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All small boys had a shrapnel collection, usually in a brown paper bag [plastic bags were not yet on the scene]. The high temperatures experienced during the explosions sometimes produced beautiful rainbow colours on the metal, contrasting with the horrible twisted shapes and the evil intent of the munitions. Swapping and trading with other small collectors was a lively business.

Many of the buildings destroyed by bombing were left derelict for years and became mini nature reserves. Plants grew wild there [e.g. buddleia] and enabled beautiful butterflies to thrive even in an urban area such as Portsmouth. Small boys were avid hunters of these, especially the prized Red Admirals. Capturing and killing these poor harmless insects seemed the natural thing to do - now much regretted.

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