Bernard Nevin, Chairman of the Formby Historical Society, gave an interesting presentation called Operation Fish at our Speaker Meeting on 28th February. The talk came to be written after a completely chance encounter outside the former Martins Bank in Liverpool. Bernard was stopped by some American tourists from a cruise ship who were looking for the Three Graces. It was agreed that Martins Bank was also an interesting building before Bernard directed the tourists to the correct location. Bernard then discovered around the corner, a plaque fixed to the wall with a grating in the pavement suggesting that the bank had been used to deposit gold during the Second World War. There were no records to be found. This set Bernard on a journey of discovery whilst researching Operation Fish. This was the top secret relocation of money and gold ingots from the UK to Canada for safekeeping during World War 2.
Bernard’s presentation was followed by a lively discussion and many questions after our members had heard all about the vital importance of Martins Bank and Liverpool in the Second World War.

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Article by Lois Hughes