大象传媒

This story was submitted to the People's War Website by Linda Kaye from 大象传媒 GMR on behalf of Arthur Barlow and has been added to the site with his permission. The author fully understands the site's terms and conditions.

My birthday was on the day war was declared. I was 15. I went to work at the local engineering firm Crossley Brothers, who made parts for Lancaster Bombers and torpedo tubes for the Royal Navy. Every so often the navy used to come and test and fire the torpedo mechanism.

I joined the Home Guard when I was 16. We used to do guard duty at the firm, also at Craven Engineering at Greg Street. I was in Manchester during the blitz. It was pretty rough. We had to walk home from Manchester to Reddish, because there was no transport.

We used to go dancing at the Apollo in Ardwick, Stockport Town Hall etc. We used to really enjoy it. We managed to do this despite all the rationing etc. In the war you lived for the day.

My occupation was a Reserved Occupation because of my trade. I didn't get called up until January 1945.

I was in London for VE Day. It was a blur, we were all drunk! It was like a holiday. If you were in uniform people couldn't do enough for you!

I was in Cairo for VJ Day. I was in camp in Tel El Kabir. It wasn't until Dec 1948 I was de-mobbed.

漏 Copyright of content contributed to this Archive rests with the author. Find out how you can use this.