大象传媒

I was in my first year at Primary School in Newcastle Upon Tyne when the war started. I had had a very cosseted childhood and going to school was being away from home too much for me.
Either I didn't listen too well, or the explanations were too vague, but to my horror and total surprise I found myself at the local railway station one morning. There were lots of other children and, like me, they all had a label tied to them. The only thing I understood was that when I arrived "there" my mother and small brother would be "there" in a few days time.
Nothing must have been organised because when we got off the train there was a platform full of people all looking to choose a child! I had the misfortune to be fancied by two ladies who clutched an arm each and neither was prepared to back off. I was terrified and probably in danger of being physically damaged as they tugged me one way and then the other. I still have no idea of how the dispute was resolved - I simply know that one "had me" and several tearful days later I was taken back to the railway station to point out my mother and brother.
This was wonderfully a very short evacuation. My mother decided life without my father was not for her and where she was her children must be. Now I realise I was probably quite traumatised by the experience because I never ever asked where "there" was. And sadly there is no longer anyone to tell me.

漏 Copyright of content contributed to this Archive rests with the author. Find out how you can use this.