´óÏó´«Ã½

I grew up in British Guiana and was a young girl during World War II. I remember it seemed a long way away, but we felt very involved because the ‘Mother Country’ was at war. My father used to gather us around the radio to listen to the World Service reports so we could find out what was going on. I can remember the ‘London Calling…’ introduction so clearly — we all wanted to find out the latest news.

I wanted to join the ATS — the Auxiliary Territorial Service (which was the forerunner of the British Women's Royal Army Corps) but I was too young and in any case my Dad would never have allowed me to enlist. I can also remember we had conscription and I recall going down to the wharf waving goodbye to 'our boys' who were heading over to Europe to join the Armed Forces.

Although the war was going on thousands of miles away I can remember the effect it had on our lives. We had blackouts because we were worried about potential attacks. There were regular fire fighting practice in readiness for an attack and permission was granted by my Father for the firefighters to use our premises as and when they wished for this purpose.

I remember that there were shortages of certain commodities, including some foodstuff that came from Britain and other countries in the Empire. We were encouraged to start our own 'Grow More Food Campaign', while some commodities were supplied by America.

It was ten years’ after the war ended that I eventually came to the UK, where I’ve made my home ever since.

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