大象传媒

Staffs County Council libraries, on behalf of the author, have submitted this story. The author fully understands the rules and regulations of the People's War website.

Whilst in York, a concert party was formed within REME Personnel and we performed in various units in the area. I was mostly in small sketches and the chorus. It wasn't until years later that I found out that I couldn't sing at all!
Whilst working in the palace, in Italy, there was a mix of people from all over the world. The Field Marshall Lord Alexander was in command of C.M.F (Central Mediterranean Forces). He would pass our office daily on his way to the map room and always gave us a "good morning" and a lovely smile.
My mum had her own cross to bear. I remember one Sunday there was eight of us sat down for lunch. The following Sunday there were just two - my mother and myself.
My father (despite his age - he had served in the South African War 1899 - 1902 and the Great War 1914 - severely wounded but felt that he was needed) and my brothers had gone. Mother, inadvertantly, had made a huge rice pudding just for the two of us!
My father returned home a few months later because of his previous war wounds and age and then one brother was wounded and discharged.
At this time my best friend was going to be called up. I wanted to go with her although I was only seventeen and three quarters. I persuaded my parents to let me go so I was with her. At the end of the day my application had been sent in but my friend's mother refused to sign hers so I went alone but she was called up six months later. However, we never served together.
What made it worse was that we both wanted to be drivers. I ended up being a clerk and my friend became a driver!!

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