Regarding Bedknobs and Broomsticks - I've very recently finished reading Blitz, the third book in Daniel O'Malley's Chequery files.
It has a brief mention of the story:-
“In August, a German submarine landed on the south coast,” said Lady Carmichael, almost conversationally, “at a place called Pepperinge Eye. Armed troops disembarked, enough to take the town. Instead, they were driven off.”
“By whom?” asked Bridget warily. “The Home Guard?”
“We don’t know. When the Home Guard arrived on the scene, the Germans were hurriedly rowing back to their submarine, and the fields at the site were littered with items from the local history museum.”
“Items?”
“Armor. Weaponry. Bagpipes. Military equipment. No one has any idea how they got there or what happened.”
“Why didn’t I hear about this?” asked Bridget, utterly bewildered. “It would have made a huge splash in the offices!”
“We’re not pursuing it,” said the Lady. Bridget stared at her. “Bishop Alrich brought it to our attention, and the report was not shared beyond the Court.”
“Not shared?”
“Lord Pease and I decided that, given the circumstances, it would not be the best use of the Order’s resources.”
