大象传媒

This story has been submitted by Alison Tebbutt, Derby CSV Action Desk, on behalf of Edna Barratt. The author has given her permission, and fully understands the site's terms and conditions.

We were very lucky in Derby, we did not get the bombing night after night that some of the towns and cities had to cope with. Although we were a very important part of the war effort with out industries like Rolls Royce and the many other places doing work neccesary to keep our forces supplied with equipment vital to the war effort, I feel sure it was the defence of our town that saved us so many times when we heard the drone of the aircraft overhead. We were prepared and the camouflage used and the smoke screen we had in the area must have saved us. How many people can still remember that horrible smell of the oil drums that were lit when a raid seemed imminent and we were enveloped in a thick fog of smoke. It was not a pleasant experience but the lesser of the two evils at the time and we learned to cope with the inconvenience.

We also had static water basins at any convenient spot and those water pipes that so many people tripped over but, the Fire Service had a handy supply of water. Incendiary bombs could be extinguished speedily before they could do the job they were intended for-causing a large fire to light up any vunerable target.

We were very well prepared in Derby and perhaps that was the reason we were luckier than such places as Coventry, not to mention London, who suffered so much from the raids. We did have incidents that will always come to mind, like the hit on Derby Station and the early morning of the lone plane finding the Rolls Royce Factory in Nightingale Road. I remember that very well, the plane was so low over the town, the markings on it were quite visible to the naked eye. He was a very brave pilot indeed. Although German, he did deserve credit for his courage that morning in daylight. My heart went out to those that suffered that day and to all who were touched by the actions of war.

I hope it never happens again, even if I say I was glad to be able to be around during those years. We found a comradeship that does not exist in normal times. Everyone was dependent on each other and there was a bond that made you feel you were pround to be British and with our allies who we could not have managed without. We were able to retain our freedom and that of other oppressed countries at that time.

As part time Fire service personnel, we were not paid for any duty performed. We had iron rations supplied whilst we were on duty, but they were not very appetising to say the least but I never heard anyone complain. In fact some nights we never had time to eat or even brew up, as was the usual call when time allowed. That proves how determined the British can be when put to the test. I met some wonderful people during those years and have many, many memories that I treasure............Bless all that made them so.

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