大象传媒

This story was submitted to the People's War site by volunteer from The Chepstow Society on behalf of Audrey Thomas and has been added to the site with her permission. Audrey Thomas fully understands the site's terms and conditions.

Audrey Thomas ( nee Brown ) lived at Golden Hill Farm during the war

Home life.
Was living at home when the war started, remembers an awful feeling of gloom, thought the weather was bad as well.
Used to travel to Monmouth on the bus, especially to buy shoes. Also travelled to Gloucester by train - - trains were very long and were mixed with civilians and forces. Knitted clothes for self. The family were practically self sufficient regarding food, grew own vegetables, kept goats, chickens and cows; made goat鈥檚 cheese. Low key celebrations for birthdays and Christmas.

Work life.
Started work at George Mason鈥檚 as a general assisatant. Early effect of the war was counting the food coupons. All the groceries had to be weighed and packed by hand. Many of the older female assistants joined up as did many of the men.

War events.
Aware of 鈥渉ush - hush鈥� work at Dinham. Saw convoy of troops going through Chepstow; no one way traffic system then. An Indian batman used to call regularly at the shop for eggs for his officer. Occasionally, P.O.W.鈥檚 came into the shop, but always one at a time and under escort.
Can remember seeing the searchlights 鈥渉olding鈥� a German plane, and used to watch air fights over Avonmouth and Bristol.
Spent much leisure time either helping on the farm or knitting gloves, socks and balaclavas for the soldiers.

Remembers being very happy when the war was all over.

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