大象传媒

During the Thirties work was very scarce in rural Ireland where we lived, so my father came to Brighton to find work and lodged with my Mother鈥檚 sister in Chapel Street. He worked on various building sites and after a year he had saved enough to return to Ireland and move the complete family to Brighton. So, in June 1935 a 44-year-old Irishman arrived at Brighton station with his wife and 5 young sons; myself aged 14, Larry 13, Jimmy 10, Barney 8 and Bertie a 2-year-old toddler.

By 1939 we were all well established in Brighton but the war clouds were gathering over Europe. My father told us that if war starts we can pack up and go back to Ireland but if it is the family鈥檚 wish we will stay here. It was unanimously agreed to remain here with our new friends in Brighton.

On Sunday 3rd September 1939, my 19th birthday, Neville Chamberlain had broadcast our declaration of war on Germany at 11 a.m. but as I had been out celebrating my birthday the night before, I had slept through it. I was awakened by my Mother. She was in a dreadful state shouting, 鈥淐ome on get up, the war has started, the air-raid sirens are going, the Germans will be here any minute鈥�. I listened to the sirens and realised it was the all clear, I had slept through the warning which incidentally had been a false alarm. I consoled Mum telling her not to worry, the Clock Tower area is completely surrounded by the LDV. (Local Defence Volunteers) who later became The Home Guard. By 12 o'clock Mum had settled down and our whole family got back to normal accepting the fact that were now at war with Germany.

I went to meet my friends at the Lamb and Flag public house in Cranbourne Street. As I walked through St Nicolas鈥� churchyard my thoughts were full of what I was going to do. I had my heart set on joining the Royal Air Force. When I got to the Lamb and Flag my mates were all discussing what branch of the Armed Forces they were going to apply to. Quite a few were for different regiments in the Army and some for the Royal Navy. My mind was made up, I was going to be a fighter pilot in the RAF. My father, who had served in the First World War, joined the Pioneer Corps, my brothers Larry and Barney joined the Army, Jimmy the Navy and Bertie did National Service later. A proud record for that little Irish family who arrived in Brighton in 1935.

This story was submitted to the People's war site by Sue Manning-Jones on behalf of Patrick Carroll, and has been added to the site with his permission. Patrick fully understands the site's terms and conditions.

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