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I lived in Chase Lane, Barkingside, Essex all during the war.

I remember well the Battle of Britain, hiding in doorways so that we would not be hit by shrapnel from the dog fights during the day.

Many nights were spent in our Nissen shelter as we listened to the anti-aircraft and the falling of bombs. It was not a happy experience for a 17 year old.

For most of the time I was working in the Ministry of Fuel and Power, where we all worked a six day week and sometimes on a Sunday.

For several years I served, part-time, in the Auxiliary Fire Service, that is one night in six. This meant that on those days I had travelled up to Millbank, London SW1, done a full day’s work, travelled home, had something to eat and then went on night duty at the local fire station. Home for breakfast and then another full day at my office.

The photo, taken in 1944, includes:

Stella Burnett — 2nd from left back row,
Tilly Nielson — furthest left from middle row,
Phyllis Taylor (that’s me) — 4th from left in middle row.

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