Page 657 - Reading Mercury

in charge of the transport; the police and the Special constables, with Captain
Washington and Mr. Beale, the A.R.P. Liaison Officers also co-operated.
The exercise was arranged and directed by Mr. H.C.B. Mitchell, who was assisted
by Mr. C. Wintour, the Area A.R.P. Officer, Sergt. Huckins, of the Berks
Constabulary, and some 20 wardens drawn from the other wardens’ posts in
Wokingham.
The exercise was carried out by staging thirteen separate incidents in various parts
of the borough. Smoke candles were used to indicate the fall of bombs, and notices
were posted to indicate the damage done. Craters were indicated with white powder
and the casualties were labelled. The Controller and the services received a thorough
test.

th
Fri 19 May
THE MAYOR OF WOKINGHAM INSPECTS THE TERRITORIALS
National Service Recruiting Campaign at the Ritz
Great excitement was caused on Monday evening when the Mayor of Wokingham
(Cllr. J.E. Thorpe) took part in a National Service recruiting effort which the
th
management of the Ritz Cinema, the D (S) Coy., 4 Royal Berkshire Regiment and
local civil defence units made possible by their splendid cooperation. The evening
was showery, but this did not damp the enthusiasm of all those who took part in this
unique display. Advantage was taken of the fact that the Government film, “The
Warning” was being shown at the cinema and by the efforts of all concerned the foyer
of the house was filled with guns, first aid equipment, A.R.P. appliances, Scouts’
handiwork, a model aerodrome and also for the convenience of those members of the
public who wished to enrol for National Service, there were recruiting offices.
At 7 p.m. a unit of the local Territorials marched from the Drill Hall through the
town to the Ritz, when it was met by the Mayor, who inspected the ranks and also the
Guard of the Boy Scouts. Captain H.C.L. Mason was in charge of the parade.
The film, “The Warning” was then witnessed and afterwards when the lights went
up the aisles were seen to be filled with soldiers and scouts.
The manager of the cinema, Mr. G.B. Dale, introducing the Mayor, spoke of the
kindness of the local tradespeople who had helped with this display, and he also
thanked Captain Mason for the display of arms.
Mr. Dale also mentioned that the display in the vestibule was really to advertise two
outstanding films, one “The Warning” which had just been seen and “Dawn Patrol”
which would be shown next week.
The Mayor said that this was the third occasion upon which he had addressed the
people of Wokingham on the subject of National Defence, and, things don’t seem to
be getting any better. He spoke of the film which had just been witnessed, rightly
called “The Warning” he observed. “How many people realised what they had seen
might happen in Wokingham. The film was made so that the public might understand
this.”
He himself was no alarmist, but when power to make war rested in the hands of one
man, one might consider the state of affairs with grave concern. The fact that the
Government was apprehensive and the remembrance of the happenings of the last few
weeks, should make the public think. This year’s budget allowed £600M for defence
and £25M had so far been spent of shelters. Everyone had a gas mask. Conscription
had come. He spoke of the many men in Wokingham who had uniforms already to put
on if emergency arose. There was indeed grave danger.

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