大象传媒

This story was submitted to the People鈥檚 War site by Deena Campbell from CSV Action Desk on behalf of Mrs Patricia Mcgowan and has been added to the site with her permission. Mrs Mcgowan fully understands the site鈥檚 terms and conditions.

We had heard that a VIP was to visit The Planning Office where I worked - General De Gaulle. Little did I know how much his visit would impact on me.

It was about this time that I was asked to compile a map of Birmingham, using some ordinance survey details. What they wanted was a map showing the whole area of Birmingham showing the various suppliers of equipment and materials to the company for the making of guns. I was given names and addresses and had to use my little spring bows, to make circles where these firms were located. It took me about four days to complete and finally I was able to draw a neat border line.

I felt quite proud of it and the way it looked so imagine my horror the next day when I got to my place and couldn鈥檛 find the folder or map! I searched all around the desks and cabinets and when my boss arrived I asked him if he had seen it. He pointed to the waste paper bin. He was right it was there but it had been torn into tiny shreds. All that careful work was a tiny pile of scrap paper. Apparently there had been some discussion over it and it was considered to be dangerous to leave about incase a 鈥渇ifth鈥� columnist got hold of it. These were agents who worked for Germany and one could never tell who they were. 鈥� spies I suppose you could call them. Anyway all my hard work was destroyed.

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