大象传媒

When the war started I was just seven years of age, having started school at five. My first memory of the war was my school Church Road, Yardley closing down as the government had taken over the premises.

As far as I can remember it was used for offices for the food ministry & ID cards. Also one part was equiped for gas
de-contamination unit. All the children & teachers where transferred to Hobmore Lane School.

My father was at this time employed as an amublance driver, and must have seen many events but he never actually spoke about them. The one incident I do recall was when the Grove we lived in Broadyates Grove was bombed with an incedery devices one of which landed in a neighbours garden. Unfortunatly the neighbours son who I believe was in his early teens decided to kick it into the fish pond and the incendiary exploded injuring him quite badly. As it turned out my father happened to be home at the time and taking his turn of fire watching, he saw the incident jumped over the intervening fences and administered first aid.

As the bombing become worse and water supplies where running out we children where exacuated. My sister and myself found ourselves with a family in the small town of penycriege in the Rhonda valley. Another change of school and circumstances. During this time at the school we were expected to master the whelsh language something I never mastered.

Finally ar fourteen in my third school I left to start work only to find I had two days holiday to celebrate VJ day.

The other memories I have is of collecting shrapnel and cap badges!

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