大象传媒

In Londonderry during the years of the Second World war we had to live with a shortage of food and we were also forbidden to allow any electic lights to shine out of our homes. These times were known as Rationing and the Black-out. The Police and people called the Home Guard that they were very strict about lights and you were summoned if you offended them. We were only allowed a small amount each week of things like butter, bread, sugar, milk, cheese and tea. Everyone was given a book of coupons for food and when you paid for your groceries you had coupons deducted for what you bought. If you had spent your allowance of coupons you just had to do without until the next week.
The Black-out was a very difficult time for older people because of the darkness and there were some accidents with people falling. Motor cars were only given a small amount of petrol each week beause you were only allowed to travel if your journey was really necessary.
There were lots of boats in Londonderry during the war years and there were many sailors here also. They belonged to different countries like Britain Canada France and America. There was a lot of street fighting went on between the sailors. Soldiers and Air Force men were also in the city at this time. Londonderry was said to be a very important place during the war.
There was only one air raid on londonderry during the war and this on a place in Messines Park and i think fifteen people were reported killed but i am not sure about that figure.
The people were really glad when the war was over and we hoped there would be many years of peace.

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