��ѿ��ý

This story was submitted to the People’s War site by Bill Ross of the ‘Action Desk — Sheffield’ Team on behalf of Rosalie Weir, and has been added to the site with the author’s permission. The author fully understands the site's terms and conditions.
============================================
It was a Red Letter day and my sister Jean and I were being allowed to go to a Birthday party. It was 20 minutes’ walk from home, and as we weren’t allowed out of sight of home because of the air raids, this was an EVENT! My first proper party. Because of the situation, it was held between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., so we could get home safely.

Recently there had been a direct hit on a Brick Shelter and everyone was killed. They were common on the main streets. Dad, who was a full time warden, gave instructions to come straight back home and NOT to go to the Brick Shelters.

After the party, holding my sister’s hand, I set off home, but the sirens sounded. Remembering Dad’s words, we hurried on, only to be stopped by a warden and taken into the Brick Shelter. Fortunately, there was a door at each end. Yes, that’s what we did, left by the door at the other end. In all, we met three wardens and went into three Brick Shelters, and in all cases, out of the door at the other end. We just remembered Dad’s words and the fact that he meant what he said.

On reaching home, my sister and I were in real trouble for walking the streets during a raid. Never again were we allowed out of sight and calling distance. But we were only doing what we were told.

It is known that the city of Kingston-upon-Hull had more tonnage of bombs per square mile than any other city in England, but it was only ever mentioned as an “east coast town”. We only hear of London and Coventry.

PR-BR

© Copyright of content contributed to this Archive rests with the author. Find out how you can use this.