大象传媒

When war had been declared the government made what was known as the essential works order, People would have to work where the Government directed. If you wanted to leave what was classified as essential work you had to apply to a Government panel, and invariably your application would be refused. At my school children were being taught safety procedures in the event of an Air raid In my school,St Edmunds in Edmonton
We did not have a bomb shelter so when the warning sounded we had to stand beside thick
brick walls thank god we were never bombed.
It was at this time children were being evacuated, this was not compulsory,but parents wanted their children to be safe from the bombing. My sister and I were taken with many others to Witham in Essex,where we walked three abreast along the pavement Whilst people came out of their houses and selected the children they wanted. My sister and I were separated I realize now that people did not really want boys, although we were all placed eventually The boy who was billeted with me suffered from asthma and was often very ill so he had to be returned home. I felt very much alone and unhappy although I never let my parents know, the Highlight of my week was when I saw my Sister. My carers had a son Peter but we never really liked each other. By this time London was being bombed but I was never told how the war was progressing, the only news I heard was from my Sister when we met, I knew I was safe in Witham but I missed my family terribly.
I had been evacuated for several months,My Sister had returned home to start work,the school leaving age was fourteen years. My mother used to visit me about once a month and on one of these visits she told me she was taking me home, I discovered my sister had told her how unhappy I was.(continued)

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