A Harrogate man’s efforts to commemorate the sinking of a ship in the Second World War led to a social media outcry and a visit from police.

He put up a German naval flag for “less than six hours” on Friday afternoon to remember those who lost their lives in the sinking of the Bismarck on May 27, 1941.

However, the flag includes a swastika symbol, which was spotted by a passer-by who posted a photograph on Twitter that evening.

The home owner – who we are not naming because police said they are concerned about putting him at risk – said he was taken aback by the reaction.

“It’s what’s called a kriegsmarine flag. It’s not the first time it has flown – I’ve flown it twice a year, to mark the sinking of the Bismarck and the Battle of the River Plate [the first naval battle of the Second World War].

“I spoke to my neighbours and they know it’s not a racist or anti-Jewish or pro-Nazi thing. It’s just a commemoration.”

‘Naval tradition’

The man said he regularly displays flags to mark significant days in the calendar and has been doing so for almost three years.

He often puts a sign in his window explaining the significance of that day’s flag, which he said also did on Friday. It outlined the loss of the battleship along with 2,200 sailors, as well as more than 100 captured by the British Navy.

The homeowner said:

“They died for their country as much as our naval crew did for ours. It’s a naval tradition to respect your foe as well as your own men.

“My father was in the Navy and my uncle was in the air force. I’m more of a pacifist – I wouldn’t ever do anything to offend anyone.”

He said the photograph was not close enough to show the information about the Bismarck so, when it was shared on social media, it lacked the context of his explanation.

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After being posted on Twitter, the photograph was shared in local Facebook groups, attracting dozens of responses. One called the owner “vermin” while others described flying the flag as “inexcusable”, “disgusting” and “sickening”.

A handful of responses on social media identified the flag and made reference to the anniversary of the sinking of the Bismarck, as well as pointing out it was adjacent to a British naval flag and one displaying poppies.

The homeowner added:

“I did try and get a modern kriegsmarine flag but the only one that was available was a Second World War one.”

‘Repercussions’

He took down the flag on Friday evening but, on Sunday, had a visit from North Yorkshire Police officers who had been contacted by members of the public who had seen the photo.

“They were very nice – they were more concerned about whether there would be repercussions for me.

“I told them I will try and find a modern Kriegsmarine flag for next time, or I’ll put a piece of white fabric over the middle.”

We have not identified the man or given the location of his house because police said they are concerned about potential risk to the resident.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said:

“Police visited an address in Harrogate after concerns were reported by a member of the public about a flag in a garden. On arrival, the flag in question wasn’t on display.

“An officer talked to the resident, who confirmed he flies many different flags throughout the year and it was a naval flag flown alongside other flags to commemorate a battle.

“No further action was necessary as no crime had been committed.”

Today we are telling the story of Carol Ann Alton who died in her care home in Harrogate last year. Carol died in her sleep after being ill for some time. She did not die of coronavirus but her family were unable to see her due to the restrictions. The family asked us to include her in our tributes on this Mothering Sunday. 

Carol Ann Alton was born August 4, 1945 in Leeds. She died aged 74 on June 30, 2020 in her care home in Harrogate.

Carol was loved dearly by her husband, children and grandchildren.

She grew up in Leeds with her brother, beginning her working life at the Yorkshire Post at 16.

Whilst working there she met her husband, Richard, and the “devoted” pair got married on June 7, 1969 in Pudsey.

Carol Alton on her wedding day.

The pair spent their first few years together in Alwoodley and later welcomed daughter, Tracy, and son, Richard.

Carol changed career paths and started working as a theatre nurse at Leeds General Infirmary. She was a committed nurse and worked long hours whilst looking after her young children.

The family moved to West Sussex for a few years for Richard’s job, but always one to stay busy, Carol found a job in the care home.

Carol gave up work to focus on family life when they moved back up north to Rawdon, Leeds, in 1987. Over the next few years the family enjoyed several holidays abroad.

Tracy has “happy memories” of their times in Florida and Spain.

Her mum was her “best friend” and this bond was never lost. When Tracy was pregnant is 2002 her mum and dad moved to Harrogate to be closer to her.

Carol Alton (centre bottom), her son Richard, husband Richard and daughter Tracy.

Over the next few years, Carol took the role of grandmother in her stride. She loved to cook and bake with her grandchildren and “they loved it too”, said Tracy.

In recent years, Carol’s health deteriorated and after a couple of falls in her home in October 2019 the family were forced to make the difficult decision to move her into a home.

After a few more months in and out of hospital, Carol settled into a home in Harrogate in February 2020.

Carol and Richard had never been apart and the move took a toll on the both of them.

When visits were stopped during lockdown Carol and Richard suffered. Tracy said her mum “lost her fight”.

Carol and Richard on their wedding day in 1969.

In April the pair could see each other through a window but that would be the last time before Carol passed.

Tracy said her mum was her best friend, and although coronavirus was not the cause of death it meant she “lost the last few months of her [mum’s] life”.

Carol was a private woman so her funeral was small, but she was surrounded by all those that loved her.

Coronavirus has stolen something from lots of families but for Tracy, who like many others was “dreading” today, wanted to tell the story of her mum and the “fantastic mum” she was.

Today we look at the life of John Puleikis, in the fifth of a series of articles remembering those lost to coronavirus over the past year. We’d like to thank the families and friends who have been in touch with the Stray Ferret to share precious memories of their loved ones.

John Peter Puleikis was born on November 15, 1943 in Klaipėda in Lithuania. He died aged 77 on November 30, 2020. John was the 100th person to die from coronavirus at Harrogate District Hospital.

John was a much loved husband, father, brother, grandad and friend.

When John was born the country was under Nazi occupation and later, in January 1945 it was invaded by the Russians.

Hundreds of people lost their lives, and John’s parents knew they had to escape to ensure their children’s future. His father went first and then John, his mother and his three siblings fled on foot when he was just two years old.

John’s son recalls his Dad telling him they once stopped by a turnip field to feed his baby brother who later died of starvation.

The family finally found a home in Hull and reunited with their father in 1947.

His good friend, Dev Barber, said John’s early life “shaped him into the most loyal, helpful and friendly man”.

At his funeral, his son said his dad encompassed the Benjamin Franklin saying “out of adversity comes opportunity”.

John Puleikis

After going to school in Leeds, John settled in the city and began working mending sewing machines.

It was there he met his wife, Tricia, and went on to have a son and daughter.

“A family man through and through” John and his family settled in Pateley Bridge and opened a fish shop.

A few years later, the family moved to Knaresborough and opened ‘The Fresh Fish Shop’ in town. He later opened another on Beulah Street in Harrogate.

In the spring of 1977 street parties were organised across the country to celebrate the Queen’s silver jubilee. John and Tricia were unaware that this would be the day they would meet lifelong friends.

On that day, John and Tricia met six other couples while partying in the street. The bonds formed on that day would span 45 years and take them on incredible adventures as far away as Las Vegas.

John knew better than most how difficult it can to adjust to a new country and learn a new language. Whilst in Knaresborough he befriended a Lithuanian family to support them as they adjusted.

One young man, Auris, was welcomed into the friendship group. Alongside his two best friends Mick and Doug the four of them enjoyed many evenings in local pubs watching their beloved Leeds United play.

John and Tricia Puleikis (back right) with some of the Knaresborough couples in Las Vegas.

In his later years, John shut the chip shops and did some handy man work. He was a man that did “anything for anyone” and was even working on his neighbour’s garden the weeks before his passing.

Both Tricia and John tested positive for coronavirus. Tricia came down with a cold but John became very unwell.

Dev remembers video calling him in hospital on Tuesday and said he looked really well but by Thursday the “change was remarkable”. Despite, his worsening condition John continued to look ahead promising his friends they’d be back to Vegas in no time.

Unfortunately this wasn’t the case and John died the following week.

John’s story shows his strength and resilience, fighting against all odds to provide a stable home for his family and enjoy times with loving friends. Dev said he is “greatly missed by all of us”.

Today we look at the life of Michael Whitehouse, in the fourth of a series of articles remembering those lost to coronavirus over the past year. We’d like to thank the families and friends who have been in touch with the Stray Ferret to share precious memories of their loved ones.

Michael Whitehouse was born on January 2, 1954 in Tipton in the West Midlands. He died aged 67 on February 1, 2021 at Harrogate District Hospital.

Michael was love by his wife, Christine, all his children and family who said “he was the best” and will be missed deeply.

He grew up in the West Midlands with his two siblings before moving to Harrogate 32 years ago after meeting his wife Christine.

Micheal aged 9

Before coming to Harrogate he worked as a cabinet maker and as an engineer for BT.

Michael could turn his hand to anything and was “polite to everyone”. He walked into a Harrogate bar in the summer of 1989 unaware his future wife was sitting in the same place.

From that day the pair were inseparable and got married on June 6, 1994 at Harrogate registry office.

The pair settled into family life in Harrogate, joining their families and then going on to have four children together.

The pairs combined family was made up of 11 children including Richard, Lisa, Sarah, Stacey, Scott, Adam, Emma and Karl who live locally.

Micheal and Christine on their wedding day in 1994.

Micheal started working for Yellow Line Taxis in Harrogate and worked as a driver for the Army Foundation College taking the staff to work.

After getting married on June 6, 1994 at Harrogate registry office the pair settled into family life in Harrogate.

Micheal was a big Harrogate Town fan and shared his love, in his later years, with his sons and grandson by heading to weekend home games. He also supported West Bromwich Albion.

Family was everything to Micheal and with 17 grandchildren and three great grandchildren he was never without company.

All the family on daughter Stacey’s wedding day.

Despite moving to Harrogate, he had a strong relationship with his brother Robert whom he always admired.

His other big passion was British birds and kept birds in his garden. Christine remembers how he would entertain the children on walks around the Yorkshire countryside pointing out the different birds.

He was a keen gardener too, his son, Adam, said he was “always busy doing something”.

Christine and Michael also enjoyed their yearly holidays to Mablethorpe. Christine says she “misses him every day”.

Micheal and Christine at son’s, Richard, wedding to his wife Marie.

Towards the end of his life, Michael was taken to hospital after testing positive for coronavirus. He was in hospital for 11 days before passing away.

The family said they were “grateful” and found comfort in being able to be with him at the end when other families couldn’t. Even at the end, Michael’s priority was his family and asked his children to take care of Christine.

Christine said her husband was the man you meet “once in a lifetime” and says she will treasure their time together.

The family wanted to thank anyone who had reached out for their support during this difficult time.

Today we look at the life of Tony Wass, in the third of a series of articles remembering those lost to coronavirus over the past year. We’d like to thank the families and friends who have been in touch with the Stray Ferret to share precious memories of their loved ones.

Tony Wass was born on June 15, 1942 in Helperby. He died aged 78 on February 19, 2021 at Harrogate District Hospital.

Tony was loved dearly by his wife and two daughters as well as friends from Grosvenor Park on Boroughbridge Road.

Growing up in Helperby with his three sisters and one brother, Tony began his working life helping his dad on the farm.

Tony Wass aged 11

He then went on to work for Cyril Wrights coal merchants in Boroughbridge for 15 years. His daughter, Tracey, said “he was so happy there”.

At 25, he married Ann in York on June 17, 1967 and welcomed his two daughters Tracey and Lesley shortly after.

His next long-term job was in North Yorkshire County Council’s highways department. During this time, the family were living locally in Langthorpe and then Skelton.

Tony and Ann at their wedding in 1967.

A “Yorkshire man through and through”, Tony loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing with friends. He was a keen cyclist and runner completing his third and final Great North Run just before he turned 60.

His love for staying active meant he was cycling 50 mile routes up to the age of 60.

A “larger than life” character, Tony always stayed local and later became a traffic warden in Ripon until retirement.

Tony Wass, aged 58, after completing a Great North Run.

Tony and Ann loved Ripon and its community and built up a good network of friends. The pair moved to Grosvenor Park, 15 years ago, building strong friendships with the other residents.

At 72 Tony was diagnosed with Alzheimers. He still enjoyed the outdoors and Tracey remembers her dad parking his chair up on the road at the top of the park to “just to watch the world go by”.

He continued to live at his home with Ann tending his beloved garden.

Tony receiving his silver award from the Mayor for Ripon in Bloom ‘Winning Garden’ (left) and his beloved garden and caravan (right).

Tony was classed as high risk so coronavirus restrictions meant he never met his great-grandson. Over the past year, his daughters and 2 grandchildren only saw him through the window or in the garden.

Towards the end of his life, Tony was taken into hospital and later contracted coronavirus whilst at Ripon Community Hospital. Tracey was able to see him once for ten minutes to say goodbye.

When he passed away, Tony was alone. Tracey said “that was the worst bit of it all, we couldn’t see him”.

Although small, Tracey said her dad’s funeral was packed full of the people that loved him including his loving friends at Grosvenor Park who called him the “life and soul of the park”.

Today we look at the life of Ian Stuart Lee, in the second of a series of articles remembering those lost to coronavirus over the past year. We’d like to thank the families and friends who have been in touch with the Stray Ferret to share precious memories of their loved ones.

Ian Stuart Lee was born on October 8, 1951 in Mirfield, West Yorkshire. He died aged 69 on January 9, 2021 at Harrogate District Hospital.

Ian was loved by his wife and family and became a committed member of the community in Pateley Bridge after moving to the town five years ago.

One of two sons, Ian went to school in Heckmondwike and left at the age of 18 to start his career in hospitality.

Ian Lee in 1974.

At 20 years old he worked as assistant manager at The Old Manor House in Knaresborough.  Little did he know the young woman that started as a waitress over the summer would be his fiancee seven months later.

The pair married in Beeston, near Leeds, in 1975 and moved to Oxford a year later to work in the newsagent industry.

His wife, Theresa Lee, said “he was the love of my life”, a man with a sense of adventure always holding Yorkshire close to his heart.

Ian and Theresa in their wedding day in 1975.

Ian and Theresa worked in the newsagent industry for a long time, working behind counters and as stocktakers. Even running their own newsagent in Oxford during the 70’s.

The pair didn’t have children but were close to their eight nephews and nieces, who now live across the world.

Their shared love for adventure took them to every corner of the globe. The pair visited all seven continents during their time together – even Antartica in 2018. Theresa recalled celebrating Ian’s 65th birthday in Abu Dhabi in 2016.

Theresa said despite their travels, and time living down south Ian never lost his Yorkshire twang, he was known for greeting anyone with a “Ow do?”.

Ian and Theresa Lee on holiday in Peru in 2014.

After 10 years living away from Yorkshire in Oxford and Liverpool. The pair moved back up to West Yorkshire and lived in Cleckheaton for the next 30 years.

During that time Ian continued in stocktaking and achieved a goal of his to run a fish and chip shop. The pair ran one together in Armley for seven years.

Five years ago, in 2016, the married couple came and settled in Wilsill, near Pateley Bridge, and got stuck into the Pateley Bridge community.

This included the Pateley Playhouse – Ian took on the role of theatre manager and Theresa worked backstage in props. Ian even made his stage debut as a dwarf for the society’s February pantomime of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs last year.

Ian as Lumpy the dwarf in Snow White.

Ian was instrumental in the renovation plans currently underway at the Playhouse to install a lift. A total of £2,200 has been donated to the lift project in Ian’s name.

Ian also volunteered with the Nidderdale and Pateley Bridge Men’s Shed, an initiative spreading across the country to encourage men to talk and tackle loneliness. He was also the health and safety officer for the town’s Memorial Hall Committee.

Towards the end of his life, Ian went into Harrogate District Hospital on December 23 after feeling unwell.

Theresa was able to be with Ian at the end of his life alongside a friend. She said “it was a comfort to be with him but hard not to hug him”.

Ian died on January 9, 2021, aged 69.

Theresa and Ian had “one hell of a good life together” and she hopes to travel one day to see her family abroad and continue ticking off the countries they had planned to visit together.

Today we look at the life of Noreen Rogers, in the first of a series of articles remembering those lost to coronavirus over the past year. We’d like to thank the families and friends who have been in touch with the Stray Ferret to share precious memories of their loved ones.

Noreen Rogers was born February 26, 1928, on King Edward’s Drive in Harrogate. She died, aged 92, on March 16, 2020 at Harrogate District Hospital.

Noreen was a much-loved mother, grandma, friend and an active member of the Harrogate community.

Born post-war, Noreen was the youngest of five children.

Like many children of the time Noreen was evacuated during World War Two. Sue remembered her mum talking fondly of a Lancashire town called Freckleton.

Noreen as a young woman.

On returning to Harrogate, she began working at her Mum’s bed and breakfast, on Swan Road.

Her eldest daughter Sue recalled her mum telling the story of collecting water from the pump room in Harrogate with a distinct “smell of sulphur”.

At the age of 14 Noreen left school and went straight into working as a civil servant in the Ministry of Food helping to organise food rationing locally.

Working long hours, from the age of 14, doing the breakfast shift before heading to work meant she was always a “hard worker”.

Living and working in Harrogate her whole life, Noreen’s life charts a similar history to the town itself.

She was an avid dancer and loved going to local dance halls at the weekend. One evening she was being twirled round the floor by a man called Alec who would later be her husband.

Marrying in 1949 the pair went onto have three daughters, Sue, Sandra and Rose during the 1950’s. This was when Noreen left her position in the Ministry of Food to raise her family.

Noreen and her three daughters

One of her three daughters, Sue Stenton, said her mother was “really quite amazing”: a loving and caring woman who would do anything for anyone.

She thrived on the company of her friends and family, including her six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Later in life, Noreen continued to stay busy joining a number of clubs including the bowling club. She was also a keen swimmer at the Hydro in Harrogate.

Up until the age of 90 she still enjoyed swimming three times a week. Her youthful nature even inspired Harrogate hospital staff who said “I hope to be like her at her age”.

Noreen (bottom centre) with her husband Alec, sister Cicely, daughters Sue, Sandra and Rose and grandson Mark.

When Alec died in 2011 Noreen continued to live independently in her house off King’s Road, Harrogate, and rejoined the congregation at St Wilfred’s Church.

Sue said her mum always stayed busy and was “never in when I went around”.

A keen traveller, Noreen loved holidaying in the UK but also travelled across the globe to the States, Israel and Cyprus many times, “making friends wherever she went”.

Keeping in touch with people over the phone and by letter was really important to Noreen.

Noreen and two of her seven great grandsons.

Towards the end of her life, Noreen was admitted to Harrogate District Hospital in March 2020, but it was a shock to the family when they heard she had covid. Sue said: “It was early on in the pandemic so I don’t think we connected the dots.”

Sue was able to see her mum while she was still alive and thanked the nurses and doctors for their “wonderful” work to allow her to spend time with her mum.

On March 16, 2020, Noreen died at the age of 92.

Due to the pandemic and confusion about how risky it would be to travel only four people attended the cremation. The family are still hoping to hold a memorial for Noreen when larger groups are allowed.

People from across the district came together today to commemorate VJ Day on its 75th anniversary.

Today commemorates Victory over Japan which led to the end of World War Two.

Services were held in Harrogate, Ripon and Knaresborough to remember all of those who served and sacrificed their lives in the Far East to bring an end to the war. A two minute silence took place at 11am to remember the fallen.

Similar to VE Day in May, celebrations had to be reduced to allow for social distancing.

In Harrogate, members of the public, local dignitaries and members of the armed forces gathered to pay their respects at the war memorial. The Mayor of Harrogate, Councillor Stuart Martin, said it was an “honour” to lay a wreath this morning.

Harrogate’s Mayor, Councillor Stuart Martin, lay a wreath this morning to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VJ Day. Credit: Ernesto Regatta.

Read more:

• The county council chairman encourages residents to to commemorate VJ Day.
• A small service was held in Ripon to remember the fallen today. 

Members of the Knaresborough branch of the Royal British Legion arranged a service at the town’s war memorial in the castle grounds. During the service the newly refurbished commemoration bench was unveiled.

In Ripon, a small service was held within Spa Gardens with local representatives placing a wreath on the war memorial.

Ripon’s Mayor Councillor Eamon Parkin, said:

“On landmark days like these, we take a few minutes to remember what the men and women of the armed forces have done for us in every theatre of war and continue to do for us in keeping the peace.”

Today marks the 75th anniversary of VJ Day. The Knaresborough branch of the Royal British Legion held a service this morning to rededicate the town’s commemoration bench after its refurbishment.

VJ Day marks the surrender of Japan and the end of the Second World War. The day is to remember recognise all those who served and sacrificed their lives in the Far East to bring an end to the war.

The branch has spent time renovating the bench that sits opposite the war memorial in the castle grounds. It has been inscribed with VE and VJ and the years 1945 and 2020.

Vice-Chair of the branch Dave Houlgate said:

“The Bench was installed in 1995 to mark the 50th anniversary of VE and VJ days but has become weather worn in recent years.  We had planned to undertake this work and re-dedicate the Bench for VE Day back in May but we were unable to do that due to the pandemic lockdown.”

Members of the Knaresborough branch came together today to commemorate VJ Day and unveil the refurbished commemoration bench. (Credit: Sharon Van Zelst)

Read more:

• County Council chairman has encouraged residents to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VJ today.
• Knaresborough British Legion warns they needs further support to continue.

The branch organised a service in the castle grounds today but was unable to make the time public to ensure social distancing.

The branch has previously warned “we don’t have to disappear” after a drop in income during the pandemic. The branch is determined to continue its efforts to support local veterans, soldiers and their families.