大象传媒

I was aged nine years when war broke out. Then the Evacuees came down to Devon where we lived. The first I recollect was the strange accents of the evacuees from London. Many of these children had never been to the Seaside.

Okehampton is a Market Town. On Saturdays, Cows, Pigs and Sheep were sold. These London children had never seen these animals!

I recall that as children, we were allowed to have half a pint of milk a day to drink which cost a half penny. (There is no equivalent nowadays to compare the cost).

Then the troops came to town, first the British then the Americans. As treats the Americans would give us Neckko Wafer bars of chocolate, tubes of sweets and chewing gum. Also the Americans gave parties for the children. This was a rare privilege for us. Everything was rationed, including all food, clothes and furniture.

I presume the Americans had more to share with us than the British troops. At Christmas the Americans were invited to our homes to share what we had but their Commanding Officer said NO!

D-Day came on June 6th 1944 but before that on Slapton sands, thousands of American soldiers were drowned when their D-Day rehearsal was surprised by a group of German E-Boats (Motor Torpedo and Gun Boats).

We still Keep in touch with some of the G -I's that we befriended. Some of the older girls married the G -I's and went to live in America with them after the war.

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