大象传媒

This story was added to the People's War website by a volunteer from Radio Newcastle on behalf of Mr Joseph French. Mr French fully understands the site's terms and conditions, and the story has been added to the site with his permission.

War had just been declared. Nervously Dad faced the soldiers gathered in our back yard.

Sergeant - your house covers this road - ideal spot for a machine gun! Shhow us your balcony above your doorway!

Dad - A machine gun on my balcony? Oh God!!

Sergeant, directing men carrying said gun - Right lads, follow me and this gentleman upstairs. Careful, don't bump into anything - we don't want to damage the paint, haha!

Up the stairs, along the landing, open the window onto balcony above the rather fine doorway. Pull through the Lewis gun, six men and sergeant clamber over windowsill and set up gun to face roadway.

Sergeant - Oh, well done lads! Now we're ready for Mr. Hitler and his huns. Ideal spot!! Army will take this over from today, Mr French.

Dad - It's a bit unsafe up here...

Sergeant - Not at all... wonderful site to place this gun. We can guard...

Sound of cracking, rumbling, crunching - six soldiers and a sergeant struggle with one another to get through the open window OFF a balcony that slowly disintegrates - the machine gun slowly disappears downwards through an ever-widening hole!

Dad never heard from the Army again - the hole was patched, but even to today the rain still drips into the hallway!

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