and there was apprehension when people heard the Canadians were coming. Business boomed in the pubs, and there were brawls between Canucks and Inter-Allied Commandos. At the Winter Garden dances, Canadians met local women – both single and married. One Eastbourne lady comments wistfully, “And life has never again been so exciting!”

There was immense gratitude towards the men, all of whom were volunteers. Soldiers were invited into homes; they organised children’s parties, and helped with the harvest. They put out incendiaries and cleared debris. The War Diary of one infantry regiment comments, “This Battalion feel that they belong to Eastbourne, and Eastbourne belongs to them.” Some 150 local girls married Canadians – nationwide the number exceeded that of GI Brides.

A succession of infantry regiments from three divisions defended the beaches; the RCE constructed defences and an emergency airfield above the cliffs; RCCS units monitored German radio traffic from a seafront mansion. Concert parties such as ‘The Tin Hats’ and ‘The Kit Bags’ entertained the troops in church halls. Sexton self-propelled guns of the RCA clattered through the tree-lined roads, and LAA units fought off ‘Hit and Run’ raiders. A Bren-gunner downed an enemy aircraft over the power station, but the other raider got away – 60 years on, the pilot was interviewed in Hanover for the book. Shortly before Dieppe, there was a heavy night raid when aircraft dropped flares and specifically targeted a district into which a Canadian infantry brigade had just moved.

If any of the Canucks who were in Eastbourne during WW2 fancy a nostalgic return this autumn, it would be wonderful if they could attend the launch, which will take place at a meeting of the Local History Society a few days before Remembrance Sunday. The Society is not in a position to offer civic hospitality, but this would be an opportunity for veterans to meet local residents who remember those days. For my part, I would certainly enjoy helping them to find some of their old haunts.

The book will be available from the UK, and the matter of distribution in Canada is being investigated. With the permission of the webmaster, further details will be posted in due course.

Michael Ockenden
Eastbourne Local History Society