大象传媒

My 18th birthday was a day which began the reformation of the world. The prime minister announced the war had begun at approximately 11:15. In London the first of many blood curdling air raid sirens was tested. This, for many, was the beginning of a war that eventually would change mankind forever.

I woke up to the sound of the air sirens and my mother screaming at me to go downstairs.
My father had volunteered to fight for his country, and I would be next. I was going to go to enrol at midday.

The effect the war had on people finally hit me on the way to the barracks. The many children that would usually patrol the streets were being put on trains to be evacuated to the country. The barracks was at the top of the street. As I approached the barracks I came upon a heart warming sight. Men, from 18 to 60 years of age, where standing eager to enrol for their country.

My enrolment officer was a tall sturdy man who went by the name of Richard Collins. He had been in the army for many years, and was now a sergeant.

I was stationed in Africa. In the years I was there I lost many friends. I can remember Charles Edworthy. He had enrolled the same year as me and we were stationed together for 12 years before he died of an unknown disease that passed through our camp. I remember the last thing he ever said. He was lying on a bed when he said,鈥漦ill a German for me鈥�. I took this to heart and killed at least five. The memory of this will always be with me.

My final memory of the war was the homecoming. I was on the HMS Deliverer coming to Portsmouth on the 14th of September. The many cheering women and children lined the streets to celebrate there country鈥檚 victory. My son and wife came to meet me. It was the happiest day of my life.

That is my memory of the war.

By Steven Gordon, Y9 George Stephenson High School, Killingworth, Newcastle upon Tyne, from an interview with a local senior citizen.

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