大象传媒

This story was submitted to the People`s War site by Alan Magson of Age Concern, Bradford and District, on behalf of Derrick Wilson, and has been added to the site with his permission. The author fully understands the site`s terms and conditions.

I was 12 years old when War broke out,and was attending the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School at Wakefield.
My father,who was a RAF Reservist was called up immediately but by 1941 was invalided out and died in 1942.
There were no Social Benefits in those days and I had to leave school to help supplement the household income. My mother also had to work and we were a fairly large family (mother, 3 boys and 2 girls). In 1941 put my age up and enlisted as a regular soldier in the army. I was with the York and Lancaster Regiment; volunteered for the Parachute Regt and saw action in Europe. Subsequently after VE Day quickly followed by VJ Day my battalion was sent out to Palestine.
I can remember as a youngster helping my father deliver and fit gasmasks for the ARP; as a Telegram boy having to deliver" We wish to inform you" telegrams. Working on the land courtesy of the Ministry of Food. Experiences in the Army Cadets attached to the Post Office Home Guards.
I also recall working in the hop fields of Kent Hop-picking whilst waiting for my call-up papers. I had my initial training a Deepcut Barracks Training and selection for the Parachute Regt(Hardwick Hall Chesterfield) and parachute training at Ringway airport (now Manchester Airport) and Tatton Park. Posting to the 2nd Battalion Paras and eventual action.

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