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"This story was submitted to the People's War site by the Barnsley Archives and Local Studies Department on behalf of Olive Smith and has been added to the site with his/her permission. The author fully understands the site's terms and conditions."

I worked at Mappin and Webbs, Silversmiths, Sheffield for four war years. This firm had gone on light munitions — buckles for parachutes. Sheffield people were wonderful, humorous, friendly, compassionate. I caught the 6.15 am train from Wombwell Main station to Sheffield and returned on the 6.15 pm train.

I was engaged to a sailor, my handsome lad. We had planned to marry but his leave was cancelled and we had to wait another year. Three and a half years in total.

I caught the train this particular morning. When I got to the ticket barrier at Sheffield I saw my name written on the notice board. Olive Goodwin (my maiden name). I was asked to report to the stationmaster’s office. I was handed a note from my beloved sailor. He had arrived in the early hours. Needless to say I caught the next train back to Wombwell. Joyfully reunited. We married three weeks later by special licence.

Another vivid memory. I worked at Mappins when word was released about the sinking of the Repulse. All the factory was subdued and sad. I was also there at the time of Dunkirk. Sheffield hospital were full of wounded men. We had weekly collections to take the survivors goodies and cigarettes. We used to sit and chat and try to bring back a little normality.

An interesting fact. My father worked six days a week on the coalface — very poorly paid. I earned more than him!

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