大象传媒

This story was submitted to the People鈥檚 War site by Heather McGrouther of the CSV 大象传媒 Coventry & Warwickshire Action Desk on behalf of Gil Priest and has been added to the site with his permission. The author fully understands the site's terms and conditions.

At no time through the war years can I remember feeling unsafe. I had my Gran and Grandad to keep me safe. I still remember watching searchlights dancing across the sky, the crackle of gunfire like some gigantic firework display, and most of all the bombing of Coventry which shook my home in Leamington Spa and some landing in my home town itself.

I remember those horrible gas masks, and the reals shortage of food, and as a kid - sweets! But somehow my Gran and Grandad still managed to get food on the table - I seem to remember rabbit turned up a lot.

One thing my mate and myself did was collect shrapnel after a nights bombing, like some adventure.

One day we heard the words "The Yanks are coming" and when they arrived our kids world turned from monochrome to colour. They were so kind to us kids, asking those famous words to any G.I "Any gum chum?" We were treated to all sorts of goodies, I never knew existed. They treated us just like we were one of theirs, I don't think they had been aware of the real shortage we had been facing.

To all our brave men who fought and died including of course the yanks, so that I grew up to be a husband, father and grandad - God Bless you all. I can never repay your sacrifice but I will never forget you in all my prayers everyday, and just incase any Americans read this little memory of mine can I say to you for old times sake once more "Got any gum chum?" and thank you for all you did, your friendship and kindness lingers on to this day.

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