大象传媒

Told by William Hood to East Ayrshire library staff.
The first thing that came to Stewarton during the war was a searchlight unit c1940. It didn't stay long because when the searchlight was switched on, it lit up the whole of Stewarton so needless to day the unit was abandoned! When they thought Britain was going to be invaded, the LDV (Local Defence Volunteers) blocked off all the roads to Stewarton. Then after Dunkirk the army camp at Lainshaw was built and the 17/21st Lancer Brigade arrived together with the Lothian and Border Horse and the Rifle Brigade.

All the brigades then became Tank Regiments and the tanks were all lined up all round the Avenue Square and I had to pass them on my way to school. The population of Stewarton at the time was about 2,000 and the army population would be at least 3,000. I also remember that along one of the roads out of Stewarton, there were old mine workings and there were four large chimneys which were eventually blown up because they became a land mark for the German bombers on their way to Clydebank. The Lancer Brigade stayed for about two years. King George VI came to Stewarton about 1943 to inspect the troops. We knew that someone was coming but didn't know who. All the troops were lined up waiting for this special person. A car drew up and out stepped the King! He walked right past me and another gentleman. His face was thick with make-up!! After he had his lunch in Stewarton he left in the Royal train from the station.

We never really had any problems in Stewarton with all the troops. There were also German prisoners of war which were imprisoned at Lainshaw in the army huts. In fact, they turned one of the huts into a little chapel.

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