大象传媒

I was born in 1912, just before the First World war. A war to end all wars. But 27 years later World War 2 was declared.

Women did not work in those days. In 1939 when war began I was pregnant with my third child, it was late in the pregnancy and my baby daughter was born into this war in October 1939.

We were very frightened when war broke out and I was very sick with being pregnant. When gas masks were distributed you can imagine how I felt. If I was anxious without a gas mask what was I going to be like with one on.

After the baby was born you received extra food rations for the baby. But I think the deprivations of wartime stayed with us long after the war ended (there was still rationing for many years after).Bananas had not been seen for many years and near the end of war rationing there was suddenly a Banana option. I paid 15.schillings (75 Pence) for one Banana for my daughter who was in hospital with Tonsillitis and guess what, she didn't like it.

During the war shops were open from 9 am to 5 p.m. and shut for lunch 1pm to 2 p.m. and open Saturday mornings. There was no Sunday opening.

Traditionally housewives worked to a set agenda. Monday was wash day. Tuesday Ironing day. At the time we lived in Mackie road Bristol.. These were new houses and very pleasant. There were still fields all around us when we moved in (around 1935).I remember we had to change our shoes after walking through the muddy fields from the Bus Stop.

During the war and after my husband worked in the Filton aeroplane factory which later became B.A.C.

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