大象传媒

She was born 13 Jan 1926. She was 13 when war broke out. She was living in Nora St down the Adelphi near Meadow Rd. There were 6 children but her brother was killed in the army at 24. Also, had a sister of 19 who died of consumption. She went to St Philips School and was evacuated for 12 months. Remembers going into the air raid shelters when returning from school. Her mum would tell her to get her siren suit on ready. The Germans went for the bridges over the river and they lived near a bridge but the Germans did not hit that. The shelter was at the top of the back yard for all in that area. Would have tea there. Sometimes did not come out until the morning. Sleep in the bunk bed or on the floor. Her mother would have things ready to take into the shelter. A bomb fell next door to them and Gladys Musgrove died. She was due to marry on Saturday and was killed in her wedding dress on Friday. She was trying on her wedding dress when she was killed. They were all in the shelter but she was in the house trying on her dress. Their house was damaged also and they had to go to live in a prefabricated house in Nora St, Salford. They lost most things from the house.

Then she was evacuated. Only there 8 months and then had to return because she left school at 14.She left her sister there. It was lovely in Lec in Westmorland. They were with lovely people. They had to go to Lancaster Cathedral and from there they were distributed out. She went with her younger sister, who was 4 years younger. They were well looked after. Has since returned but nothing there now. The family had children and they all went to school together. It was a village school and it was very nice. The children went all over.

She was homesick and would cry at night but the family made them pray for their parents every night. Her parents did not visit because the children might have wanted to return with them. Would receive and write letters. Her sister was upset when Hilda left and did not stay too much longer. They were in the country with the cows and sheep. There was a farm. And no war.

She went into engineering. A diamond driller. She had to bore a hole through the diamond to draw electricity through. Just used tweezers. She worked there until 60 with a break for the children. The firm was Wire Drawing Dies near the Adelphi near Salford Royal Hospital. Worried that she would get home before the sirens went off. Often had tea in the air raid shelter. Sirens did not go off much during the day. She lived near 2 bridges across the Irwell and they did not hit one. They hit the house but not the bridges. The atmosphere at work was good. But they were nervous. Her brother had nightmares that he could hear sirens even when he was asleep, even when there weren鈥檛 any. When Gladys was killed that upset them. She was frightened. She could see the planes in the searchlights. Everything was in darkness. They had black curtains and a black blind. One couldn鈥檛 shine a light. Went out rarely at night. Went to work from 8am-6pm. Often up at night because of air raids. No social life. Played dominoes at home. Had friends in. Mother always had sandwiches made ready for the shelter. Workers were very friendly. They were all in the same boat. Would have a laugh together. Had music while you work and would sing along to it. Would have a night out with her work colleagues from work on occasion. Went to the pub at the corner e.g. at Xmas time.

She lost a brother in Italy. He was killed. Got notice missing presumed killed. He was 24. He was 4 years older than Hilda. He used to write to them. He was in the Grenadier Guards. Her dad worked in the same engineering place as Hilda but in a different dept. Her mother looked after the children. It was hard times. Used to go to the pawn shop because didn鈥檛 know where the next penny was coming from. She earned about 2 shilling a week. Couldn鈥檛 afford clothes. Her mother took a provident cheque out if they wanted shoes and would pay it off weekly. Clothes were passed on . The oldest got from second hand shops and then they were passed on. She had good parents. Had dripping butties. Never saw a banana or chocolate. They were sometimes hungry. Would have quaker oats and that lasted them all day. Drank a lot of water. Would listen to the news on the radio. Had to have a licence for it. No family allowance for 1st child then 7/6 for subsequent. That was a lot.

At end of war they had a party in a hall. Had a singsong. Went to pictures once every 2 months. Would sit on doorsteps till late at night talking till air raids came. Children played with whip and top and skipping ropes. Went to bed at 7.30pm. Had black thick stockings to keep them warm. Her mother darned then because couldn鈥檛 afford more. Her shoes were often hanging off her feet. They were good days in that she was safe. Sat on doorstep and mother put money under milk bottles to pay the milkman but wouldn鈥檛 like to relive them. Salford Royal Hospital was bombed. It was near Peel Park. A lot were killed.

Lived in the prefab for 3-4 years. Then got a house after war was over. The prefab had no bathroom. Used tin bath in front of fire. Mother knitted clothes and blankets for them. She knits. Many prefabs. A few slept in each bedroom. 2-3 bedrooms. Kitchen very small. They managed and they were happy. She and her dad worked and gave their money to her mother.

At end of war had a street party and everyone provided food e.g. cake and sandwiches. There was dancing.

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