大象传媒

This story was submitted to the People's War website by Simon Gulliford from St George's School Broadstairs and has been added on behalf of Mr Herbert Whiffin with his permission who understands the conditions about his contribution

Herbert (also known as Bert) Whiffin was born in 1930 and during the blitz had to get his shoes repaired. For this he required some leather which he was to purchase from Beardsmore's, which he believes was on or near the Lordship Lane. As with everything there was a long queue and whilst in the queue the air raid sirens went off. Bert waited 5 minute before leaving the shop without the leather and ran off home. On the way home the shop was bombed and Bert realised that had he stayed he would have been killed along with those who stayed. That day had other implications. Going forward to the end of the war, Bert went to a VE day party in his road. It was there that he met a Girl he had never met before. Her name was Jessie Mitchell. Bert spent all evening with this Girl and found out that she too had been near Beardsmore's at the same time, and she too had escaped death. Bert joined the navy after VE day and later was called to do his National Service. He could not stop thinking about Jessie. His grandmother wrote letters to Bert when he was away telling him that Jessie was asking after him too. Jessie鈥檚 mother was not well and wanted her daughter to go out with Bert. Eventually in 1952 Bert returned and married Jessie. As Bert said, 鈥渟he was born for me鈥�. The war touched the lives of this couple, it brought them together and forged a long and loving marriage. Bert and Jessie were married for 52 years, the year of their marriage also being 1952. Sadly, Jessie passed away on January 6, 2005, after a long illness where Bert continued to be devoted to the girl who was 鈥渂orn for him鈥� and Bert is waiting for the time they will be reunited.
鈥淭hey will meet again鈥� and the sun will shine.

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