- Contributed by听
- A7431347
- People in story:听
- Daphne and Jean Crawford, Constance, George, Irene and George Farley
- Location of story:听
- Paddock Wood
- Background to story:听
- Civilian
- Article ID:听
- A6414013
- Contributed on:听
- 26 October 2005
In 1939, I was eleven, my sister Jean Crawford was nine, and we were evacuated to live with The Farley family in Rose Cottage, Overy Farm near Paddock Wood.
We had a wonderful time in the country, but in September, war was declared. Soon life changed dramatically. Air raids started and foreign guns flew and there was noisy gunfire. Very frightening. We did not feel safe! . George Farley built a dug out where we had to sleep.
Paddock Wood was saddened when some young men from the area were killed in action. One young man named John Blunt was awarded the VC. One night the local church was bombed by a direct hit. We could see the flames from our home. Every one was devastated.
I was proud to live in the village.
I loved the country life, our foster parents, Constance and George Farley, were so kind and we felt at home. I shall never forget my experience of the war. I am still in touch with Irene Farley. We still reminisce; life was both happy and sad.
This story was submitted to the People鈥檚 War Site by Helena Noifeld and has been added to the website on behalf of Daphne Roma Thompson (nee Crawford) with her permission and she fully understands the site鈥檚 terms and conditions.
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