Paul Phillips (Kaffler Rannyeth) relays the little-known story of a wartime deception which fooled the Germans and probably saved Falmouth Docks. (An extract taken from a more inclusive Paper on the History of Nare Point)   “The war robbed me of my youth”.                                                                                         “They were the best days of my life”.                                                                                                  “People were so…Continue Reading “Nare Point WWII Decoy Unit”

Alan Murton of Goonhavern was born and raised in Truro and here he recounts his memories of school life during the traumatic years of the Second World War.   I am conscious that Bosvigo School represents the biggest single influence in determining the course of my life. In that I would not expect to be…Continue Reading “Bosvigo School – Happy Memories 1938/44”

St Agnes historian Clive Benney brings us a macabre, who-dunnit tale from 1920 in the sleepy village of Skinners Bottom.    A hundred years ago a couple were brutally murdered in the garden of their home. Two theories were put forward but what was the jury’s verdict? The garden where the bodies were found (Photo:…Continue Reading “Skinners Bottom Murders”

Alan Murton of Goonhavern was born and raised in Truro and here he recounts his memories of how life in the city was affected by the Second World War.   When did you first realise that the years you have lived through are “History” to others?  The shock hit me in my forties when I…Continue Reading “Truro in the Second World War”

Kerdhes Adro Arwennack

This is a very personal story of one particular day, but it should be helpful, I hope, to people carrying out all sorts of research in Cornwall. It started with my grandmother’s family. I did not know much about them and so I carried out some online research. Their name was Grey and they lived…Continue Reading “Kerdhes Adro Arwennack”

Black History Month

Bob Keys shares local history and memories of West Indian and Black American troops being stationed in south-east Cornwall during the First and Second World War. A number of local memories concerning Black American troops stationed at Tregantle Fort before D-Day still circulate around Rame, particularly in relation to their musical talents and accomplishments, their…Continue Reading “Black History Month”