Lewis Downton had been an ARP Messenger before the war. He was well known locally for his use of the Dorset dialect (allegedly very similar to ancient Saxon) and his prize winning gardening skills. Percy Fost and Harry Atkins were neighbours in the estate cottages at Wrackleford and the latter was Best Man at Lewis Downton’s wedding in 1937.
| Unit or location | Role | Posted from | until |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wrackleford Patrol | Patrol member | 16 Oct 1942 | 03 Dec 1944 |
| D Day Dorset Guard Duties | Patrol member | 03 Jul 1944 | 03 Jul 1944 |
Farm Carter ARP Messenger
Among his surviving possessions was a pass issued for him to travel from Godlingston to Langton Matravers between 10.00 and 20.00 on 3 July 1944. This indicates that he was one of the men providing guard patrols during the period after D Day. Godlingston is the estate which contained Knitson Farm. The pass was signed by Lieutenant Wilshire, suggesting he was present at this time.
WO199/3390
Margaret Cosh
David Downton