大象传媒

I was born in 1938, and I lived in Bradmore Road, Bromborough (Wirral, Mersyside).

During the war years we shared an Anderson Air Raid Shelter with our neighbours, in our back garden. It was only small and covered with turf, which gave us more protection. Inside the shelter were wooden benches and a wooden duck board floor. It also had wooden shelves, which were used for candles and night lights. The shelter was heated by a small black round parafin heater, to give us warmth.

During the night time, we were all wrapped in blankets, and listened to the bangs and flashes, hoping morning would come soon. We used to sing songs as the noises got louder.... I remember always singing 'Ten Green Bottles' (Top of the Pops eat your heart out!)

When the bad air raids took place, my mother took my baby sister and me to my Grandma and Grandad Nootton's house in Parkside Road, New Ferry. The air raid or blitz went on for about six or seven nights on run, and our hiding place was underneath a big table which was covered in blankets and pillows. It was quite snug and we sat in there night after night listening to the bangs and watching the flashing lights, as the air raid took place. I never remember any panic or fear, we just took the situation in our stride.

One of my best memories of the war was waiting at the gate at Bradmoor Road for my father, Jack Collins, tp come home on leave, and spoting him walking up the street, kit bag over his shoulder. I would run to meet him and it was great having him home safe - it was party time!

My final thoughts on the war are, how on earth did my mother feed us during this period? Dad was away, no cash hand outs were given. Food, clothes and coal were all on ration. There was very little bread and milk, there were no eggs, no fruit, no sweets, no sugar or tea. It all had to be purchased using a ration book.

Sometimes my mother and I had to go and collect bags of coal or coke from the coal yard, and bring it home on the pram, pushing it nearly TWO MILES (my God they were tough times). My mother fed us and kept us neat and tidy, but most families were in the same position. But my mum did it... How I do not know...God love her.

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