FOLLOWING the outbreak of the second world war in 1939 and the bombing blitz on London by the German Luftwaffe many children were evacuated to West Devon.

Among them, was Eastender Ken Bell, then aged three in 1940, along with his mother and five siblings.

Ken, who is now in his seventies and who lives at Latchley, near Gunnislake, contacted the Times following the death of David Gordon, the co-founder of Whitchurch Wayfarers Cricket Club.

The Bells were evacuated to Whitchurch Farm, near Tavistock, where they were welcomed by Commander Neil Beaver — the nephew of the 11th Duke of Bedford —and his wife Marjorie and sons Martin and David (David Gordon).

It was not just the Bells who benefited from the benevolence of the Beavers — soldiers evacuated from the beaches of Dunkirk, two women who lost their homes in the Plymouth Blitz, and a constant stream of refugees who fled the Nazis from Eastern Europe, were also extended a welcome at Whitchurch House.

This is an shortened account by Ken's eldest sister Eileen of that memorable time for the Bell family:

'WE arrived at Tavistock railway station on Sunday, September 29, 1940 — having spent the first year of the war at our London home.

'We were a family of seven — three boys, three girls and mother.

'Our journey began at 8am after meeting at a local school, where every child had a lapel pinned to their outer clothing stating our name, age, and the school that had made the travelling arrangements.

'We were then transported to a London railway station where there were hordes of children queued at every platform waiting to be evacuated to various parts of the country. No information was given as to our destination as the trains would probably have been bombed en-route.

'It was a strange feeling when we eventually boarded the train to have no idea where the journey would end. We were happy to leave the area as were all terrified after an all night air raid.

'After travelling for hours rumours began to circulate throughout the train that we were going to Wales, but we passed that junction. The next story was we were going to stop at Okehampton, but the steam train puffed through the station and eventually came to a halt at Tavistock.

'We were greeted by the local scout group who helped to carry tiny tots and luggage and led us to the town hall.

'Many kind folk offered a home for part of the family but we were all young and wanted to stay together.

'Our ages ranged from three months to 13 years. June was the youngest, Ken three years, Ronald aged five, Ellen eight, Edwin 10 and I was 13. I began to think how could we expect anyone to take a family of seven?

'Who could possibly have a house large enough to accommodate us? We had almost given up hope of being able to stay in Tavistock when one of the voluntary workers at the town hall rushed in and said a lady at Whitchurch had offered to take 12 evacuees.

'So, with another family consisting of a grandmother and her three grandchildren, we were transported, to Whitchurch House.

'I cannot remember the driver of the car, I was far too concerned caring for my brother Ken who was fast asleep. I do the journey along Whitchurch Road. It was a much prettier drive then than it is today, with no modern housing estates, but what seemed to be miles of country roads and lanes.

'On our arrival at the house we were greeted by Mrs Beaver and taken to a room where two tables were spread with so much food. Ham salad and everything that one could possibly serve as a salad. A little boy peered in the door and informed us that we were eating his supper!

'Someone tweaked his ear, and scolded him, poor little lad. We later learned it was Martin and his nanny.'

'The following day she telephoned various friends and village folk with a request for single beds. They all arrived within a day or two.

'She then took us to a shop in Tavistock known as Tozers. They stocked everything from a baby's bib to a suite of furniture. This kind lady then purchased navy raincoats and hoods, and Wellington boots for all the children and waterproof clothing for the two adults. She also bought an eiderdown for each of us.

'My mother shared her thoughts of Mrs Beaver's kindness with the grandmother of the Kingsman family. I was a serious minded sensitive child, and can well remember going to bed feeling so happy, and thanking God for answering my prayers that we would be placed with such a kind family.

'I felt sure He was leading us to a new way of life.

'The next few weeks were full of excitement as we were taken around the farm to see all the fields, woods and animals. The first day, my youngest brother Ken would not stand on the grass. He yelled. 'Lift me up!' He had only ever stood on paving stones in London!

'The people of Plymouth had a dreadful all night air raid. Bombs rained down on the city and the whole area was reduced to a mass of rubble overnight. One could see the red glow in the sky from Whitchurch as Plymouth burned.'

'It was at this time that people began to feel their need and love for each other.

'Homes became 'open houses' for all who needed shelter from the terrors of war. We were very thankful to be safe and happy. I often wondered what would happen to us when the war ended. I loathed the thought of returning to London.

'It was a time of learning for me as I experienced another way of life to that of the life we had known in London, also learning that the so-called 'upper class' families were not all terribly superior and snobbish.

'This particular family were so kind they treated us as fellow human beings and shared so much of their life and time with us.

'I was very fond of Mrs Beaver and extremely grateful to her for all her love and kindness to the family and for our wartime home which gave us a wonderful opportunity of a new way of life.'

Ken Bell has always been grateful to the Beaver family for the kindness shown by them to him and the rest of his family. Ken went on working for many years for Kerswells the builders of Tavistock.

Marjorie Beaver gave much time to the local Women's Institute, visited Dartmoor prisoners as well as supporting many charities such as Devon Orphopaedics, UNICEF, Famine Relief and helping people with learning difficulties.

She died in 1989 aged 91, her husband Neil died not long after the war in 1949.

Ken told the Times: 'The Beavers have been very special people to me.

'I can honestly say I would not be here today if it were not for their love and support which they showed to me and the rest of the family. I will always be grateful.'