Key Highlights
- The account of wartime in west Dorset during the First World War highlights local suspicion and fear of invasion.
- A German submarine base was allegedly established at Pinhay Bay, west of Lyme Regis, sparking paranoia among residents.
- Local men were suspected of various activities that could aid German raiders, including using secret radio transmitters to inform the enemy.
- Dorset played a crucial role in protecting ports and harbors from U-boats through the creation of anti-submarine nets.
The Wartime Fears in West Dorset
During the First World War, the residents of west Dorset faced unprecedented fears and paranoia. The area, home to towns such as Bridport and Lyme Regis, was not spared from the wider conflict that gripped Europe. A rare account by JW Rowson, written in 1922, provides a vivid picture of life during those tense times.
Local Suspicions and Paranoid Atmosphere
The early months of the war saw an atmosphere of suspicion and fear. Reports from that period suggest that a German submarine base had been established at Pinhay Bay, west of Lyme Regis. This claim added to the already heightened sense of danger among local residents.
In one instance, Rowson recounted how he was attacked by what he believed might have been U-boat crew members while resting on a rock. Although this story may sound far-fetched today, it illustrates the extent of paranoia during wartime.
Mr. Stevens of Haddon House, West Bay, volunteered to patrol telegraph wires for any signs of sabotage.
Women in Lyme Regis were also not immune from suspicion; an anonymous informant accused a local boatman of secretly supplying petrol to U-boats. Every individual was under scrutiny, with no one safe from the fear of betrayal.
Local Contributions and Preparations
The people of west Dorset made significant contributions to the war effort in various ways. One notable example involved the local net and rope industry. Gundry’s and other manufacturers produced 50,000 hay nets a week for the feeding of horses, mules, and donkeys at the front lines.
This highlights the crucial role that even seemingly mundane industries played in supporting the war effort.
There were also efforts to protect coastal areas from potential German raiders. Beacons were erected at key locations such as Thorncombe, Abbotsbury, and East Cliff, which would be lit if an attack occurred. Orders were issued instructing residents on what to do in case of a landing by German raiders, including torching houses and removing items useful to the enemy.
Protecting Ports from U-Boats
Bridport played a key role in developing anti-submarine defenses. Mr. Edwards, a local net manufacturer, had a meeting with Winston Churchill and other members of the Admiralty Board in London to discuss port protection measures. This led to the design and manufacture of the first anti-submarine nets using twisted metal strands.
Impact on Daily Life
The war also affected daily life in significant ways. Farms and businesses suffered early casualties, with the demand for horses increasing due to their use in both cavalry and transport roles. Owners were required to report selected animals to The Artillery Parade at the bottom of St Michael’s Lane in Bridport.
Palmer’s Brewery faced particular challenges as it was left with few dray horses.
The war memorial outside St Mary’s Parish Church in Bridport lists many local names, including those who died on battlefields such as Ypres and Gallipoli, as well as those with no known resting place. This serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict.
While the account by Rowson is now over a century old, it provides valuable insight into the wartime experiences of west Dorset residents during one of the most tumultuous periods in history.
