大象传媒

This story was submitted to the People鈥檚 War site by a volunteer from 大象传媒 Radio Berkshire on behalf of Anne Hart and has been added to the site with his/her permission. Ann Hart fully understands the site鈥檚 terms and conditions.

My father was in the Navy during the war. He was a petty officer serving on the supply ships and used to go to West Africa. My father was worried about us as we lived at Forest Gate in London. I think I was about 3 or 4 when he arranged for us to stay with his aunt and uncle at Playford.

My uncle worked on a farm and grew vegetables in his large garden which he sold. He also had fruit trees. He used to store the apples in the attic of the cottage. There was no running water. There was a pump in the garden. The toilet was also in the garden with no flush. My uncle used to empty the bucket.

I remember they were quite miserable but it was quite understandable having a woman who they hardly knew and two young children staying indefinitely. My uncle hated the radio and my brother and I had to wait at the gate to watch for him coming up the lane on his bike, we then had to run in so that auntie could turn it off.

I remember going to a party at the nearby American air base where we received a box full of chocolates and chewing gums. My aunt and uncle took the chocolate and all we had were the chewing gums.

My uncle also had peaches growing up the side of the cottage but we were only allowed to eat them if they got bruised. My mother used to squeeze a couple now and again so that we could have one. I don鈥檛 remember how long we stayed there and have no one to ask as they are all deceased.

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