大象传媒

This story was submitted to the People's War site by Jackie Taylor of Bolton Revisited on behalf of Renee Davies and has been added to the site with her permission, she fully understands the site's terms and conditions. You can view this story and photographs www.boltonrevisited.org.uk/143.html

My name is Renee Davies nee Kelly, I was two days from being 18 years when the Second World War broke out, and I was learning a trade to become a confectioner and cook. My birthday was on a Saturday and with all my birthday, cards came my calling up card to tell me to report to Bolton Labour Exchange. Eventually, I got a place at Fishpool across the way from Townleys, as assistant cook. The cook was Miss Emma Stewart and her sister Miss Stewart worked in the nurse's kitchen. I got on very well with Emma and we arranged a better working time and relationship with the help of Matron Taylor.
Fishpool is now part of Bolton Royal Hospital and we used to go through the infirmary to get to the kitchens. One day whilst working at Fishpool, I was wearing a lovely green dress. Someone offered me two coupons for the dress and in those days they came in very handy so handy they helped towards my wedding.

I remember being about 19 and me and my friend Alice used to go skating at Lower Bridgeman Street above the swimming baths. One night on our way, home the doodle bomb exploded at Moses Gate. We were at Green Lane and some boys pushed us to the floor to protect us. I was very concerned about my mother worrying about me, so I refused to enter the air raid shelters. As I walked with my friend we passed the explosion at Moses Gate and carried on home.

During the Second World War, we were all rationed and had to sign up with a green grocer, the Coop and the butcher to receive an allowance of food. We had just barely enough to live on. My mother and me exchanged different foods especially as she had more to feed in her house. I also worked extra days to earn more money for the family and was often given flour from the bakers Pimbleys where I worked. I baked bread and sometimes cakes with the extras. In addition, when I was training I was given anything left over from the shop. We were so grateful for the help.

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