The Setterfield War Diaries

The Setterfield War Diaries

During the Second World War Herne Bay was under the command of Inspector Setterfield. Throughout the war he made regular reports to his superior officer, Superintendent Cash, at Divisional HQ in Canterbury. His written reports covered a wide range of incidents from the deaths, injuries and destruction caused by enemy action, the location of unexploded incendiary and HE bombs, down to more mundane problems resulting from stray barrage balloons and finding temporary accommodation for lost carrier pigeons. It was customary for Inspector Setterfield’s reports of enemy attacks to end with the following reassuring statement: “No animals were killed or injured, and the public morale has not been affected by these incidents, and there has been no unofficial evacuation”.

HBHRS are pleased to announce, due to funding from the KCC Local Member Grants Scheme and donations made to the society in memory of Mike Bundock, our chairman, who sadly passed away suddenly in December 2022, that the diaries are now accessible to our members and the general public. The papers have been preserved, scanned, and made searchable wherever possible. There is an enormous amount of information within the papers, including, many names, street locations and dates, making the diaries an invaluable record of Herne Bay during the war years for anyone researching their family history or having a military interest in and around Herne Bay. The papers are also available in our research centre in Pettman House, Hanover Square, William Street, Herne Bay, CT6 5NY.

If you would like to enquire about the project, please CLICK HERE

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