大象传媒

Nutley village, being on the southern part of the Ashdown Forest was alive with army units during the war. The army used the forest extensively as a training and settlement area. Part of Nutley Garage, which was owned and run by my family, was taken over by the W.D. in 1940 for the purpose of using the petrol storage and pumps for refuelling Army Transport vehicles.

Soldiers were stationed also in some large village houses and the village hall was used on Saturday nights for local 'hops'. These were enjoyed by the local girls because the Canadian Soldiers were later on to realise the high value of 'nylons'.

Unfortunately it also caused problems with some of the local lads and the inevitable fighting occured. Most times the local bobby and M.P.s were able to calm things down. I know at the end of the war several of the girls became G.I. brides.

This story was submitted to the People's War website by Helena Noifeld of 大象传媒 Radio Kent and has been added to the website on behalf of David Joseph Ridley with his permission. He fully understands the site's terms and conditions.

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