大象传媒

Nov 14th. I was living on the outskirts of Birmingham boards of Worcestershire. From the distance, as a 12 year old boy standing on the roof of the air raid shelter, I could see Coventry being obliterated. The colours in the sky was indescribable. The bombing lasted for 14 hours. A few weeks later, we went into Coventry and the destruction was terrible. So many young children lost their lives.

I remember a very special friend who's father was on HMS Hood. We, as young lads, had hand gone out and upon returning to the house, we found that his mum was out. Going into the parlour he found a telegram saying that his father was missing presumed dead. 1,500 men (approx) served on HMS Hood but only three survived. There were so many families whose lives were turned upside-down by such as small piece of paper.

It was remarkable how many people came together: holding hands, helping those who had children when they did not have any themselves, even assisting each other with food rations.

My final thoughts, rightly or wrongly, are that there are no winners in war; everyone suffers and memories leave you scarred for life and therefore you never forget.

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