During the Second World War thousands of Canadian troops were stationed
in Worthing.
And they certainly made an impression – both good and bad.
On the good side, they were admired for travelling thousands of miles to
fight for “the motherland” - England.
Many Worthing women fell under their spell, married members of the
Canadian garrison, and after the war emigrated to start a family.
Others fell pregnant out of wedlock and were left to bring up children
alone as their boyfriends fought – and often died - on foreign fields.
The Canadians were certainly a lively lot, but soon got restless and
turned to the town's pubs for solace.
Heavy drinking led to violence and vandalism, which was severely frowned
upon by townsfolk.
A retired solicitor called CF Harriss, of Rectory Gardens, Broadwater,
Worthing, left various accounts of the Canadians' behaviour in a wartime
diary which has just been published.
He tells of the regiments stationed in the town, the antics they got up
to, and the attitude of residents towards them.
It forms a fascinating insight into a brief but far-reaching episode in
the history of Worthing.
For thousands of Canadians alive today owe their existence to the
“special relationships” forged here during those turbulent times.
BLOB: Worthing At War: The Diary of CF Harriss was edited by journalist
Paul Holden, 46, of Alinora Crescent, Goring, Worthing.
The book, costing £14.99, has been published by Phillimore, and is
available from good local bookshops.
It can also be ordered online by visiting www.phillimore.co.uk
<http://www.phillimore.co.uk/>