Being Evacuated (by Nora)

This story was submitted to the People’s War site by Deena Campbell from WM CSV Actiondesk on behalf of Nora Doswell and has been added to the site with her permission Nora Doswell fully understands the sites terms and conditions.

It was September 1939. My family consisted of our Dad, Terry in the TA almost 18, Kath aged sixteen, Dennis — thirteen, John-ten and me Nora. Our mum had died a few months previously. There had been plenty of talk of war but it meant nothing to me. The day came when our Terry went off to the army. Dennis was evacuated to Tewkesbury. I couldn’t quite understand why they had left home. Then, although I didn’t realise it at the time, came the worst day of my entire life. Dad told me and John that the Germans were going to bomb Birmingham as to keep us safe we were to be evacuated to the countryside. I didn’t know what he was on about but I knew we were going on a train.

Kath packed mine and John’s clothes in two bags, and then Kath and Dad took us to school. It was only when we went into the playground and saw all the other children with their bags and suitcases with their parents were very upset. That’s when the full impact of what was happening, hit me like the force of a sledge hammer. Our Dad was making me and John leave home. Kath gave us lots of hugs and kisses and was crying. Dad, who was usually always smiling, looked very solemn. I suddenly felt sick with fear and dread. It invaded my whole body. I couldn’t believe it. Our dad and Kath were making me and John go away from them.

“No Dad, no Dad no Dad, please, please Dad don’t send us away- I‘ll be a good girl!” I screamed. Dad said very sternly “You have to go,” and started weeping. I watched Dad and Kath walk away and clung on to John for dear life. I was screaming, crying and scared stiff…Then I wet my knickers….

We were put on a coach and then on a train for our journey. I was devastated and heartbroken at only five years old. I didn’t shed any tears after that but the fear, sorrow and misery lived on and still does…deep in my soul.

© Copyright of content contributed to this Archive rests with the author. Find out how you can use this.