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This story was submitted to the People's War site by Jenny Christian of the 2nd Air Division Memorial Library on behalf of Arthur Grady and has been added to the site with his permission. The author fully understands the site's terms and conditions

One night during the last war, I just couldn't wait for my Mum to do the tea, so feeling flushed I bought my own meal from the local chippy. Cod and chips with plenty of vinegar and a good helping of salt to take away the taste of wartime chip fat. This little treat was only possible because my granddad kept tame rabbits and I traded their skins for cash.

Leaving the chip shop I cycled up to the nearby porch of St. James's church to enjoy my meal. Suddenly I was confronted by a young American soldier in a very distressed and nervous state. He asked me where Lion Wood Road was. I told him.

"Gee , kid – how far is that?"

"Oh not far – about fifteen minutes walk"

"We're shipping out tonight and hell, I've just gotta see my girl. I've gone AWOL from the camp and if the snowdrops (military police) catch me I'm done for".

The delicious aroma of fish and chips now filled the entrance of the church and he offered to buy the remainder of my meal, and then he brought out another half-crown and proffered that, if I would take a message to the home of his sweetheart?

Feeling sorry for him I pocketed the five bob and off I went. When I arrived at the girls home, the young woman in question opened the door.

"Your yank wants to see you urgently", I said. "He's waiting for you in St James's church in Barrack Street"

Quick as a flash the girl's father appeared beside her – maybe it was the word 'Yank' that had upset him. Anyway, he pushed his daughter forcibly into the living room and told me to b****r off sharpish!

So, I returned to the church and found the soldier hiding behind the door and I told him that his girl was washing her hair and couldn't come out!

The overwrought GI immediately asked for directions to Lion Wood Road and hot footed it away to see the girl of his dreams.

Oft have I wondered what happened when he arrived. Let's hope they got married and lived happily ever after.

I think there's enough time to relate another little tale from St. James's. Much later I found myself yet again inside the old building watching another local girl getting hitched to an American GI, when a member of the congregation came up to me and told me this interesting story.

The famous American photo magazine, 'LIFE', had intended to use St. James's for a photo shoot for the folks back home in the States for the wedding of an English girl to her American GI. But,at the last moment, greed raised its ugly head. The English side wanted money. No doubt they thought that our ever generous allies would deliver. Not so. 'Life' cancelled its commitment and was never seen around these parts again.

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