大象传媒

At the age of 18 I commenced in the Council Offices,Holly Street Pontardawe,as the first Telephonist.

Owing to having a serious operation just before I should have joined the forces, I spent all the war years at this office.
I can remember well the day war was declared when the speach made by the prime minister Mr. Chamberline was listened to with trepidation and we heard the never to be forgotten words - we are at war with Germany.- from then on our lives were changed forever.

Being the only one trained to work switchboard, I had to show everyone in the office including the clerk to the council how to work it, as it now became the control centre for the whole of the area covered by the Pontardawe Council, and manned 24hrs a day. It was subsequently transferred to the basement of the council offices and then to the Police station. A team of six were on at night and as my friend was unable to do nights as she had a sick mother, she and I had to do 12 hrs every week after our normal working hours.
when we wee alerted that an air raid warning (red) was in progress we had to liase with firebrigade, police and home guard in order that we would know how to band togetrher in times of bombing. Exercises were also arranged.

Swansea had a three night attack in February 1941 causing considerable damage to the Town, and a little later when bombers were going over to Northen Ireland more damage was done. At this time I was confined to bed in Patti Ward Swansea Hospital and was very frightened.

One Sunday evening Pontardawe was targeted and we had our windows blown out at home.

During this period we had to carry gas masks always, use ration books to purchase food, bananas were unavailable, clothing could only be purchased with coupons. Blackout was imposed, when a fine was made if any light appeared from your windows.

Extra police were enrolled called 'specials', they doubled up with the regulars.

Although it was harassing everyone seemed to work for the common good and when V.E. and V.J. days ultimately arrived the relief was enourmous. Every stree was decorated and parties held in the street itself. George Street won first prize for best decorated street.

I think the discipline was wonderful at this time but sadly it has not continued. I look back withfondness at the time I lived in George Street with such friendly people.

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