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This story was submitted to the People’s War site by Anne Wareing, on behalf of Mr. C.L. Tweedie and has been added to the site with his permission…

Soon after WW 2 began, when I was c. 6years old, my father disappeared from Rochdale. Soon post cards came from France and my father was driving in the R.A.S.C. uniform and was photographed with French soldiers in uniform.

Christmas came and went and in May he returned out of uniform. He had been de-mobbed as he had aggravated his plated leg and arm. The cause was not war but the effect of a crash in Staffordshire, pre-war, between a coal lorry and his new Norton racing motor- cycle. Life was a ‘limp’ for him!

Food changed radically for young children, for example when I was given half a pomegranate and a pin. It was yummy, but I did not see another for almost ten years! Less attractive foods were tried and eaten. Yellow streaks were found in horse- meat and tough whale meat was consumed. The squeeze was on as ration books covered most kinds of food. Mother’s plan, was to cut everything to match the number eating it.

At school changes followed, with blinds for windows and taping in patterns over the windows. Gas masks were paraded and air raid shelters were filled in orderly fashion. Sometimes boiled sweets or kali powder was distributed as gifts from Canada.

For most people holidays were impossible, but I was able to enjoy one annually. How so? Simply and honestly I delighted in chasing rabbits, riding horses and bullocks. Food was relatively easy to find, as eggs, chickens lambs, cider etc. were plentiful on my Uncle and Aunt’s farm in mid Wales. A cousin of my own age was able to explain things to avoid. Thus war was not too bad, and I treasured these memories for decades.

Mr. C.L.Tweedale May 9th 2005

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