My memories of the lost years: 1939-1945. Chapter 7

This story was submitted to the People’s War site by a London CSV volunteer on behalf of Audrey Demer and has been added to the site with her permission. The author fully understands the site's terms and conditions.

All good things came to an end when Mrs Harris returned to Bletchington and we had to go back to primitive conditions and the hole in the ground toilet. Nearby to Mrs Harris was the ‘big house’ (also a manor). It was owned at one time by Lord and Lady Valencia and during the war was taken over by the BBC. A room there was on loan to the Brownies, to which Edna and I belonged. Most people used the back entrance, but not for us the tradesmen’s entrance. We, with our delusions of grandeur, would always run up the marble steps and through the front doors. What was good enough for Lords and Ladies was definitely good enough for Edna and Audrey. One Christmas the BBC had a party for all the children in the ballroom of the big house. We had a wonderful time, singing and games and lots of food. Everyone must have pooled all their rations to get the food for us.

When Mrs Harris wasn’t angry, we had some nice times together. It must have been a very hard life for her living in those conditions and all the women who had no men around must have been very lonely. Also, Mrs Harris was kind insomuch as she allowed my parents and sisters to stay at her home, and not leave them standing on the doorstep, as did the other carers.

The war with Germany ended 8 May 1945. There were so many evacuees waiting to be repatriated and we had to wait our turn. The war with Japan ended in August 1945 but by then we were home. Six long years, Edna was 12 ½ and I was 11 years old. I ran to the bus taking us to the station without a backward glance. Although it hadn’t been a bed of roses living with Mrs Harris, my actions were rude and she must have felt very hurt. I was just so excited to be going home. Edna, being more outwardly calm and polite did the correct thing with the goodbyes. Many children enjoyed the evacuation, but the majority did not. Many years later we both went to see the ‘Evacuation’ showing at the British Museum, and after learning what happened to lots of children we realised in comparison how lucky we had been.

Like everyone there have been many trials and tribulations in my life, but I feel those six years taught me stamina, how to adjust to life’s circumstance, to be self-sufficient and a need to be happy. As Daddy would say when things got rough, “chin up, girlie”. I still practise trying to be good, it doesn’t always work but I try.

I thank God every morning for another day and my life, and for giving me the best of caring parents and siblings.

Mother Fate she laughs at me
Great joy she gives — then misery
But I laugh back into her face
I will not let her win the race

One day I’m down, but up I climb
With head held high, my dreams sublime
I’ll not give in without a fight
For joy in life is mine by right

Faith and Hope conquer every trial
I face the future with a smile
I’ll allow fate to win when I’m 86
For Death will stop mocking her tricks.

Written by Audrey, to Audrey.

Chapter 6: www.bbc.co.uk/dna/ww2/a5706227

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