Thetford during the war

James was born in Essex. He came to Norfolk in 1940 due to the war and found it too quiet. His father was in the army but was invalided out due to stomach ulcers; he died in 1945 after receiving too much anaesthetic during an operation. Thetford School was a rest centre. There was a water tank in the market if needed for fires.

James did national service with the RASC from 4 December 1947 to 12 December 1949.

This story was shared during an in-person interview at a Digital Collection Day. A transcription of the interview is attached to this record.