Forums Forums Wirral History : Chasing the Past History Information Request "Sam's" Canteen, Upton 1940 - 1945

I've come across a 9" square metal plaque which apparently was screwed to a wall somewhere. The inscription on it reads:

This plaque commemorates the activities of
"SAM'S" CANTEEN
UPTON
1940-1945
And records an appreciation of the services of all its voluntary helpers.

Anyone out there cast some light on what "Sam's Canteen was and where it was located in Upton?

very interesting.

There was an army camp in Upton, wasn't there? Not sure of dates, but maybe it was providing a service for that.

SAMS (Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Sailors) Canteen was in the old school house in Rake Lane. It was licensed to serve light meals and drinks and was furnished with easy chairs, tables, a gramophone and a table tennis table. It was run by a village committee and was staffed by voluntary helpers. It was licensed to the church council (who owned the building) in order to obtain supplies of tea, coffee, margarine, bacon and eggs (all of which were rationed).

The brass plaque, to commemorate the invaluable relief this small haven provided to hundreds of men, was placed in the old Victory Hall, and when this was demolished in 1963, the plaque was gifted to the Upton Archive held at St Mary's Church.

Where did you find this plaque?

Hi Frank

Thanks for solving the riddle of the plaque.

I have sent you an email concerning the plaque and how it came into my possession. Nothing sinister - quite the opposite. I'll make sure it goes back to where it belongs.

Interesting read Uptoncx...

where was the plaque found?

The plaque is now back in the Victory Hall and will be re-dedicated by the Deputy Mayor of Wirral at the Victory Hall's open day on the Sunday, 23rd August.

There will also be a small exhibition of photographs of the Upton area from the 1940s.

That's a nice story with a happy ending.

Great to see you back uptoncx. Brilliant info on the plaque and thanks to PlastScouser for doing the right thing.