大象传媒

I was born in November 1941, probably why the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbour! At the age of two or three, the war did not mean very much, but a few things stick in the memory.

The oft repeated scene, [probably some time in 1944], went something like this:
In the middle of a bedtime story - "Mummy, it's that noise again" [a siren on a pole half way down Richmond Road]. "Do we have to hide under the stairs again?". "Yes, be good and do what Auntie tells you, I've got to go out".

"Auntie, why does Mummy have to go out with her whistle?". "She has to make sure that everyone puts out their lights?" [Mum was the local ARP Warden]. "Why do we have to put out the lights?". "So the German aeroplanes won't see them and drop bombs on us".

"Auntie, What's a bomb?". "Something that makes a big noise and hurts people".
"Is that noise a bomb?". "No, those are lots of Aeroplanes". "Will they drop a bomb on us?". "No, they are our aeroplanes".
"How do you know?". "They are going the wrong way for German Planes".

"Can I wear my 'Mickey Mouse'?" [Small children were issued with Mickey gas masks in case of chemical attack]. "Yes if you like, but you dont need to." "My mask is nicer than yours. Yours is all black."

"Where's Daddy?". "He's helping to fight the war". "When will he come home?". "I don't know, he's a long way away". [Despite being issued with tropical kit for Africa, Dad was sent to Canada to provide liaison for the RAF supplies to the St Athan Base].

"There's that noise again!". "Oh good, its the 'All Clear'. Mummy will be back soon".
"Can I go back to bed now?". "Yes, it's safe now". "Will you tell me a story?". "No, you've had enough excitement for one night. Sleep tight!"

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