´óÏó´«Ã½

1940: and we were at war…even as a small 3 yr old little girl I was being shown how to look after myself should the enemy strike.

Most homes had air-raid shelters built in their gardens for families to flee to whenever that wailing siren told us that the Germans were coming. Our little house had no air-raid shelter, as there was a small cost involved…the council would erect them only with a payment supplemented by the householder. We could not afford this.

Consequently, my nan, mother and I used to go into the big cupboard under the stairs, where we settled down with only the occasional beam from my mothers’ torch to momentarily light the area and assure us that we were all safely together.

We had black-out regulations enforced at all times so that not one glimpse or shaft of light would penetrate the darkness and give even the smallest hint to the Germans, flying overhead that we were there. I seem to remember so many hours spent in total darkness, listening, listening to the drone of the planes, the crackle of gunfire, bits of shrapnel landing on our roof and rolling noisily into the gutters. Even listening to our breathing; it was good to know that my nan and mum were close — even if I couldn’t see them.

Then there were the gas masks — another safety effort just in case the Germans decided to drop gas bombs. These masks were made from foul-smelling rubber in 3 designs. For small babies it was like a sleeping bag…for adults, the masks were black, large and quite fearsome to look at. For my age group the masks were bright red and utterly grotesque with long noses/tongues that trembled with every breath I took. The eye apertures were round and metal rimmed — we all looked like fiery red-faced owls!

We all received our masks in small square cardboard boxes with carrying straps, for we were to take them with us, everywhere we went; even to school. We were expected to know how to put the masks on by ourselves, so that in any emergency, we could confidently fix them over our heads and pull the straps really tight…so that an air-tight seal was made around our faces.

I remember that the metal cylinder that hung from the front of the mask was heavy; it had strange perforations which I suppose would have filtered the gas, yet allow us to breath. Then there was that long floppy tongue (or was it meant to be a nose?) that fluttered and moved with every breath!

We must have looked like little aliens running around with our bright red rubber faces…and they were not comfortable. In the picture, I have obviously put mine on while playing in the back garden — perhaps my mother thought it was a good idea to let me familiarize myself with wearing it. I appear completely relaxed and happy...what a weird little creature I was…even dolly in the pram looks startled!

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