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I wanted to share the memories my Granny left when she died. She was a fantastic lady who wrote many diaries and letters to ensure that as time went on the past was not forgotten. When she died we came across this letter, which speaks about here life and experiences during the war. I have copied the letter exactly as she wrote it. As you can see from the sign off she wanted to share this with people. Enjoy. Nicola Pavey — Granddaughter of Daphne Smithers.

Daphne Smithers 24 September 1931 to 2 September 2003.

Childhood Memories of Daphne Smithers nee Baptist, Forest Green, Surrey.

I was born September 24th 1931, had a very happy childhood, never bored, never enough time for play. Mothers’ cousins’ daughter Betty was my playmate.

In springtime we walked miles picking primroses and other flowers. We always made our own maypole, a stick covered in flowers; we walked around with it all day on May 1st. Marbles, skipping and hopscotch were played, but a favourite was a game with two tennis balls played against a wall.

A big house on the green had a miniature railway track. The engine had four trucks and children went for rides all around the garden. On a hot day we all went down to the brook to paddle or swim then lie in the sun to dry.

Sunday school was always well attended, morning and afternoon, held in the chapel. Wonderful teachers, a text was given with verse, a pretty picture on it for each attendance. Once a year a trip to the sea, which was very exciting, and tea was in a large hall before the journey home.

At Christmas time we had a party and prize giving of a book for good attendance. A lantern lecture after tea was real magic. My father worked the lantern and another man told the story.

Winters were mostly very cold with ice on all the windows. The village pond was thick with ice, safe enough for all the children to slide on. Some children had skates; my brother and his friends had a board nailed to the hells of his shoes and a strap at the front.

Our Christmas tree came from Leith Hill or Holmbury Hill. My brother would climb up the tree and saw the top off. I was decorated with clips, which held candles; these were lit and watched with care.

Three days before the war broke out we went to London Zoo. Father hired a car for 15p full of petrol. We were lucky to see all the animals and reptiles before they were killed.

In 1940 soldiers arrived in Fratsham Grange, this changed village life. There were plenty of dances and Ensce concerts, which were great fun. Our house was open for troupes. I always felt safe with them around when the air raids were on.

We made friends with five Gree Indians; one of them was an Indian chief. He was wounded and walked on crutches. He managed to walk 4.5 miles from Ockley station to visit us.

We used to go up Burchitt Lane where the searchlights worked. One night a cow was killed. The guard had said ‘Who goes there’ but got no reply and so he shot.

We saw two aeroplanes shot down all in flames.

One day I was playing in the garden and a German plane came over very low firing a machine gun. I was very lucky being under tress, probably saved my life. The baker was coming through the garden gate at the time and a bullet landed in the gate post.

VE day came and all the children of Forest Green had a party at Gosterwood Manor followed by Disney cartoon films.

I hope you may find something of interest here.

Yours truly,

Daphne Smithers

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