Albert William Verney

Bert Verney originally joined the Local Defence Volunteers (LDV) and remembered their first meeting was on a bit of waste ground at the bottom of Codden Hill with anything they could use as a weapon. “I shall never forget the weapons on show; hooks, long-handled forks, air guns and poles with knives attached to their ends. I had a shot-gun and six cartridges, so was easily the best armed of the lot.”
At some time in 1940 he was asked to join the Auxiliary Units.

Bert could improvise well and was determined to do his bit if 'Jerry' came. He saw no fear and was fit and full of stamina. According to Sergeant Joyce he was too rash, which Bert admitted.

Bert recalled that due to the introduction of double summer time they were often working in the harvest field until 11.30pm. Hard and tiring work followed by training with the Patrol.

In the summer of 1940 both Bert and his brother Stanley wanted to volunteer to join the RAF. It was only when their medical call up papers arrived that they knew of each others intentions. A long and fierce argument ensued. Stanley argued he was the eldest so should go. Bert argued he wanted a career in drama and music rather farming, which was Stanley's way of life so Stan was best to stay for the farm. They agreed they could not leave their Father alone. They decided the only way was to spin coin. Stanley 'won' and joined the RAF. Bert resigned to a lifetime of farming rather than drama.

Stanley Verney became a navigator and bomb aimer. Flying Officer Stanley Verney Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve was killed in action September 1943 aged 25.

Bert spent 20 years as a Justice of the Peace, spent time as a special Constable, became Chairman of the Barnstaple National Farmers Union and stayed farming at Overton before selling after 69 years.