大象传媒

Memories of World War 2
By
Diane Davies

I was 6 years old at the outbreak of the war and living on the West Coast of Wales,
I was largely unaware of bombs and air raids, although sounds of the raids from the South Wales docks did reach us.

We were all issued with gas masks and as children we had to take them to school to practice wearing them. It was quite scary at first but we soon got used to them and saw it as sort of game. We were too young to realise the seriousness of the situation.

A number of evacuees were sent to Aleystwyth from London. We had one staying with us, a girl about my own age. We got on well together and were sad when they left. It was very hard for them as they worried about their families and were homesick

Ration books were issued, as food became scarce. We were fortunate, as my father was friendly with a local farmer who gave us the occasional chicken and eggs.

Every now and then there would be great excitement as a consignment of bananas arrived in the town, and we would queue up to get our ration.

Clothing coupons were also issued. I can remember my clothes being darned and patched and all hems let down, as they really did have to last as long as possible.

The space under the stairs was where we would go in the event of an air raid. It was stocked with items of food we would need, but mercifully this was not necessary. We did however frequently hear sirens & all clear to ensure that people knew what to do should a raid take place.

I can remember the night the Prisoners of War came home. There was a reception committee for them at the railway station. Some were wounded and had lost limbs. It was a moving sight and everyone was very emotional.

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