Published: Wednesday, 2nd December, 2009 10:22am

Largs woman died in WW2 air raid

Comments (0) | Print | Email

Largs was in mourning in October 1940 after a young local woman was killed in an air raid in London, where she had been employed for two years.

Miss Mattie Harkness had previously worked in Largs in Messrs T.Mackay and Sons, and was one of a family of four brothers and four sisters, most of whom resided in Largs.

Another sister, Hetty, worked near Mattie in London, and anxiety was also shown for her safety, but news has been received that she was alive and well.

It was only when members of the family phoned Hetty in London that she learned of her sister's death.

The 'News' stated on its front page: "To the dead girl's relatives, sincere sympathy is felt in this tragedy of war. Miss Harkness's funeral took place at Largs Cemetery."

During the same month, a distinguished name visited Largs.

The Rev. Philip "Tubby" Clayton, founder of the 'Empire-wide' Toc H group, paid a visit to the local outpost - the Toc H Rooms in Largs- as local leader Fred Thomson quickly broadcast the news.

Mr A Simpson, Captain of the Boys Brigade, local church ministers and Business Club representatives were just some of the local groups represented at the big event.

The 'News' reported: "Mr Clayton spoke of the work of the Christian Service being rendered by 2700 units of Toch H in the cities, towns and villages throughout the country.

"He told how men and women of services were welcomed as brothers and sisters in loving friendship.

"Toc H brought Christianity into everyday life. It did not ask a man if he went to church, but it asked him if he was selfish. That question made people think and brought out the best in human nature."

Toc H first came into existence in 1915 during the First World War. Young Army Chaplain Rev. 'Tubby' Clayton founded a rest house in a house in the Belgian town of Poperinge, a few miles behind the front-line trenches. The house was called Talbot House (whose initials, in the army phonetic alphabet of the day, give Toc H its distinctive name). Unlike many other contemporary establishments, it was open to all ranks. Furthermore, entrance was only allowed if one abandoned rank, making all men inside equals.

Toc H buildings were issued with a lamp which can be used for the traditional 'ceremony of light' at meetings, with many lamps donated in remembrance of the fallen.