大象传媒

My first recollection the day war was declared was to see my mother weeping, stood by the kitchen sink preparing Sunday lunch. I asked why was she weeping and she replied we were now at war with Germany. Obviously thoughts were now in her mind when as a young girl she was reminded of the 1914-1918 war. Some of the first things I remember were Barrage Balloons in the skies all around. Then the local men were called to join the LDV (Land Defence Volunteers). I can remember them all marching around the roads wearing arm bands LDV. Then a few weeks later, the Home Guard, all provided with uniforms and a rifle. As a boy, I was very impressed. Air raid shelters were then delivered to each house bit like the shape of a half moon in corrugated iron. A deep hole was dug 3-4 feet deep approximately 6鈥� x 6鈥�. After these were bolted together the soil dug from the hole was then shovelled on top of the shelter. My father made steps and a door.

Obviously when we had heavy rain the shelter would become flooded so when the sirens sounded we would all get under the staircase. Mother, Grandmother, Aunty, brothers five years younger then me and myself. Two heavy guns were installed in Swanshurst Park, when the word FIRE was shouted by the officer in command my father who was stood at the rear of the house would tell us to prepare for the loud bang which should shake the house. When night-time came all houses would have no lights. Either heavy black curtains would be hung or outside frames fitted against each window with roofing felt or floor linoleum.

Other men known as Air Raid Wardens would patrol the roads inspecting houses for any lights showing where the householder would be told to turn the light out or cover it up. My father fitted a door to the Air Raid shelter so that we could have a candle burning until the all clear siren was sounded, the siren being operated from the local Police Station in Yardley Wood Road.

My father was not only in the Home Guard but would also be involved in the road as a Fire Watcher. One night we were all under the stairs because the shelter was flooded. As he came into the front door for water, there was a fire all in front of the house and road. It appeared a number of small bombs had been dropped which all burst into flames. As a young child looking out of the door it was very frightening. No church bells were ever rung during the war. The only time they would be rung was if German parachutists were dropped. When we were in the air raid shelter it would be very quiet, wondering what would happen next. Mother would read us a story not very easy in candle-light, or pray with us asking for God鈥檚 protection. Sometimes we would try to sing, one song was 鈥楪od is our refuge, be not afraid, He will be with us in an Air Raid, When bombs are falling, and danger is near, He will be with you until the 鈥淎ll Clear鈥�.

This story was submitted to the People鈥檚 War site by Joanne Brown a volunteer with WM CSV Actiondesk on behalf of Ray Satchell and has been added to the site with his permission. Ray Satchell fully understands the sites terms and conditions.

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