Memories of the War - Elizabeth Ann Hackett

Workmen going into house (Lea Street, Kidderminster) - reinforce cellar in case of bomb impact. Knocked down the wall between them and neighbours for safety.

Blackouts - Man knocks on the door if any light. Kidderminster got off lightly. Only 3 near the station, near the family home. One on Harry Cheshire School.

One lady was killed on Chester Road South.
"Get under the table" - shouted Dad.
Harsh rations until the 1950s.
My older sister went out with a GI - American GIs camp near home in Kidderminster. Loads of candy and chewing gum. Brought ice cream - too tired. Got used to them, and even made friends. Town sad after they left - dead, depressed. Left overnight.

Older sister - Barbara Moss.
Older brother - David - lots of German planes overhead and ran out into the garden and waved at them.
Younger bro and sis - Phillip & Carol.

Didn't know where GIs went until later - D-Day landings.
When the war ended, in June 1945, all assembled on the playground. The teacher came out and said, "The war is over".
Tanks going down Sutton Road, Kidderminster - couldn't get across the road to school!

Sense of excitement at neighbour coming home 'ello mate" - to his wife!

No bananas - out playing, a boy's dad came home from forces, had a banana, peeled it (the boy) and ate it all!
Younger brother got TB - got extra sweets. Was jealous.

Gas masks - awful. Claustrophobia from gas masks.

Air raid shelter in the garden. Grandma slept in an iron bed/cage in the living room.
War sirens = go under the school and were given toffees - could only have one, NOT two!
Evacuees to Ledbury - neighbour (now) mum can remember the London kids. War didn't come to Ledbury.