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This contribution to WW2 People’s War was received by the Action Desk on ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio Norfolk. The story has been written and submitted to the website by Jane Bradbury (Volunteer Story Gatherer) with the full permission and on behalf of Margaret E. Rodgers.

I saw the bombing of the London Docks from the terrace of the Alexandra Palace by the T.V. centre. Great bursts of orange fire lit the sky. That’s the time they hit the Beckton gas works. I was only 19 and sobbing for those poor people. I was with a group of friends after playing tennis at a local club. There was a garden bar nearby called The Dive, we all went there for a drink after to steady our nerves. I was one of the fortunates who survived the Blitz unscathed.
I can’t remember VE day clearly as I was at home with a baby. There was no rushing about celebrating.
My husband didn’t get back until March ’47. After Italy he was sent to Palestine and Jordan to deal with the terrorists there. He was in the Intelligence Corps and luckily wasn’t in the King David Hotel when it was blown up. He lived to 85 and wasn’t given to reminiscing. I remember a few snippets.
He was convinced a 3rd World War would start in the Middle East. I took part in a demo against Iraq (not in my name). My first demo was against Suez.
Let’s hope there’ll be no more reasons for demos. I’m not as robust as I was.

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