大象传媒

This story was submitted by Maureen Tomison and has been added to the website on behalf of David Sandford with his permission. He fully understands the site and the site鈥檚 terms and conditions

Diamonds are a girl鈥檚 best friend.

In 1940 we were living in Paris and I had been sent to England to boarding school. Soon after my arrival at school the Germans began their advance into France. I was obviously very worried for my parents safety.
News from them was intermittent. A little later my school was evacuated from Lewes and we were all sent home while it relocated. I stayed with my aunt in London. The last mail I received from France was a picture postcard of Ch芒teau Fiholt, a Bordeaux chateau which I recognised, and a note from my mother saying hope to see you soon. This told me they were soon about to set sail for UK.
The next communication was a telegram to my aunt saying arriving Paddington today. Later that day a taxi drew up with my parents. I was amazed to see my mother remarkably dirty but covered in diamonds. The reasons it transpired were twofold. My father had drawn all the money he had in the French bank and had bought jewellery, as he believed correctly that the frank would be worthless after France fell. My father said jokingly that at least my mother could swim with the money on her. The other factor was that they had travelled in an Argentine meat ship not designed for passengers and water had been rationed for drinking purposes only.. none for washing. Despite this I was greatly relieved to see them alive and well.

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