大象传媒

This story has been submitted to the 大象传媒 People鈥檚 War by a volunteer from Lincoln CSV Action Desk on behalf of Gordon Chandler and added to the website with his permission. Mr Chandler fully understands the site鈥檚 terms and conditions.

My name is Gordon Chandler and I live in Lincolnshire.

It was 1942 and I was an apprentice engineering fitter at Ruston and Hornby in Lincoln engaged on war work (marine contracts). I had been trained with the Home Guard and was on my first night duty. We had been trained to look out for agents who could be wearing British Army uniform.

I was on guard in the Engine Erestion Bay when I heard someone approaching. I switched on my lamp and saw this person in uniform. I challenged him and he didn鈥檛 cooperate at all so I slapped the bolt on my rifle, giving the impression that I had put a bullet up the breach. He immediately cooperated and I marched him to the guardroom only to find out he was the night watchman!

Apparently he was an ex soldier and entitled to wear his uniform. My sergeant was delighted with my actions but the watchman thought I was crazy. He never crossed me again.

After that a notice was displayed to the effect that the night watchman was uniformed.

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