大象传媒

Like the rest of the population of Bedford, at the time being age 6 1/2 I can well remember the morning of Thurs July 23 1942. Walking to school along Rosamond Road and without any warning a lone German bomber ahead of us dropping a stick of bombs. The plane was belived to be heading back after a Midland's raid.
Hasterly rushing to the shelters at Goldington Road School and after the all clear spent the remainder of the morning, with the help of chalk and slate our interpretation of the event.
After School that afternoon taken by my mother to see the devastation in Ashburnham Road and Midland Road, the wrecked assembly rooms and ajoining sweet shop owned by the grandparents of my best school friend Noel Steele.
The following thursday night with bombs dropping in the vicinity of Wendover Drive, sheltered behind our side board, our shelter as such. My father was standing with a neighbour at our open back door the blast throw him back, smashing the glass in the kitchen cabinet. The next day going again with my mother to see the damage in Tavistock street, burnt out shops, and Black Tom area of wrecked houses. I also recall numerous military parades through Bedford, especially when the 'yanks' were over here. There were collecting points for pots and pans to use for military equipment to help the war effort. I also vaguely remember a visit to Goldington Road School of Queen Marie of Yugoslavia (10 June 1944). Us scholars sang to her, Including "Cherry Ripe". Christmas 1944 was eventful; Staying with relations in St Albans who, like many families, had invited two American servicemen from a nearby military hospital. My sister, cousin and myself returned with the servicemen on Boxing Day recieving gifts of gum and a now long lost Dutch baby doll from the wounded men in the hospital. While here it was announced the loss of the Band Leader, Major Glenn Miller.
Earlier in the 40's I recall being invited to a school friends birthday party and on seeing a Morrison Shelter erected in the dining room, burst into tears and ran all the way home. I was in bed at the time victory in Europe was announced and well remember a cheer from the family downstairs.

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