WITH petrol scarce, horse-drawn transport made a comeback in many areas during the Second World War.

In the early war years, because of a shortage of feed, many horses were put down.

But people suddenly realised the true value of the horse.

A booklet of war memories from the Wychwood area of West Oxfordshire records: “Most owners had contrived to keep a few horses and the village streets began to echo with the sound of horse traffic.

“Light carts appeared from nowhere, old traps were retrieved from the scrap heap and floats suddenly became very valuable.”

One particularly interesting vehicle was a fine four-wheel dog cart, which made its appearance at Shipton.

“For the first time in many years, the saddler, the wheelwright and the blacksmith had so much work they could hardly cope with it.

“The Government allowed a corn ration for horses, so horses of every type were acquired and broken in.”