That's how we crossed paths

I was in the Air Force for just over two years - living at home the whole time. At the end of two years I came out because I was expecting a baby then. I was married when I was 19 - just over 19. I was a war bride. I got married at St Barnabus church in Well Hall Road, Well Hall. I was in uniform and my husband was in his army uniform. I met him when he was in the Army, so we crossed paths. The Army used to come over to us to get their tea and cakes and things — that’s how we met. My brother was in the Navy and he was there to give me away at the church. Three of us making up the set— Army, Navy and the Air Force.

From the church we walked up to the pub which was right on Dover Patrol, and we all went in and had a drink to wish us well. We all went home again to my Mums, and my husband went abroad for five years. When he first came back my little girl, Margaret didn’t know him! He went to Egypt, Italy, all over. He had a tough time but came through ok.

We both lived with Mum until we could get a place, then we got a little flat that wasn’t too far from Mum’s so that was nice. After that I stayed at home looking after Margaret. I had three girls altogether in the end: Margaret, Kaye and Irene.

This story was submitted to the People’s War site by Becky Barugh of the BBC Radio Shropshire CSV Action Desk on behalf of Doris Saunders and has been added to the site with her permission. Mrs Saunders fully understands the site's terms and conditions.

See more of Doris's stories:

• We weren’t prepared for war at all
• They’d all just started, like me
• You heard the “swish” of the rocket just before it landed on the house
• All you could see was his eyes
• You’d see a queue and just jump on the end
• Climbing trees and fences
• We took notice that time!
• We had some fun with ‘em
• He’d gone all the way round
• It was lucky I’d already got married

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