大象传媒

This story was submitted to the People's War Site by Somerset Libraries Arts and Information on behalf of Mrs Mary Hart and has been added to the site with her permission. The author fully understands the sites terms and conditions.

After the arrival of the evacuees, we were to experience a contingent of the army to make way for further troops to join them. The first to arrive were the Glorious Gloucesters. They were in transit to France. Other regiments came and went to be sent ultimately overseas. During this time the existing cricket pitch across from us in Farm Road, was commandeered by the MOD and about a dozen Nissen huts were erected, to accomodate the officers. There was one resident captain who stayed throughout, no matter which regiment came.
However, when the Americans came they were stationed in Purseys Garage (now Arnie Levic's). It was said that they came straight from Tilbury. They wore their steel helmets all the time with the strap hanging down - John Wayne-style.
They gave dances for the local girls and parties for the children. The food they provided was wonderful - things we were short of and hadn't seen for several years, sweets and chocolates. They were very popular with local ladies!
We also had New Zealand troops here. They were a bit unruly and decided to ride the steer on Wyrral, and climbed the monument in Glastonbury, but the well-known Constable Ginger Harris "encouraged" them to come down. Their best effort was when they were in Street Swimming Pool and were swinging a 10 year old boy over the shallow end. One of the soldiers had the boy by the head, another by his feet. Along came the wife of one of the directors of Clarks. Seeing them, she said "You should not do that to that boy!". The New Zealanders apologisd and put the boy down - then picked up the lady in question. And threw HER in the pool!

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