Eddie’s remarkable return to Devon 87 years on

Topsham Museum recently welcomed a remarkable visitor - 93 year old Eddie Childs who, as a six year old boy, had been evacuated to the town at the start of World War Two in 1939.

He and his family, who now live in Essex, retraced those steps and revisited Topsham, and in particular its most famous street - Strand - where young Eddie was billeted in two houses over two years.

Although the Museum is currently closed for long-term repairs by Exeter City Council, volunteers reopened part of it as a surprise for Eddie to share reminiscences about his time in the town.

He was accompanied by his grandchildren Luke Portnow and Carly Linklater, daughter Mandy Portnow, and great-grandchildren Isla, 8 and Archie, 4.

Eddie told of a Christmas party at the local Matthews Hall for evacuees, of playing near railway lines leading to Topsham Quay on what is now Holman Way road, and how he spent time near the Exe Estuary.

Eddie says: “It was just fantastic. Everyone made such an effort and made a real fuss of me, making it such a remarkably memorable visit.

“The work that has gone into the Second World War and evacuee exhibition was incredible, and it was wonderful to see it in person.

“I was so chuffed that it was brought out and set up for me, and to be able to share some more stories and memories to help with the museum’s ongoing research.” 

The memories of Eddie and his sister Sylvia have in recent years helped Topsham Museum create a pamphlet on evacuees who lived in the town during WW2.

They also formed part of an exhibition in 2024 about the role of Topsham and surrounding areas in preparations for D-Day in 1944.

Eddie’s extraordinary recall brought the time to life for the Museum, and during his visit this month he was shown a 1939 newspaper cutting in which he is pictured during a party for young evacuees.

His family were also presented with handwritten notes Sylvia had produced over a decade ago for the Museum to help with its archives of the time.

Volunteers also displayed boards from the 2024 exhibition, and items from the Museum store dating back to the war.