Memories of Doris Coppins, WW2 Child Evacuee

These are the wartime memories of Doris Coppins (nee Major). She was born in 1932 in Charlton, south London, where she was living at the time that war broke out. It was not far from Woolwich, the location of the well-known Arsenal, a popular spot for the offerings of enemy bombers. She was evacuated twice. On the first occasion, this was to a village called Fairlight, close to Hastings. It was always a source of some amusement, that the authorities would choose to send her to the location of the last successful invasion of England. Her memories of evacuation were mostly happy ones. She loved the location, lived in a beautiful house, and was supported by friendly, loving people. She returned to London and lived through the Blitz and throughout the remainder of the way, apart from a short second evacuation. Her wartime experiences left a deep impression on her. She remained in awe of the British wartime leaders, felt immeasurable pride at events such as Dunkirk and D-Day and was forever grateful for the sacrifices made by the armed forces and the citizens of the UK. She spent her retirement years living close to Fairlight, returning to the location of her wartime evacuation and enjoying in peacetime the countryside which had left such an impression on her as a child.