Childhood memories of Ramsgate in WW2

Contributor born in 1940.

Remembers seeing boats from Ramsgate Harbour that took part in the Dunkirk Evacuation - harbour had 'little ships' from Dunkirk.

Also remembers being told lots of aircraft came back to the local RAF base after being in battle (Battle of Britain) to get repaired (reloaded). Has memories of the silhouettes of aircraft.

Household had an Anderson Shelter which was built indoor - his cot was placed in the shelter on a permanent basis.

Father was a member of local civilian 'plane spotters' (part of Royal Observer Corps). His father was also a tailor, who helped in the making of uniforms.

Lot of bombing raids in the area (Kent). Their neighbour had made a hole in the ground as shelter. People also took shelter in the local Ramsgate tunnels.

In the area, the military authorities had erected barrier on the beach (anti-invasion defences) but cleared out a section of beach for people to use in Margate.

[Note: follow up for images of objects]

Comments: "Interviewer (Emily) was very patient with me while I recounted my story from 1940s."