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                  BRITISH  ROTARY DURING WW 2

Britain declared war on Nazi Germany on September 3^rd 1939. By September 13^th, the President of Rotary –Britain/ Ireland had written to every club urging them to “carry on”.

During this early period, RI  (Rotary International) was  not willing to condemn Nazi Germany. In fact they  issued a hopeful call for international peace.  … eternal optimists ???

However, in spite of this, World War 2 proved  costly to British Rotary. But it showed  their resilience and the enduring message of Rotary.

The Club of Plymouth found that in June 1941 it had no place to meet due to the bombing.  One of the London clubs (West Norwood) found itself bombed out of 8 places in just two years. This club may appear to be jinxed, but it ended up topping the District’s attendance records.

The Rotary Clubs of Britain met in exceptional circumstances and created a special fellowship, despite the War.

Many clubs  initially stopped recruiting new members .  HOWEVER, this was quickly criticized by the General Council . Although  7 clubs disbanded during the war  88 clubs increased their membership.

 Due to the  war, approximately 750 Rotarians were transferred to honorary membership and their classifications kept open for the duration.  

By the end of the war, Rotary –Britain/ Ireland  had, miraculously, extended the movement.  

56  new clubs were formed during the 1939-45 period.  – (repeat)

Lunch, was a different story, however. The government let it be known that it disapproved of “public banquets”, and that it encouraged the continuation of meetings with “modest lunches”.  To this day, most clubs continue to serve “modest meals”.

The clubs concentrated on addressing  economic and social problems during  the War. They contributed clothing for evacuated children,  and volunteered extensively to hospitals. In addition they supplied several military ambulances and mobile x-ray units, to help the War effort.

JERSEY UK ROTARY CLUB

The Jersey Rotary Club was one of seven that was disbanded during WW2.

Situated just 12 miles from the French coast and over 80 miles South  of England, the island of Jersey was always likely to be invaded   as soon as the Germans  occupied Normandy.

The  Club started in 1924 and met regularly till the outbreak of the War  in 1939.

Anticipating an invasion, the last meeting was  held on May 30 1940.

On July 1, the Germans invaded and  took control. The club continued to meet until February 21 1941 when Field Commander von Stein issued an order to the Bailiff of Jersey saying that the:

"Order concerning the Prohibition of Societies applies to Rotary as well. Further activity must cease."

Unofficial meetings were held in secret so that the spirit of Rotary was never crushed. On May 8, 1945 the Union Jack and Jersey flag again flew over the Royal Court  Building. Within a few days, the Jersey Rotary Club resumed meeting.  'Lunch' consisted of a cup of coffee with members bringing their own 'eats'. As one member wrote "most of us brought a couple of Red Cross biscuits and for once they tasted good”.