Pub scene serves to stir memories

SYLVIA Pardo has identified the Second World War pub in last week s Crow Nostalgia as the Waggon and Horses, at the Whaddon Gap in Bassingbourn. Mrs Pardo, 77, who has lived in Whaddon all her life, was also able to identify both women and the American se

SYLVIA Pardo has identified the Second World War pub in last week's Crow Nostalgia as the Waggon and Horses, at the Whaddon Gap in Bassingbourn.

Mrs Pardo, 77, who has lived in Whaddon all her life, was also able to identify both women and the American serviceman in the picture.

The American serviceman's name was Harold Kunz, who was described by Mrs Pardo as an "extremely friendly man" who got on well with all the locals.

Harold can be seen chatting to Rosie Truran, also from Whaddon, and the woman with her back to the camera is Rosie's sister Muriel, who was known as Midge. Serving behind the bar was Gertrude Brookes, the pub landlady.

Mrs Pardo said: "I knew Mrs Brookes very well from the community. She ran the pub for a number of years and everyone liked her as she was really friendly."

Sue Rattenbury-Reynolds also identified the Waggon and Horses and Mrs Brookes behind the bar was, in fact, her grandmother, Gertrude.

Sue said: "It was lovely to open The Crow and see my nan's face on the page. It was such a surprise.

"My grandparents, Edward and Gertrude, ran the pub for years and my mum Dorothy was actually born there.

"I regularly visited and spent many hours in the pub, although not in the bar - I was far too young."

Sue remembers the US servicemen who were based at Bassingbourn.

She said: "I met many US airmen in the pub. I'll always remember how they used to bring huge boxes of sweets and chocolate with them."

The pub later changed its name to The Antelope and has now been converted to a private property.