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Heroes and role models

In the 1940’s we had very different role models and icons when compared to today. Footballers and pop stars were not afforded the same status as today. We looked up to people like Douglas Bader and pilots for example. People revered you if you were in the forces. We wallowed in imagined and reflected glory. For example unrelated males were introduced as ‘uncles’ and the mere presence of these men who were in the forces gained a captive audience. We couldn’t help but make up tales of what they had done. These men carried incredible status.

Uniforms

Uniforms influenced my life. We lived in a drab environment with little colour because every inch of space was utilised for food and war production. For example the Wellingborough end of Abington was used for cattle grazing whilst the other side of the park was one huge allotment. People grew crops such as fruit and vegetables. Some people even utilised their front gardens for this purpose. Uniforms were the only splash of colour. My own uniform was rough and looked like it was made from a horse blanket. The arrival of the Americans in their marvellous uniforms attracted a lot of attention and especially the money and candy they brought with them.

Society was uniform orientated. Civilian organisations were also uniform focused such as; bus conductors, the home guard, even the milk man and bread man all wore peak caps. So as children we couldn’t wait to get into uniform. I remember the drum and bugle bands as a boy. We responded to authority figures. Even the resplendent cinema commissionaire would have you standing what seemed for hours outside waiting and he would have absolute control and authority over all of these people. After the war you could buy ex government surplus clothing and some vehicles. A friend of mine bought a motor bike dispatch riders vehicle. At Hearne Bay we were steaming along at 50-60mph and became aware of a uniformed chap next to us who flagged us down. We showed him great respect even though it turned out he was only an RAC patrol man!

Leisure

At a dance it was very formal with a proper band. The girls would sit one side and the men the other with strict protocol and formality. We would wear our best suit and lots of Brylcreme. On one occasion after successfully dancing with a young lady, the door opened and a load of servicemen came in. The young lady lost interest in us completely upon sight of these servicemen. Saturday was the big night for dancing.

After the war, I joined the navy because after watching a film I was captivated and beguiled enough to believe it would be all about singing, dancing and chasing girls! I stayed in the navy for nine years with good and bad times. In the ports I used to go to the cinema during the day and the bars in the evening. I got really drawn into these and memorised the main production number. I was able to perform a crude version of these in the bars. This got me free drinks and was a good inducement! This gave us some relief form the claustrophobic conditions on board.

Entertainment

Mostly we listened to the radio, but the cinema was also popular. The new theatre had a lot of emphasis on formality and protocol. The compere would be immaculately attired and ladies would be in evening gowns. The songs and lyrics were upbeat. They were in complete contrast to today’s musicians.

Air raid wardens

It was a great honour if the air raid wardens utilised you for some reason for example as a casualty for demonstration or as a messenger. At dusk you had to have heavy drapes with not a chink of light showing. As a cadet we were asked to guard some rifles on the beach. Some local urchins made a grab for one of the rifles so I swung the butt round and clipped him and off he went. It is unthinkable that a 12 year old would be in such a position today.

Telegrams

They were matter of fact and let you know that a loved one had been killed. We had no access to stress counsellors like you do today.

This was a great time of danger, hardship and deprivation.

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