大象传媒

I was four years old at the time. We were living in 96 Wilton Park Road, Lake, Isle of Wight. It was 1942. Dad was at work (government work). I can picture a really hot sunny day. We were in the tiny front garden waiting for my six year old brother Frank to come home from primary school. Mum was talking to the neighbour. My brother John (five) and I were waiting alongside Mum.

Up in the sky, coming out of the sun, we saw a beautiful silver aeroplane. We were all impressed by it, imagining it to be a fighter plane returning to base. Then the plane turned slightly and we saw black crosses on the wings. It then started to fire, machine gun like, somewhere. I think it was called straifing. You have never seen two kids and two adults get indoors so quickly. Poor Frank got forgotten temporarily. However, we all survived.

I can see it now; oh God! As a kid it was quite exciting, not realising the danger we could have been in. I should hate to think what my mum thought. Not got a clue where the plane hit.

This story was submitted to the People's War website by Helena Noifeld of 大象传媒 Radio Kent and has been added to the website on behalf of Roger Cure with his permission. He fully understands the site's terms and conditions.

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