大象传媒

I was evacuated from Dagenham in Essex to Woodbridge in Suffolk when I was 9 years old. My brother 10, sister 13 and my mother were chosen by a lady who particularly wanted me but she had to have all of us! She did and we went to stay at her house. Unfortunately this did not work out - my mother went to the Billeting Officer who placed us with 2 bungalows where we were split between the two (same family in both bungalows). We were all very happy and stayed there 6 months. My father who had stayed at home in Dagenham but became ill so we returned home. My sister was too old to be evacuated again and she left school (14) and went to work (C & A's dress manufacturers in Islington).

My brother and I were evacuated again, this time to Maidenhead, Berkshire for 2 years. We were placed with a couple who had a huge house but no children of our age living there. The husband was lovely but the wife was very hoity toity and they had been required by law to take evacuees. They daughter called Heather was lovely too. They had a large orchard and a tennis court and the daughter taught us to play clock golf. They also had a maid called Ivy and gardener who we liked. We had marvellous food there - we didn't realise everyone else was rationed for their food. We had lovely soup, plenty of fruit and cake twice a week.

We only had part time schooling and my mother used to send us a letter every week with a sixpence in it. Periodically they came to see and one Sunday we waited all day at the station and they never came. We learned afterwards that was when London was on fire and they were unable to get through. We stayed there for 2 years and then asked to come home which we did. My brother and I went to a school in Barking Essex. He for 1 year and I for 2 years. Then I started work at the Air Ministry where my father worked. I was 15 when the war finished and I remember my mother was so pleased she said "you can smoke if you like!" I did not take up her offer and never have!

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