Bombs and air raids in Stoke Newington

My name is Winifred Florence Santamaria and I was born on 1st March 1930 in Stoke Newington. I lived in Belgrade Road N.16 for over 64 years.

My father was David George Ross, he had served as a farrier in the first world war and was in the ARP during WW11. He was also the local milkman taking supplies round on his horse and cart.

On the day war was declared I remember my mother listening to the news on the radio and dissolving into tears. At that time we were living at 75 Stoke Newington Road - opposite the Simpsons Factory.

During one raid I remember a bomb dropped near the factory and the force of the blast blew all out windows and ceilings collapsed and we were forced to move out.

My mother took me to stay with relatives in Sunderland, thinking it would be safer. But it was close to the docks and more dangerous than London, so we soon moved back.

The council requisitioned an empty house in Belgrade Road for us , and I remember we had a makeshift bomb shelter in the cellar made of corrogated sheets and steel girders. We used to sleep in the cellar most nights.

Other times we would go to the big shelters which were in the basements of all the shops on the High Street.

I remember my father being invited by a neighbour to join them at a new shelter which was supposed to be more comfortable. My father declined, and good job too as it scored a direct hit and many people were killed.

Even during the school day we didn't escape the air raids and I remember taking my gas mask to school and we'd shelter in the cloakrooms singing to keep our spirits up.
Then I remember we'd all collect bits of scrapnel on the way home by way of trophies.

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