大象传媒

Mrs. E. Roberts, Flat 32, Woodcote, Firs Road, Hetheresett. NR9 3JD
During the Second World War my late husband and I farmed at Wickham Bushes Farm, Lydden (just inside the 5 mile danger zone on the south coast). We were surrounded by an emergency aerodrome on one side and at the end of the lane to our farm an ammunition dump and army camp. The autumn of 1940 was very wet, indeed, my husband being away at Home Farm threshing the remains of the harvest, leaving me alone most of the day.

One morning an army staff car drew up and out stepped several army personnel, they disappeared behind the farm buildings eventually coming to the house. They asked if they could see my kitchen and then announced they were requisitioning, the barn; outbuildings and the use of my kitchen to establish the No.1 Searchlight unit. I was given no option but to reply yes, but could I still retain the use of the oil stove for my own cooking, leaving the stove for the army (there were no public services i.e. gas, electricity; or main drainage on site. Things began to move. The soldiers arrived very wet and miserable, as up to now they had been camping on a recently ploughed field. The searchlight unit was then installed and then became operational. The men were detailed to collect kindling from the four woods on the farm and get a fire started in the big open fireplace and the kitcheners for the preparation of a meal. I was told by the .C.O. that the men would be sleeping in the barn and granary, the barn was due to be demolished due to its age and condition.

My husband arrived home to find a searchlight unit installed just our side of the main gate and 12 men seated on forms around the kitchen table enjoying their first hot meal for days On being told the men would be sleeping in the barn, he said 鈥渘o way鈥�. Leading out of the kitchen were steps to a large bedroom separated from the main bedrooms and as it was empty the men were invited to sleep there. From that moment we became 鈥渙ne large family鈥�. Only the sergeant was allowed to leave site; so, to relieve the boredom they helped with the farm chores of feeding the chickens; ducks, helping with the cattle and ensuring plenty of timber being available for hot water .heating and cooking. The unit being on active service received double rations which they shared with us.

After pay parade cards were played until one man (usually the sergeant.) scooped the kitty, he would then go to the canteen and buy sufficient cigarettes to last until the next pay day. One day the sergeant announced as they were the No.1 unit they were to be inspected some top brass This caused a scramble to clean up the site鈥� most things being put into my large copper, unfortunately one pair of wellies were overlooked and when one of the officers pointed this out he was told that they were mine (and me being not 5ft taking a size 5 shoe) and accepted the reason, shook hands, congratulated me on making the men comfortable. Just before Christmas they were moved to the Heights of Dover and placed under canvas (to bring them back to reality).One of the soldiers who was getting married asked if his fianc茅 might borrow my wedding dress to which I agreed.

My late husband became a member of the Underground resistance who were trained by the Lovat scouts their activities were kept secret even from their families. A book published called 鈥淭he Last Ditch鈥� was dedicated to them.

If any member of the 1st Searchlight Unit remembers those days I would be grateful if he would contact me.

Elizabeth M Roberts .Mrs.

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