My Father's Home War.

During WW2 My Father was a Key Man - couldn't be released from his job. His occupation was Engine Driver, mostly for a company named Wm. Cory, Dad used to shunt coal from the Barges coming down the Thames to the Coal yeards. He often told us as children how his engine could be comendered for any purpose at very short notice, he could be "Gone" for days at a time. Moving our brave troops I believe. Food, as we all know was short at this time, my Mother also told me how my Dad had an allotment and grew Vegtables, enough to feed the family. Gradually, as Men were called up Dad would take over their Allotments too, he grew more Vegtables, and fed even more people, almost the whole Street for their's was a close community. Dad was also in the Home Guard, (Dad's Army) now, as I have got older I realise how did he fit it all in? Everything was shared out between the Family, Friends and Neighbours. Dad and my Uncles would walk miles to buy a tray of Apples that "Might" be going! My Nan would share them all out, everyone used to bring their crumpled bags back from the week before. What marvellous memories.

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