大象传媒

This story was submitted to the People's War site by Alaistar Murray from the WM CSV Action Desk on behalf of Helen Parsons and has been added to the site with her permission. Helen Parsons fully understands the site's terms and conditions.

End of August 1939, aged 15, returned to school. Sept 3rd war declared. Sept 4th school closed for an indefinite period. Spent next 9 months coping with black-out and cancellations, filling hundreds of sandbags, staring at passing troop convoys, helping at canteens, playing tennis, cycling and generally 'passing time.' Oct 1942 was awarded a State Bursary and became an undergraduate at St Andrews University studying General Science. Had extracurricular lessons on Aircraft Recognition and Gas Warfare and did some firewatching. 1945 graduated Bsc, war ended. Very aware of rationing of food and clothing and activities - tough at my age. Also constantly aware that members of my family, close friends and boys from school days were absent or, in some cases, losing their lives. 1947 completely changed career direction due to looking back on war. 1950 married a Quaker who had been a conscientious objector and serviced with Free French Medical Corps.

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