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This story has been added to the people’s war website by a ´óÏó´«Ã½ volunteer Liz Goddard on behalf of Pat Watson. Ms Watson fully understands the site’s terms and conditions. She is a local author and has written several books.

Pat Watson is the author of a book called Yesterdays Child which is part fiction and part based on her memories of growing up in Coventry. The following is her recollection of the second world war.
After the blitzes on Coventry a new word entered the language — to Coventrate which means to lay waste to a city by heavy bombing. During the first wave of attacks in November 1940 we were evacuated to Kenilworth but went back to Coventry when it seemed to die down. Then it all started again in April 1941 and it was a terrible time for a lot of people. I remember taking refuge in the cellar of a nearby Factory during the raids and seeing one of my friend’s houses on fire but they survived. There was an incredible spirit amongst everyone and a business as normal attitude. I can still hear those planes and the sirens - it went on all the time and was intensive. At one point the raids were happening every night. We lost a lot of sleep huddled in air raid shelters but were back at school the next day.

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