Boon's Stores was a well known shop in Dorchester before, during and after the war. It was at Number 11, Cornhill and was a grocers and wine merchants. It offered a service where a boy would cycle out to the surrounding villages and collect orders to be returned the following day. This might have proved useful after a German invasion to send messages to members of the Patrols under his command. In May 1944 he ended up in front of the Magistrates when the total points on the food coupons submitted were wrong on 2 consecutive months. Though he didn't personally count the coupons, he had signed to confirm the numbers were correct and was found guilty, though it was accepted not by intent.
| Unit or location | Role | Posted from | until |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dorset Group 3 - Dorchester | Assistant Group Commander | 30 Jun 1940 | 03 Dec 1944 |
Grocer & Provisions Dealer
During the First World War he served as a Private in the Coldstream Guards No. 20624
He is recorded as Second Lieutenant in 2nd Battalion Dorset Home Guard Transfers List
12th December 1942 Second Lieutenant
24th June 1943 promoted to Lieutenant 203 Battalion
The son of Richard and Mary Boon, he married Annie Rogers 27 March 1913.
A WW1 veteran he enlisted 10 Dec 1915 and was recorded as being 5 foot 10 inches tall. He suffered a gun shot wound to the head 23 Aug 1918 not returning to England until 9 Sept 1918, he spent 62 days in hospital in Warrington. This left him with severe headaches and what was diagnosed as Neurasthenia. He was discharged 7 Feb 1919. He was awarded the Victory and the British medals.
WO199/3390, WO 199/3391, WO364
John Kidner interview (held by CART)
Dorchester versus Hitler Colin Churchill
The Western Gazette 26 May 1944
John Pidgeon