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This story was submitted to the People’s War Site by Sabrina Parkar, for Three Counties Action, on behalf of Wendy Bylis, and has been added to the site with his permissions. The author fully understands the site’s terms and conditions.
I was seven years old in 1945 and remember friend’s fathers coming back from the war, (I can’t remember any bonding with these stranger’s). Some men would want to talk about experiences all the time, beginning sentences with ‘ When I was in Poona-Poona’ and nobody wanted to listen. Most men never mentioned the war, they just shut it completely off. I do remember going in friend’s houses and being told ‘never mention Winston Churchill in the house.’ It was like swearing he was so hated, rightly or wrongly. I do remember men saying while Churchill was in England he was sending men to unnecessary deaths. These men wanted a new Britain and got Churchill out of power at the end of the war. I mention this as we see film clips of Churchill being cheered and praised, yet I remember the hatred many felt at the time and I think this should be noted too.
Just a comment on the times. When I was five I went to stay with my aunt in Lancashire (as I lived in Enfield near the Royal Small Arms where arms were made). My mother took me to London and put me on my own train where I went to Lancashire on my own. I suppose my aunt met me, I don’t remember I know if I had a problem I should find a ‘nice old gentleman’ and ask him! How times have changed!

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