Derek Manley’s Story

Derek Manley was born in Gloucester in 1935, and grew up in Hopewell Street. As a 10-year-old boy Derek says he only ever knew the conditions of war. He experienced most of the privations of the time but recalls “not feeling badly done by”.

Derek’s father, being a railway fireman, was classed as a heavy manual worker so their family received more generous rationing of cheese and meat. His grandparents had chickens and everybody was encouraged to grow their own vegetables so he feels that this family never went hungry.

On 7 May 1945, Derek recalls hearing that war was over. He went to bed early because his “parents were quite strict.” However he was awoken about 11pm by the sound of a siren, train whistles blowing and people cheering. Confused he went into his adjacent parent’s bedroom to ask what the commotion was about. There he was told that he “can go back to bed, the war in Europe is over and people are very pleased and are celebrating.”

The next day in Hopewell Street the residents lit a bonfire to celebrate victory in Europe. The bonfire was built on the spot where residents would practise putting out fires in case an incendiary bomb landed. Everyone on the street had a galvanised bucket of water and a stirrup pump by the door for emergencies. So, naturally, this was the place to have the fire and it was a great bonfire.

Derek remembers he enjoyed it thoroughly, however the next day they realised how lucky they had been. The celebration nearly ended with a ‘bang’ because once the remains of the fire had been cleared away, the fire had scotched a hole through the layers of tarmac over the point where a gas line went into a gas lamp. They had been very fortuitous not to have blown up the street!

In the photograph, you can see the rear of 33 Hopewell Street, Gloucester where Derek grew up. This terraced house is thought to have been built for railway workers in the “old original part” of the city.

The man playing the guitar is Arthur Manley, Derek’s father. He was a railway man and locomotive engineer. Arthur would make various items including the bird bath (full of flowers in the photograph). It was made out of concrete with a baking tin covered in concrete resting on top.
The lady in the photograph is Florence Manley, Derek’s mother and the gentleman playing the violin is Norman Bergen, an American airman that the family met at Elim Church in Millbrook Street. Derek’s parents often entertained service personnel with a meal, drinks, music and fun.

The date of the photograph is unknown.