大象传媒

The air-raid siren had gone off, I was in bed.
Mum got me out of bed, she grabbed a small blanket.
We all piled into the cubby-hole under the stairs.
Gas-masks were put on in a hurry, all lights turned out.
Mum, Dad and two older sisters and I settled in, torch handy.
The dull thud of bombs exploding could be felt.
Screaming aeroplane engines could be heard.
Anti-aircraft guns would rattle for a minute.
Everything would go silent for a short time.
Dad got restless and crept to the front door.
He said some of the neighbours were going to the shelters.
For some reason we did not go, Mum shone the torch.
Dad came back and settled in again.
More dull thuds and high-pitched engines.
Another rattle of anti-aircraft guns.
Wearing gas-masks was not pleasant.
Mum had hidden a few boiled sweets in this den.
Gas鈥攎asks were peeled back to pop a sweet in.
Dad got restless again, back to the front door.
Air-raid wardens were scurrying around the street.
Police were checking that no lights were showing.
He also said the Germans had released flares.
More dull thuds and machine-gun fire.
A long silence and then the all clear siren.
We rushed to the front door or toilet.
Search-lights were still combing the sky.
A line of barrage balloons could be seen.
The neighbours poured out of the air-raid shelters.
Mum had gone to the kitchen and sliced a loaf.
We could have a piece with either butter or jam.
A cup of tea or a milky drink was made.
People were about the street, sleep was difficult.
Primary school was off, it was full of evacuees.
The next day bits of burnt paper were in the air,
Incendiary bombs had started fires.
Dad was still doing his job at the factory,
Munitions were now made as well at the factory.
Mum collected the cream from the milk.
She made butter once a week.
My oldest sister made mock banana,
Cooked parsnips mixed with banana essence.
From a girl in the country we got extra eggs.
Rationing was a nightmare for most.
Uncle Tommy sent food parcels from Canada,
Dried eggs, tinned sausages and tea-bags enclosed.
Everyone had ration books full of coupons.
Coupons were needed for sweets and clothes too.
Mum exchanged tea for sugar with a neighbour.
Christmas was a headache for Santa.
Lots of toys were discreetly made.
Old bicycle wheel rims were used as hoops.
Guiders were made from old pram wheels.
The evacuees left, so school started again.
Only doctors or service people could get petrol.
Sunday School excursions were eagerly awaited.
Holidays were spent at local resorts.
American soldiers gave us sweets or gum.
Dad invited some of them for tea on Sundays.
German prisoners were kept near our house.
The war ended, but rationing continued.
A paris bun and lemonade was still a treat,
The air-raid shelters were good for hide and seek.

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