大象传媒

This story was submitted to the People's War site by Vinod Ghadiali of Leicestershire Library Services on behalf of Mr Abdul Haq, and has been added to the site with his permission. The author fully understands the site's terms and conditions.

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I came to UK in 1938 from then India. There were very few, three or four Asian people in Leicester. I was a single man living on my own.

I have lived through the war in Leicester. I came to know about the war through radio and newspapers . Everybody felt nervous about the war.
I wanted to join the army but I was prevented to do so because I was medically graded 3. I had a hearing problem. That's why I couldn't join the army.

During the war food was rationed. We used to have a ration card. The life was tough yet people were very friendly. People were nice to each other. They used to care for each other. My landlady was an English lady but she always treated me nicely.

During air raids we used to go in an air raid shelters. We were lucky in Leicester that we had fewer air raids than other cities. Coventry was the worst hit city. It was bombarded almost everyday. People were suffering, children were suffering. It was a bitter experience. We had to go through without proper meals.

I particularly remember the bombing of a shoe factory in Humberstone Gate. It was completely destroyed. Later, Leicester Hotel was built in its place.

During my life I have worked as a door-to- door salesman, machine operator and a security person. But I have always lived honestly. Today I am happy and content.

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