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Hollesley appeared to be on a direct route for the bombing raids that were carried out from local airfields. We would see the planes fly out like great flocks of geese and watch them return in various conditions. Many would have holes in the fuselage or wings that were clearly visible from the ground. Some did not make it back to the airdrome and would crash on the marshes between our house and the sea.
These crashed aircraft were a great source of fun for us, once the airforce had removed all the equipment that they considered to be of value, we were all able to take our pick. From these wrecks we were able to get Perspex which we made into rings and broaches and, probably more exciting (and dangerous), flares. The flares we would bury upright in soft soil, cover the top with cordite, light the cordite and RUN. The flare would ignite and a five metres high flame would belch forth…we were mad!
From our window we saw gliders being towed out towards the Continent. It would appear that these were for Arnheim although we did not know it. In fact it is only now that I have begun to realise the significance of all that we witnessed..

‘This story was submitted to the Peoples War site by Rod Aldwinckle of the CSV Action Desk on behalf of Jim Ellis civilian and has been added to the site with his permission. The author fully understands the sites terms and conditions.’

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