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During the Second World War, in Liverpool, there was an armament ship that blew up. In Sylvester Street (near a school) part of the propeller ended up there. Fortunately, the people of that area were in shelters. I can remember the air raid shelters were the light came from candles. The people would say prayers. We lived a half a mile away from the ship at Sylvester Street that was off Scotland Road. The blast from the ship obliterated the shed, but some parts were blown a half a mile away.
Firebombs went up on St Sylvester’s School and a little lad aged about four or five years of age ran from his Auntie’s home along the street.
Close to where we lived was an E.W.S (Emergency Water Supply), but the kids used to swim in the water.
I can also remember the anti-aircraft guns and incendiary devices in New Brighton.
My father worked on the dock (reserved occupation) in chimneys as a landmark guide.
There were also ARPs going around shouting, “turn that light out!�
The gas lighter men, for instance, Billy Whittle would also knock people up. This duty continued after the war.
Jim Clarke taught people how to swim in the area. He had streets named after him. He was a black man, a good man and a gentleman. and was an A.R.W (Air Raid Warden).The people always called him Mister Clarke out of respect .His sons worked on the docks and another son, Vinny, worked on the buses.
The storyteller was an infant at this time and the father would not let his son be evacuated. He did go to his Auntie’s in Sparrow Hall. It was thought that would be safe, but there was an ammunition factory behind his Auntie’s. His mother worked in an ammunition factory. (Fazakerley Hospital, Liverpool stands there, now).

'This story was submitted to the People’s War site by ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio Merseyside’s People’s War team on behalf of Francis O'Neil and has been added to the site with his / her permission. The author fully understands the site's terms and conditions.'

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