大象传媒

I was 5 years old when the war began. In those five years I had had a 'gentle' childhood.
I was brought up in a large Victorian house 'Treath' in Hornchurch Essex. My mother had been daily nanny to the children of the house. After she had met my father and married, he became chauffer/gardener in the same house. Following my birth 18months later, we moved to Treath and 'lived in'
The children had gone to boarding school. My mother became housekeeper and cared for them during the school holidays.
The owner of the house was a Doctor. During the first part of the war he joined the Medical Corps. I can remember a photograph of him looking very handsome in his uniform with his shiny butttons and 'Sam Brown'.
In 1940 the household moved to a smaller house nearby. My mother running the house and the G.P. surgery that was held in the two front rooms; kept open by 'our' doctor's partners.
This story is about 'Treath' and what became of it. It became 'Forces House'. a house that any member of the armed forces could visit. The following is a copy from a leaflet distributed at the time:

"The Local Troops Welfare Committee of Hornchurch extend a greeting to all members of H.M. forces billeted or encamped in the district, and give them a cordial invitation to visit 'Forces House'.
Our object is to offer a few comforts to members of the Forces, and to make life in these unhappy days a little more cheerful.
'Forces House' is a voluntary organization, supported by the Urban District Council and Toc H, and is staffed by voluntary helpers.
The house is open from 10am to 10pm.
Hot and cold food and drinks at very low charges are available at the canteen, and tobacco, cigarettes and numerous other articles can be purchased at the Shop."

The visitors could sleep, bath, read. Play billiards, darts, cards, etc.

Among the team of volunteers was my mother, and I 'did my bit' I was around 7 years old at the time and was allowed to scrub carrots or potatoes, and help as far as I was able. I was also given a 'clicker', I pressed the button to count the number of meals sold.
My father still maintained the garden, and the fresh produce was used in the house. The garden was his pride and joy, and as well as 'Digging for Victory' he kept the lawns, rose garden, paths and long borders perfectly. The visitors were allowed to wander at their will, and they did, it was a beautiful place in which to relax.

'Treath' was always a well loved family home. I was so lucky to spend my early years there. As Forces House it carried on that feeling to those who neede it most at that time.

Forces House opened in 1941 and closed in 1946. My mother, Mabel Turner, held the Visitors Book in safe keeping. I have, in my turn, and on behalf of my family, given it to Havering Borough Reference Library, Romford. It makes fascinating reading. It contains 180 pages of names, addresses, Armed Service and/or Regiment, from Canada, New Zealand, Poland and more, plus a great many from all over this country. There are varied comments regarding their homes and families, the war and Hitler! as well as praise for Forces House and its' helpers.

With the book there are documents containing names of the Committee and helpers involved.Havering Library were kind enough to photocopy the entire book for me. I would willingly show this to anyone who cares to get in touch with me, and if it can be arranged. It is a book of great interest,and,I think, of social history.

Treath has sadly gone. But in its place is a building that houses the Hornchurch Branch of the British Legion. So the caring continues.

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