大象传媒

Nutley village, being on the southern part of the Ashdown Forest was alive with army units during the war. The army used the forest extensively as a training and settlement area. Part of Nutley Garage, which was owned and run by my family, was taken over by the W.D. in 1940 for the purpose of using the petrol storage and pumps for refuelling Army Transport vehicles.

The first troops to arrive were from Winnipeg, Canada. As a young lad of 8 years old I was in my element in this new situation. I was allowed all over the Army vehicles that were around, given 'candy' from their parcels home, and was one of the best fed lads in the village, as I shared their Army food with them which was sent from their local canteen depot.

As rationing was in full swing I was very happy.

This story was submitted to the People's War website by Helena Noifeld of 大象传媒 Radio Kent and has been added to the website on behalf of David Joseph Ridley with his permission. He fully understands the site's terms and conditions.

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