Page 84 - Sylvia Malt - Side by Side

Sidcup Times 1940 - Foots Cray Veteran's Record

After 40 years, Mr George Tree aged 85 years-of-age of Windsor Road, Foots Cray, an Army
veteran, has received the last of eight Service medals for which he was entitled. This is for
long service and good conduct.

"I was entitled to this medal in 1900, when I received my discharge after 27 years service"
George told a Kentish Times representative "but I did not apply for it at the time."

Mr Tree served in no fewer than five big wars after joining the Army in 1873 at the age of 18
- the Zulu Wars, the Egyptian Campaign, the Metabele Campaign, the Boar War and the
Great War. (He rejoined the Army when nearly 60 years of age and served from 5th August
1914). Mr Tree went on to explain that three of his sons served in the Great War, and the
eldest, *George, was killed in France. The family came to Foots Cray in 1887. George Tree
and his son earned their living as basket makers.

*George Tree actually died of kidney failure on 31st December 1917 in France whilst
serving with the 7th Battalion, Rifle Brigade

Chislehurst & Sidcup Council was tasked with dealing with the effects of the
'Blitz'.

During the Blitz (from 7th September until 21st May 1941) the Air Raids Precautions
Committee of Chislehurst & Sidcup Council met regularly at the Council Offices in Sidcup
Place. They had a daunting agenda. The Councillors were tasked with ensuring that
medical aid posts in public shelters had sufficient provisions of tea and sugar (very
important for morale). They had to ensure that there was adequate provision of public
cleansing facilities, sufficient nursing attendants at emergency rest centres/and adequate
provision for the emergency ambulance section and that the Fire Service was provided with
sufficient helmets and respirators.

After a bombing raid, it was the Council's responsibility to provide immediate first aid
repairs to war damaged houses and ensure storage of any salvaged furniture or
belongings. If a home was no longer habitable, then they had to somehow find emergency
homes for the families.

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents who sought shelter during an air-raid, the
Council had to create a set of 'do's and don'ts' by which the public should govern their
behaviour. (Any digressions were seriously dealt with).

The committee usually met on a monthly basis, but during the London 'Blitz' it was
necessary to meet every two weeks to ensure that everything possible was being done.
When there was a death following a bombing, it was the Clerk to the Council's
responsibility to inform the relevant authorities.

Air Raids/ V1 Rocket Attacks - Civilian casualties

Three civilians' names appear on the St. James Church Memorial. They are a small child
of just six-years-of-age, a housewife/mother of three young daughters who with her
husband managed a small holding growing tomatoes and a 36-year-old father and husband
working as a Special Constable who died at Shepherds Green, Chislehurst whilst on duty.

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