Memories of the War - Elizabeth Ann Hackett

<p dir="ltr">Workmen going into house (Lea Street, Kidderminster) - reinforce cellar in case of bomb impact. Knocked down the wall between them and neighbours for safety.</p><p>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. </p><p>One lady was killed on Chester Road South.<br> "Get under the table" - shouted Dad.<br>Harsh rations until the 1950s.<br>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.</p><p>Older sister - Barbara Moss.<br>Older brother - David - lots of German planes overhead and ran out into the garden and waved at them.<br>Younger bro and sis - Phillip & Carol.</p><p>Didn't know where GIs went until later - D-Day landings.<br>When the war ended, in June 1945, all assembled on the playground. The teacher came out and said, "The war is over". <br>Tanks going down Sutton Road, Kidderminster - couldn't get across the road to school!</p><p>Sense of excitement at neighbour coming home 'ello mate" - to his wife!</p><p>No bananas - out playing, a boy's dad came home from forces, had a banana, peeled it (the boy) and ate it all!<br>Younger brother got TB - got extra sweets. Was jealous. </p><p>Gas masks - awful. Claustrophobia from gas masks.</p><p>Air raid shelter in the garden. Grandma slept in an iron bed/cage in the living room.<br>War sirens = go under the school and were given toffees - could only have one, NOT two!<br>Evacuees to Ledbury - neighbour (now) mum can remember the London kids. War didn't come to Ledbury.</p>