大象传媒

In 1939, when war was declared, I was a young teenager living with my parents and two older Brothers.

My earliest war time memories are of air raids, blackouts and rationing of food, sweets clothing etc, - a banana was a luxury.

When the air raid siren sounded we, as a family, sheltered under the stairs. My father was an air raid warden along with our neighbour, a vicar. When an incendiary bomb went off in the entry at the rear of our house, my father in his eagerness threw his bucket of sand over the vicar.

My brothers were soon called up for the Forces and then when I was 18 it was my turn and I chose the W.R.N.S.

My first posting was to Tighnabruich in the Kyles of Bute, where landing craft exercised in the Lochs, ready for the Normandy landings.

My next posting was to Derby House in Liverpool which was the secret Headquarters of the Commander in Chief, Western Approaches. I worked underground in the Cipher Department tracking U boats and enemy ships which threatened our food convoys. There was much excitement when D day approached.

I ended my service at the Naval Air Station near Warrington and was pleased to return to civvy Street to pick up my life again with family and friends.
I was, and still am, very proud to have served my country.

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