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This story was submitted to the People's War site by louise Angell of the CSV Action desk at 大象传媒 Radio Derby on behalf of Brenda Rawlings. The author understands the sites terms and conditions.

I lived at Hornchurch in Essex, near the aerodrome. Our school was closed because of strifing from the German planes chasing the spitfires back. As a result the school was closed and aged eight and a half, I was evacuated to my grandparents in Derby. Once in Derby I went to Wilmorten School. There were about 10 of us who'd been evacuated and the local children didn't like us. We were far too cocky for them and were singled out all the time by the teachers which didn't go down well. An invitation came from Sudbury Hospital, the American Air Force Hospital, just down the road, for us evacuees to attend a Christmas party. There were about 30-40 evacuees there and it was quite wonderful! The American soldiers sang and I think there was even a banjo being played (or an instrument like it). We all joined in. The boys learned to march and there was a whole plate of ham and tinned peaches! We all got a catering sized can of peaches to take home. There was a wonderful Christmas tree, with baubles as big as your fist and lamenta, silver strands, draped over the branches. there was even a Father Christmas dressed in the most beautiful white outfit. We were all given a present, but I can't remember what mine was.

We were asked if we would like to go into the other ward and see the soldiers there as they wanted to meet us. The rubber doors of the ward were pushed open and we all just stood there in shock. Seeing these wounded soldiers there, lots were in traction, had burns or wore bandages. There was a terrible smell. We were just totally numb and must have stood there for minutes. that experience hit home what war was all about.

We were encouraged to go and talk to the men in the beds. They were virtually falling out with the effort of trying to give us sweets and gum. I was reluctant to accept anything as I wasn't allowed chewing gum but was persuaded in the end. One soldier, noticing my reluctance, asked "what would you like babe?" So I asked for a pair of nylons! There was a stunned silence. I think the soldiers didn't know what to make of this little girl asking for nylons but they were for my mother. Eventually someone came up with a pair. Mymother was thrilled when she got them.

When I arrived home my grandmother wouldn't let me have the gum. I had to take it to school and give it to the teachers to share out to all the horrid children who didn't like us!

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