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There were communal air raid shelters occupied by neighbouring males and females and children. They spent their nights in a neighbourly atmosphere of community. In the night when the needs had to be answered there was what was known as an ‘elson’, a portable sanitary arrangement (toilet). This had to be attended as required. Both males and females used it at 3 a.m. when the needs were really urgent. All were aware there was something afoot. It wasn’t a hostile act but you were busted.

Ladies slipped away discreetly. Bolder males offered up ‘gotta go anyway’. This was a natural act. Meanwhile we were getting used to what was unnatural — enemy action.

During the night when people had to use the bin, they would turn to me and my brother-in-law. “Play up” they would say and we would get our harmonicas out and play ‘Jingle Bells’ to cover the sound.

Two volunteers were always required to take the afore mentioned equipment and to a suitable place for disposal i.e. tip it onto an allotment!

Thus many hours were passed away from the fear of the dreaded Hun over head. Some played draughts, the more intelligent chess. Knitting was a popular recreation. “I’m knitting a scarf for our Albert away in the army”.

There was a ritual to bundling into the air raid shelter. The bundle being a blanket tied with cord, flask of weak tea, and documents such as insurance, rent book, certificates of birth and ration books.

Smoking was not allowed in the shelter. You would have to brave a quick puff in the dark and hope you did not encounter an air raid warden saying ‘put that light out’.

The more courageous had their puff with a swift half at the Southampton Arms around the corner hoping the siren wouldn’t go and bombers were not overhead.

Thus the title when the needs…

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