J Blackburn, POW and childhood memories

As a child, she remembers the fear of doodlebugs and hiding under the stairs, hearing the distinctive throaty noise. She suffered two near misses as shrapnel fell. She also remembers the rationing. Her grandfather was Italian, which meant they were not allowed to live near the coast for fear of spying, so they moved to Wiltshire.

Wing Commander J. R. Blackburn (Father) was in the RAF - joined at the age of 15. He went missing on a mission over the Baltic Sea but had actually been captured and placed in Stalag Luft 1. He escaped twice but was caught each time. He was eventually released by the Russians.

John Elliott was 8 when the war started. His father worked in construction and then became a fire officer. John lived in Brighton, which experienced 'hit and run' raids, with the Germans targeting the gas works near Brighton. John had a Morrison air shelter, which was also used as a dining table. He remembers the rationing.