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The End of the Blackout in London

by Barbara

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Contributed by听: Barbara
Article ID:听: A1130059
Contributed on:听: 01 August 2003

I was six years old when the war was won. The blackout and all the problems associated with this went completely 'over my head' - I knew no other way of life.

I do not remember the date when the lights went on in London, but I do remember the occasion I first witnessed such an event.

My brother and I were told we were to be taken for a walk, and we would be shown something we had not previously seen. We left our house in Parolles Road, and walked along St John's Way up to where it reaches the Archway itself.

Lots of noise from traffic did not diminish the exciting spectacle of looking at the neon sign which was twinkling in a shop window. It was a handbag shop, and it said 'Maxwells' in bright red letters. Not terribly exciting to today's children, but we thought it was wonderful.

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These messages were added to this story by site members between June 2003 and January 2006. It is no longer possible to leave messages here. Find out more about the site contributors.

Message 1 - Black out

Posted on: 14 September 2003 by Sydney Hetherington

How lucky you were to have missed the blackout. Not only did we have the problem of just finding our way in the dark but there were times when the weather added to our problems. Fog was a regular addition especially when it was aided by the smoke screen put up on the outskirts of the city to canfuse the bombers.

I can well recall walking home using my bicycle to feel the kerb, hoping that I would not take a wrong turning. If that happened one was completely dis-oriented and one could only hope to meet soemone who could put you back on track. In one instance, near where I lived, a man mistook a left turn and, instead of turning down the road he wanted, he turned down a track leading to the canal. He fell in and although his cries could be heard, he drowned before anyone could locate him.

Driving, with the hooded lamps one was allowed would have been extremely hazardous with today's traffic. Imagine travelling down a dark country lane on a moonless night with only sidelights to get some idea what it was like. Add the scattered debris from the previous night's raid and the blackout could be deadly.

In Winter we had heavy snowfalls and the roads were lined with high banks of snow with the occasional gap for access. Step through one of these gaps in the dark and one was apt to find oneself deep in a pool of icy water. Shine a torch to check and a voice would yell, "Put than bloomin'light out" just like Pertwee's warden in Dad's Army.

Needless to say, the blackness was only balanced by the brightness of people's spirits with willing hands ready to help the fallen to their feet, a cheerful word as strangers passed and everyone clearing the pavements in front of their homes to make it safer for others.

Message 1 - War neuroses/shell-shock/veterans problems

Posted on: 03 November 2003 by guyking

I am very interested to read stories about how British soldiers suffered mentally as a result of service in WW2.

Was it difficult to settle back into civilian life?

What about finding work, marriage, receiving a war pension etc.?

Do you know anyone who had Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, as it is known now?

Guy King
MA history student at University of London

听

Message 2 - War neuroses/shell-shock/veterans problems

Posted on: 08 May 2005 by Barbara

To answer your question about post traumatic strees, etc. I can certainly say that my mother did suffer from this condition. She suffered it for many years.

Nov. 1944 was the beginning of this condition. My parents and my brother and I were walking along Elthorne Road, Upper Holloway, late afternoon, on our way to the Cinema. A rocket fell just one street away. We all must have suffered from the bomb blast, because was found in a front doorway of one of the houses. My poor mother was affected for many years after this. She always told me it was not fear for herself, but fear for us, her children.
Jope this is of some small help to you and your research.regards Barbara

Message 1 - War neuroses/shell-shock/veterans problems

Posted on: 03 November 2003 by guyking

I am very interested to read stories about how British soldiers suffered mentally as a result of service in WW2.

Was it difficult to settle back into civilian life?

What about finding work, marriage, receiving a war pension etc.?

Do you know anyone who had Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, as it is known now?

Guy King
MA history student at University of London (email: guyking@lycos.co.uk)

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