大象传媒

This story was submitted to the People鈥檚 War site by Jenny Christian of the 2nd Air Division Memorial Library on behalf of Krishna Hunt (nee Vines)and has been added to the site with her permission. The author fully understands the site鈥檚 terms and conditions.

1939 - I was aged 6 years old. I remember having to go the Cavell School where residents of that area were assembled in order to be instructed on the correct procedure in the event of an air raid or gas attack.

The hall was full of people; families - my parents had taken me and I felt safe with them yet when it came to fitting the gas mask over my face the fear was great.

I did not want the mask and pushed it away, however, my dear mother gently explained why it was necessary and I eventually allowed the ghastly object to be placed on my head. I found it difficult to breathe and was sickened by the smell of rubber. It was a frightening sight when all of us had our gas masks on; I imagine today it would be like a horror movie.

1940 - Dunkirk. When our troops were forced to retreat they had been queing for many hours in icy seas and were brought to England by hundreds of small private craft. The troops were exhausted, tired and hungry and were being returned so quickly in such large numbers that temporary accommodation had to be found for them.

My parents had both agreed to have 'open house' during the war adn so we were priviledged to shelter four young soldiers in our home aged between 17 and 19 years old. (I believe I still have photos of them)

At the outbreak of war many people volunteered to join the armed forces - my Father was one of those. Two years previously he had been involved in a serious road accident which had left him with a crippled foot. H would not be deterred however, and offered himself for duty but because of his disability was not accepted. This was distressing for him since he had lost his brother in the First World War and it was doubly important for him to enlist.

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