大象传媒

When the war ended in Europe,May 1945,I was still in Germany,a former Prisoner of War,liberated by Russian forces from Stalag IVB,located on the east bank of the River Elbe,near the town, Muehlberg-am-Elbe.This occurred at the end of April,but it was over a week before we were re-located to the larger barracks town of Riesa where we were to be exchanged for an equal number of Russian ex-POWs,and sundry slave workers,handed over by American troops.This took a few days to arrange,and it was during this period that the German Surrender was finall announced.
At any rate,eventually,as a member of the RAF contingent,we were received at RAF Cosford, kitted out with fresh uniforms,and other clothing badly needed after two and a half years in captivity that began in North Africa (I was member of a Wellington crew shot down over Tobruk),then one year in Italy,finally seized by the German Army following the Italian army collapse,September 1943,and carried into Germany and the aforesaid Stalag.After a day at Cosford,a Pay parade was held,and a portion of accrued earnings paid to us. (during the whole of captivity,pay was credited plus increases of rank.In fact, I began captivity as a sergeant, ending as a Warrant Officer second class,equivalent to an Army Sergeant mMjor).So, a tidy nest egg acquired!And two and a half years of privation was succeeded by "Wine, Women and Song"-well not much of the latter!
With a free railway pass and unlimited leave it was easy to see that when VJ day dawned,the mother of all binges ensued. I will not describe all the episodes of the day except one that I remember with clarity sixty years later.Watford, where my family lived then,possesses a very long High Street,stretching from an imposing Town Hall,down to Bushey Arches (Railway Viaduct)passing,along the way a brewery-Benskins beer-and about THIRTY Pubs.Whether all these exist now,I know not,but in those days,my ambition was to have a drink in every one,never,I hasten to add, accomplished.
But on the great day in question,we certainly had our fill and as night approached,a large crowd gathered outside Watford Fire Station,that possessed a large forecourt.Someone aquired`paper and wood plus ignition and soon a conflagration burned merrily (additional fuel brought by such firemen still on duty),around which the mass of people danced or cavorted.I cannot remember how long we relished the incendiaristic spectacle, I only know that the memory is as bright today as the fire was then. Phil Green.

漏 Copyright of content contributed to this Archive rests with the author. Find out how you can use this.