大象传媒

It was VE Day -- 8 May 1945. I was 19, a first class stoker on HMS Colombo, pulling into Gibralter to refuel, returning from a two year stint in Sicily, Italy and Egypt. We were told that a dozen of us -- one in fifty or so, I think -- would be allowed ashore. I was picked.

I wandered through the streets of the city -- I remember it was very hot, and very quiet. There was hardly anybody about. I came across a greengrocer, and distinctly remember I was able to buy a BALE of bananas. This was just unheard of at the time! They were green in colour. I then remember that a number of press photographers appeared in the area -- I suppose it was something to do with the war ending -- I have never been able to track those photos down.

When I got home I gave the fruit to my brother and sisters -- they were in their teens at the time, although the youngest was six. They didn't know how to peel them! For me, I was just glad the war was all over. One thing made me sad, though. The spirit of comradeship, that had been part of our lives for six years, vanished -- almost overnight.

THIS STORY WAS SUBMITTED TO THE PEOPLE'S WAR WEBSITE BY JOHN YOUNG OF 大象传媒 SOUTH EAST TODAY, WITH THE AUTHOR'S PERMISSION. HE FULLY UNDERSTANDS THE SITE'S TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

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