大象传媒

It was my Parents decision to send me away as an Evacuee (my Father was in the Army at that time). We did not know where we were going. Our Parents were circulated by letter, via the school - Burbury Street Junior and Senior School, advising them to allow their children to be moved "to a place of safety." No Notices were displayed about this, the only Notices I can remember from that period are such as "CARELESS TALK COSTS LIVES" "DIG FOR VICTORY鈥� "WOMEN - THE LAND ARMY NEEDS YOU."

I was 12 years old in 1939 and together with my Brother and my Mother, (who was a voluntary helper), we were marched to Hockley Station in Birmingham. We all had a ticket placed on us bearing our name and name of school. We journeyed to Evesham when we were taken to the Village Hall for the night. My recollections of this night are: being given a blanket, mug of cocoa. And something to eat, and sleeping on a hard floor! My Brother and I were fortunate enough to have our Mother with us but some of the children were in tears, feeling very homesick and calling for their Mothers.

Next morning we were literally "picked"/"Chosen" by prospective foster parents. Naturally the pretty girls were chosen first. Now as a Parent and Grandparent, I can understand the hesitation of foster parents at that time, and sane of the children were very poor, and possible their language and behaviour left much to be desired. BUT, I must stress there was no vandalism in those days, just high spirits.

No, we were not advised what clothes to take. Gas Mask and Ration Book were top priority of the day. There must have been a billeting officer in charge but I was too young to be aware of this.

ACCOMODATION: This was varied but adequate. Food rationing was in operation by then and we only had a very basic diet. Oranges and Bananas were never seen: 1 was unhappy at my first billet. so moved to my 2nd in the village. This was because my lady at the 1st billet had taken in 3 girls and. found. she couldn't cope. I do remember that these foster parents were being paid by the Government to billet us. My 2nd billet I can only describe as awful. My most vivid memory is of feeling Unwanted and also being served lunch one day which consisted of rabbit which had not been cleaned at all. I still shudder at that memory.

My 3rd billet was with a charming couple and their daughter at 鈥淭hatcholm" in Harvington. A beautiful thatched cottage and their daughter Margaret and I shared a low-beamed bedroom. I corresponded with my foster parents, Mr. and Mrs. Collett for many years, and I believe their daughter now lives in Eckington.

EDUCATION: This was prior to the Education Act caning in which required children to remain at school until the age of 16 years. No, our education was not in school with the other children but took place in the Village Hall, supervised by our "own" teacher - Miss Bryan - whom I can remember to this day - a lovely lady. I personally lost out in maths and sciences but discovered lots about nature and the countryside. One day we had a nature lesson and found The Lenches, and on another occasion we learned about different cloud formations and the weather.

HEALTH: We were children from a built-up area of Birmingham who had already suffered both stress from bombing and also sleepless nights. Believe me, it was quite terrifying. Then, to be moved from one鈥檚 own home environment was very traumatic. I suppose I must have been "run down" when I suddenly developed abscesses and was admitted to Evesham Hospital. I remember a great fuss was made of me at the time - I was too old for the children鈥檚 ward so was put into the Ladies Ward - and was thoroughly spoiled:. I remained there for about a week to ten days.

DENTAL TIREATMENT: Once or twice the dentist visited us at the Village Hall, complete with very tatty dental chair. All the children were scared: After my first visit my mother decided to take me to a Private Dentist in Evesham. Following treatment I remember visiting a Milk Bar (a new type of cafe then), and enjoying a hot mug of Ovaltine. The Winter of 1940/41 was very very cold.

I left school in June 1941 aged 14 years. No ceremony or speech day, I was just presented with a Certificate for Elementary Education.

With the men away at War, it was essential women helped "The War Effort." Therefore at the beginning of July 1941 I joined the Lucas Organisation as a Trainee and eventually became Secretary to their Personnel Officer.

SHIPSTON: I only lived in Shipston for about a year in 1944. At that time my parents left Birmingham altogether to move to Shipston. I was not very happy so retuned to Birmingham and lived in digs until I married.

It was at Shipston where I saw the convoys passing thought and I remember waving to the soldiers of all Nationalities. I now realize it was the start of the build0up in 1944 to 鈥淒鈥� day and 鈥淰J鈥� day bringing us Victory and the end of the war.

This story was submitted to the People鈥檚 War site by Anastasia Travers a volunteer with WM CSV Actiondesk on behalf of Dorothy Fleming and has been added to the site with his permission. Dorothy Fleming fully understands the sites terms and conditions.

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