大象传媒

This story was submitted to the People's War website by Age Concern Salford on behalf of Robert Bantock and has been added to the site with his permission.

Born 12 March 1932 and was 7 when war broke out. His brother was in the 8th army. Remembers having to carry his gas mask everywhere. He once broke someone's window and ran but was caught because his name was on his gas mask case. Used to collect shrapnel. Dad worked in Bridge St sub station and a land mine was dropped nearby and flattened a row of houses. Robert was with his dad that night but didn't hear it. Lived 26 Cemetery Road, Swinton. He would sleep under the stairs during raids and his sister under the table. His dad worked nights and was an air raid warden. He walked round the cemeteries with him one night. Watched over empty houses and looked for incendiaries. Remember the bombing in Liverpool and Manchester. Bomb dropped on Salford Royal Hospital and C 14 nurses killed. At school, teachers were women and old men. He was always in trouble. He was a naughty boy. Sister worked in the mills. Robert went to work for the electricity board. Robert was the youngest and he was spoiled. He got sister's toffee rations. Played kick can, Rallyo, hide and seek. Played on a big field. Not bothered by rationing. Dad worked as an electrician on the sub station. Day war ended there was a big party on the street. Mother made potato pies. Robert was under the table tying shoelaces together. He was always getting the cane.

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