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'This story was submitted to the People's War site by Rick Allden of the CSV ´óÏó´«Ã½ Coventry and Warwickshire Action Desk on behalf of Elsie Mae Griffiths and has been added to the site with her permission. The author fully understands the site's terms and conditions'.

It was a warm spring morning when my friends and I set out on our daily run through Kings Heath Park, and as usual late for school. I was then aged thirteen and rapidly nearing the brink of womanhood. At the same time Britain was on the brink of something much larger; the planned offensive to turn the tide of war in Europe.

We arrived at the park gate, which led onto Vicarage Road quite breathless, and totally unprepared for the sight that greeted us. To begin with, not only was our beloved policeman missing from his duty in seeing us across the road, but also missing was the sight of Major Cartland on his white horse going for his usual canter along the Vicarage Road. Instead we saw a long khaki convoy moving slowly along and completely blocking our crossing point to Colmore Road School. At last the great war machine was heading south towards the coast. Every conceivable form of military motorisation seemed to be on display, from jeeps, tanks, armoured vehicles and Bren gun carriers. All bearing huge yellow stars on their sides. Yes, the Yanks were here, laboriously rolling their way towards Europe and many to certain death. A vast majority were just boys and, at this stage, so full of high spirits and anticipation. How we waved and cheered, and they responded by shouting to us and throwing packets of candy bars and chewing gum onto the pavement, before all finally vanished from our excited sight. I think that we must have been marooned there for about two hours before eventually crossing the now deserted road and scampering off to school whilst still in a highly elated state.

Strangely enough I have often discussed this event with those who were with me on that significant day yet the impact seems to have made very little impression upon them. Maybe a little of the, ‘So what?’ attitude was there. Yet, as far as I am concerned, the memory is nearly as vivid as it was over half a century ago.

This story was donated to the People’s War website by Elsie Mae Griffiths, of the Leam Writers. If you would like to find out more about Leam Writers call 0845 900 5 300.

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