大象传媒

This is most of a letter written by my mother, Inez Busby, to her old school friend, Ruby Ogilvy now living in Winnipeg, Canada. It vividly describes some of the experiences suffered by those living in Mersy-side at this stage of the war. She refers to leaving me with my uncle and aunt, Jim and Cath Scott, in Silloth, Cumbria, which would be safer than Wallasey. My granny, Jeannie Scott, was also an "evacuee" but from Edinburgh.

" You know I felt just miserable leaving Morag. Dear knows how I'd ever send her to Canada. Poor wee dear! I can see her standing at the station trying not to cry and waving her red gloves. Mother said to her "Now this is doing your bit to help win the war, and , remember, granny is an evacuee, too" This cheered her up a bit and she dried her eyes.

Jim was busy organising their war savings'week. Harry and I made up a slogan for it, which was to be stuck on a bombed farm. This was it: Notice--- this is the result of a bomb in the wrong place-----Put one in the right place---Buy War Saving Certificates!"

Little did we dream what we were to go through. Indeed, I never thought to see dawn. As no doubt you'd heard, the people had two nights of terrific blitz that weekend. We were nearly 20 hours, the two worst nights, on our tummies. Never could I explain the horror or the terror of it all. We had bombs front, back and sides and all around,and on the Saturday they tried to burn us to the ground. But they didn't succeed.

Our town too, is purely residential. But what did that matter to those fiends! We couldn't read or do a thing, so we suggested trying each to make up a story. Well it was amazing how it helped.

When it came to Morag she said: " Well, mine is a love story" And really, in spite of my terror, I had to laugh, and the folks next door said they were cheered to hear Morag laughing above the guns, and such guns.By jove , it was a barrage.

Well, on the Sunday my friend next door came in to say they wern't staying as their girl was upset and had taken a slight shock. Then on the other side they went off too.But we had no one near to go to for a rest.

When the warning went again that night at the same time, I felt it was too much to bear as we felt so alone. However, I pulled myself together and it wasn't so fierce for us.

Poor Kitty Mac had a mine dropped in the hospital grounds. Anyway she was just marvellous - wan't hurt and so bright about it all. Really, Ruby, I could weep at the heroes among the ordinary folk. and when this war is won and the great victory march comes along, then the civillians should be there, for God alone knows what they have gone through.

I am glad to say they haven't suffered up in our old home town and pray they never may. We didn't manage to get a house or rooms further out; hence our decision to part with Morag.

She wasn't scared, but I think until spring is past and the "invasion " over it is better she should be away. Of course where she has gone may be no safer, but we have to risk that. How I dread not seeing the wee lamb again! Aren't we doing well with the old Italians? Only wish we could get the dirty Germans on the run.

We are beginning to have to tighten our belts somewhat. What we miss most is fruit. Many shops have closed down. The other day I did manage to get two eating apples cost nearly 4d each, but I sent them on to Morag. Oranges have not been in the shops for aome time, but marmalade oranges have come in so I'm making some of this. We get no extra sugar, so it is a struggle.

Bananas, too, have quite disappeared. Meat is another big problem for me. Harry and I are only allowed 2/4d (52c) worth between us, and you may guess that doesn't run to a decent joint or any joint. Tripe and sausage isn't rationed. It takes much longer when you have to concoct and camouflage dishes to make them appetizing.

We miss Morag's ration as small families fare badly. Onions have become a national joke-- a friend gave me three and I gave one to another friend. Well, you would laugh if you could see how I am making my last one spin out! Anyway surely we will plant more crops and things will improve.

Have you had a severe winter? it hasn't been so bad this season as last, though we had a short spell of frost and snow.

We have a big hole through the roof and ceiling of Morag's room. This was from clay thrown up by a huge bomb. Her bed and the room were covered with stones, plaster, etc. This isn't repaired yet , there are so many to attend to, but others are so much worse off than us with windows out too.

Harry and Inez"
:

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