大象传媒

This story was told to Helen Kemp at Fairfield Manor Residential Home, Broadstairs, Kent. The author is aware that the copyright of this story now belongs to the 大象传媒.

I was born in 1927 in Rochdale. I was 12 when the war started. I tried to join up then but was exempt as I was too young. I worked for an engineering firm and we made parts for sten and bren guns although the aluminium was very scarce and controlled by the Ministry of Defence. I have wonderful memories of Blackpool ranging from the great circuses in the Tower and Reginald Dixon at the organ.

I was very tall for my age and although I was only 16, I got into the Home Guard. They never queried my age. I had a great time there.

When I reached 18 I tried to get into the Navy but was turned down. I was accepted in the Lancashire Fusiliers in the Infantry. I was trained for Burma but never went. I spent 3 years in India from 1945 to 1948 and our job was to help India and Pakistan stop fighting each other. We also looked after the senior officers horses. The fighting was fearful and although we left in 1948, there was still conflict. I will always remember my first sight of the Suez Canal, it was quite incredible. The boat had to travel slowly and as we passed thorough, there were children running along beside us on the narrow embankment.

I returned home in 1948 and completed my service in the Wiltshire Regiment in Plymouth. I spent a few months in the Officer's Mess behind the bar. During our last week there was a special occasion to honour NCO's who had taken over the battalion during a battle in the East after all the officers had been killed. Everyone was in best dress. We weren't paid for our work except in tips which we shared between us.

I came out of the forces in 1948 and tried to go back to my old job but the factories etc had taken on men and women in our abscence. We had to find other jobs but it wasn't easy. I tried for the Police but didn't pass the interview but then with good luck I was taken on by the Post Office where I began a 40-year career ranging from Postman to Manager.

My wife and I have just celebrated 54 years of marriage.

漏 Copyright of content contributed to this Archive rests with the author. Find out how you can use this.