大象传媒

This was written by my grandmother to her future daughter in law (my mother) probably in 1940. They must have been bombed out on 23 December 1940 or 19 March 1941, according to the Bombing records of that area. It is simply a record of nightly life at that time. The dug out was an Anderson shelter, I believe.

79 Arthingworth St
West Ham
E.15

Dear Sybil,
At last I have time to answer your most welcomed letter. I am just having a few minutes sit down so I thought I would make good use of them.
Well dear I am thankful to say we are still safe and well in spite of our usual night in the dug out. I can tell you dear we are getting quite use to our routine. After they have all had tea I was up and they all get ready putting hair in curlers and dug out frocks on, then the clocks wound up and alarm set and believe me by that time up goes old moaner (siren) and off we trot. Georgie Green that is Sissie's brother comes in and keeps the girls company as Iris next door comes in our dug out. They tell bedtime stories until 9.30 then he goes home and then it is time for us to settle down for the night andget as much sleep as possible but we have not been doing too bad these last few nights. The girls sleep all night but sometimes when it is too heavy I get a bit jumpy but still God has been very gracious to us and I am sure all our prayers have been answered for in spite of all the damage that has been done around us He has kept us safe and I trust and pray that he will see fit to spare us all for each other so that we can one day have the joy of all being together again, may He hasten the day of peace. How lovely that will be. It will be nice to see you all again. Alec said he is looking forward to another leave but I hope by that time it will be quieter here.
The girls send their love. They have gone to harvest festival today. The pastor gets married next Saturday at Watford. They have all got an invite but of course it is too far to go in these unsettled times.

I will close with fondest love from all at home. May God bless and keep you till we meet again.
Your loving Mum and Dad

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