大象传媒

Our parents made the decision, if war came the girls would be evacuated with their school, but their son, a babe in arms, must stay at home in London. The papers were signed. Rumours of war abated and the family dispersal was temporarily forgotten.

In the late summer of 1939, with war imminent the 鈥榯akers鈥� of the Government safety option were summoned to their dispersal points. We attended Eglington Road Infant/Junior School and on Friday morning September 1st 1939, our mother took us to the school. She carried our small cases whilst we, our gasmasks stored in their brown cardboard boxes slung over our shoulders and carrying our packed lunches, trudged alongside to join the children assembling in the school playground. We were divided into 2 groups, juniors who had a younger brother or sister joined them in the infant group. A label, giving my name and address was tied through a buttonhole in my coat and each child was given a brown paper carrier bag which contained emergency rations. I, with my trappings of war 鈥� label, gasmask, packed lunch and rations 鈥� was ready to move. Luggage stowed, farewell kisses, tears, children and staff boarded the charabancs, we were off, destination unknown.

First stop Woolwich Arsenal Station for the train to London Bridge Station. Here we changed trains and, lugging our own cases, transferred platforms to board the special train which would take us to our secret rendezvous! We were a noisy group, nerves and excitement affected us all, some were laughing and shouting, but others cried bitterly. Out of town, into the countryside the train travelled and eventually slowly crossed a bridge which spanned a stretch of water, great excitement, were we going to the seaside? The train stopped at a station and the 鈥榬eaders鈥� shouted 鈥渋t鈥檚 Queenborough鈥�! Under supervision the carriage doors were opened, kids and luggage gradually assembled on the platform. A local reception group took charge and, following instructions, the infant and junior groups boarded separate buses. Our teachers told us that we were on the Isle of Sheppey and we were going to Halfway House School. A short drive and the bus stopped outside a single-storey school, protected by a large playground area. We left the bus and helped with our luggage, which we lined-up in the playground, we went into the school for 鈥榳atering and refreshments鈥�.

Outside again, we claimed our cases and, unaware that we were being appraised by local volunteer helpers, my sister and I stood with our cousins surveying the scene. Two white-haired ladies approached our little group and introduced themselves as our new foster-mothers 鈥� I thought they looked older than my Gran ! Mrs Hill took June and I , my cousins went with her sister. I was soon to learn that Mrs Hill was a childless retired headmistress and her husband a retired Civil Servant and we invaded their home!

Next morning, after breakfast, Mrs Hill directed me into the sitting room and told me to sit down. She explained that she had invited June and I into her home !

Next morning, after breakfast, Mrs Hill directed me into the sitting room and told me to sit down. She explained that she had invited June and I into her home because we looked clean and tidy but she needed other information. 鈥淒o you have any lice 鈥� head fleas?鈥� she queried. 鈥淒o you wash your hands after using the toilet?鈥� Crack 鈥� I felt that my face had been slapped, how dare she ask these questions. Full of indignation and responsible for my six-year-old sister, I, the eldest just eleven had to defend our family honour 鈥� it was then I realised that I was alone!

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