大象传媒

.....this country is at war with Germany." My mother went into labour with the shock of those words, giving me an unforgettable date of birth.
Rationing limited our diet. Doses of malt and cod liver oil were spooned into us daily and government issue orange juice was dished out in an attempt to keep us healthy. Porridge for breakfast, spam for lunch and the occasional egg made up our meals. Waiting in queues outside the butcher for our stringy joints, powdered potatoes and margarine, we
swopped stories of life in the shelters. Mickey mouse gas masks became toys. Most toys were home made but my poor mother searched everywhere for a teddy bear for me. She could only find a scratchy one in sacking uniform which I hated on sight. My aunt sent us sweets from Spain which was the only time we had them and they were hoarded for weeks. Clothes were strictly functional and mended when they got torn. We had no choice in what we wore of course. Entertainment came in the form of radio. Dick Barton,Special Agent, Toytown's "Larry the Lamb" and uncle Mac became part of our family. I still feel thrilled when I meet anyone else who says "Mr. Mayor Sir!"

Those years of austerity left their mark on me. I tut-tut over children who do not finish their meals, demand sweets and cannot decide which fashion garment to wear. I am proud of my strong teeth and ability to live frugally, still feeling guilty if I spend money on unnecessary purchases.
Too young to appreciate the wear and tear on adult nerves and the reasons behind their pre-occupation I am grateful now for the independent spirit such a wartime childhood gave me and for the fact that so many men and women enabled me to grow in a free country.

Rosemary MacMullen

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