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I was born in Holborn (I am now 91 years old in 2005) and had three sisters and two brothers.
My father died just 44 years old.
My mother died just 55 years old.
I was the third eldest who brought up the family (the eldest were twins) and I am now the only survivor!
We were bombed out 4 or 5 times — we lost furniture, etc …
One bomb threw my brother into the air!
He then had a perforated ear so wasn’t able to go into the forces.

Once I slept at the Salvation Army during the Blitz.
Then I worked for them making the Salvation Army bonnets at Judd Street (Kings Cross).
I am a real Cockney born in Cross Street in London.

My husband was brought up by my mother but then he went to India in the forces.
On his return we became sweethearts and we eventually married.
We had three children.
My daughter lives locally and I came here 29 years ago (Leicestershire)

‘This story was told to Shirley Padley and submitted to the People’s War website by Lisa Reeves of CSV Action Desk Leicester on behalf of Lilian Chapman and has been added to the site with her permission. The author fully understands the sites terms and conditions.’

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