大象传媒

This story was submitted to the People's War site by a volunteer from 大象传媒 ( Penny Ryan)on behalf of Peter Jones and has been added to thyis site with his permission. Mr Jones fully understands this site's terms and conditions.

In November 1943 we used to take gas masks to school. There was a fear that Hitler may drop gas bombs on England. The head master of my St John's Primary School, Mr Bennett asked me where my gas mask was. I had left it at home. I told him this. He replied, "You had better go back home and get it before Hitler gases us out". I ran home and got it. I remembered from then on to always bring it with me to school.

In December 1943 the sirens went at five minutes to 4pm. We were all due to finish school at 4pm, but were told we could not leave until we got the all clear. Luckily, I had brought my gas mask with me. We all rushed down to the shelter. The head master was standing at the bottom of the steps. He said, "Behave yourself boys. Hitler is in the shelter making tea and coffee". I thought, "what is Hitler doing down there?" This was just my headmaster's perverse sense of humour.

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