大象传媒

We had air raid shelter and air raid practice. I remember one of my friends getting upset when people were talking about evacuation. I was 12 at the time. When I was 14 I went to work in a department store, in Burk Street. We watched the boys march off when a new regiment of servicemen were leaving. We never knew where they were going.
We had rationing, basic clothes and food also. I remember General Macarthur and his wife arriving.
We used to go dancing in the evenings and put flowers in our hair. I preferred red roses. I remember my friend Betty getting married to Owen. We had just 4 days to prepare for it. I was a bridesmaid. She wanted to get married before Owen left for the services. Sadly they lost their daughter before he went away. The war ended later that year. The happy part of the story is they鈥檝e just celebrated 60 years together and have two children. We are still in touch these days. Now, I鈥檝e come to the UK to see my children.
I also remember when the war finished. We celebrated by dancing on the streets. I was so exciting and stays win your mind forever.

This story was submitted to the People's War website by a volunteer from 大象传媒 Essex on behalf of Conni Garbutt and it has been added with her permission. She understands the sites terms and conditions.

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