大象传媒

My mother, Thelma Edney (nee Bishop) often recalled some of the horrific memories she had of the terrible bombing of Liverpool during WW2. This is one of them. It was just before my parents were married in 1943, Thelma - aged only 19 - had been visiting Walter at his home town of Bognor Regis. She returned to Liverpool by train and, on arrival, was horrified to see the city ablaze with thousands of refugees trampling out carrying what little belongings they could salvage. Thelma was terrified, she had no idea whether her family had survived this awful assault. It took her over an hour to walk home, crying all the way, frightened to turn the corner of her road. She was sure her house and family had been wiped out. Then relief. The house opposite was completely gone but her house was still standing! Her 9 yr old.sister had been in the air raid shelter alone during the whole time, screaming for her mother who had been trapped in the house,unable to get out due to the doors becoming stuck in their frames as the house rocked. Her father was missing, he had been on police duty the previous night and it was not known whether he survived. Fortunately he did, turning up at home hours later, blackened and disheveled.
There was wonderful community spirit amongst the people during these times, everyone helped each other. In spite of the uncertainty of survival and the rationing, my mother recounted many happy times too. On VE Day they had a street party in Anstey Road, Old Swan. I have two wonderful photos (attached) taken by my Aunt. My mother is in both of the pictures. I was born in 1948, rationing continued for a few years after the war ended and I still have my ration book!

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