大象传媒

CHAPTER 2

During July, we were issued with forms for parents to sign, giving consent for their children to be evacuated, if a war was declared. Although the teachers insisted that this was very unlikely, mam gave permission for her three youngest children, still at school, to be evacuated, providing we were all kept together. Myself aged 13, Barbara 11 and Bernard 7 years.
Not one of us expected a war, we were all given to believe the 1914-18 war had taught all the countries a lesson and the 'powers that be', were too wise to even contemplate fighting. Far too many lives had been lost and shattered owing to the stupidity for power and greed. Even so, we were advised to be prepared 'just in case' there was a lunatic, named Hitler, planning a battle.
Our family were members of St. George's Church, Leeds, where the famous vicar The Rev. Donald Robbins, and his equally hard working curates, two of which were the Rev. John L Lawson and the Rev Ralph Emerson, along with devoted members of the congregation, helped feed, clothe and bed vagrants, and any person in need. These unfortunates numbered hundreds, in Leeds alone, owing to the 1914-18 war and the ensuing, deep depression. (John Lawson was later to become a Canon at Canterbury Cathedral and Ralph Emerson reached the high rank of Bishop of Knaresborough).
On Wednesday evenings, we children would also attend Oxford Place Chapel, which held a popular evening service for youngsters. More than one Wednesday, on our way home from these meetings, we were to witness fights in the street at the back of the chapel, between Blackshirts and Greenshirts, where bricks were hurled, hand fighting and verbal abuse took place. We would ran for shelter to avoid being hit, but peeped from a distant hiding place, as we thought it was so exciting. I understand these were both local fascist groups.
My friend, Pauline, took me up to her mother's bedroom one day when we were alone in the house. I was sworn to secrecy before she opened the wardrobe door to show me her father's Blackshirt uniform. She must have understood it was wrong for him to belong to such an organisation, as she had been warned not to let anyone know. He had probably been brainwashed into becoming a member. As were some waiters at the Metropole hotel where my sister worked. A German guest had issued some of the workers with Swastika armbands. These boys were so young, ignorant and naive, they laughingly strutted around the hotel wearing them, thinking it was such a huge joke, until they were spotted by the management and given a lecture in no uncertain terms.
Oswald Mosely, at that time either lived in a house on Willow Terrace Road or it was used as his office quarters, where he had formed a National Socialist League. He was married to Diana Freeman-Mitford. At the outbreak of war, he was interned but released in 1943, owing to ill health.
During August, parents received letters from the Education Department, listing requirements each child would need in case of evacuation. One full change of clothing including an extra pair of shoes, toothbrush and towel. Three St.Ivel triangular cheeses, six cream crackers and two ounces of Barley Sugar sweets.
Mrs Deakin, a helper at St. George's church, advised mother to take we three children down to the crypt early one morning and ask to see her. This lady kitted us out with clothing, (along with many other poor children). Garments and footwear, which had been donated by the wealthier parishioners. The shoes handed to me were black and white, golf type brogues. I will never forget them. Despite continually looking down at two small magpies hopping along, I was very proud of these. I was also given a maroon velvet dress, smocked at the bodice and cuffs. Although this dress was an expensive item, it was extremely unsuitable for a thirteen year old, but as I was small and underweight for my age, it fitted perfectly. It obviously was not washable, so not in the least suitable for everyday wear. It must have been designed especially for a child of wealthy parents, who, although she would have been younger than I, had outgrown it. On that morning, I thought it was the most beautiful dress I had ever set eyes on and I felt like a princess in my gorgeous creation, including my black and white shoes.
Very soon, we were informed there was to be a practice evacuation on Friday, 1st September 1939. We children were instructed to report to Belle Vue Road School at 9 am. Carrying our food, a change of clothing and gas masks. We were not labelled, as we were considered old enough to give our name and address, if we became lost.
On Armistice Sunday, 1937, our dad had died of a heart attack, as a result of his service in the 1914-1918 war. This left mother with eight children, Betty married to Arthur Mason with a daughter, Anne aged two years. They lived in a house further down the road. Dorothy aged 23 years, working for Woolworth's and engaged to be married to Jack Davey. Tom, three years younger, was employed by the Scout and Guide Association but had already joined the local Territorial Army. Bill, who was sixteen and was apprenticed to the local butchers, on Great George Street, who slaughtered their own animals. Beattie 19 years, (fostered by mother), had already left home and was

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