FAO Blue chimes and any other interested party

[fullback]

Sorry I missed the thread re D/day I was about 9 years old at that time everything BLue Adder said is typical of that time ,the back roads under trees around Emsworth were filled with lorries and troops waiting to go they were cooking with field ******** making all sorts of preparations.Some of the landing stages were constructed in Emsworth harbour and towed away from there,I remember seeing boats made of concrete and thinking they were sure to sink. late afternoon the sky was black with aircraft heading South they were fairly low and slow ,lots were towing gliders and I believe the others were carrying Paras. They seemed to be going over and coming back for hours on end .when VE day came I recall in our steet that week we celebrated by building and lighting a Huge bonfire after dark which had been forbidden for five years before hand .I remember reading in the papers that in some places people had torn down railway gates to burn on their fires such was the euphoria at that time One

[bluechimes]

Thanks FB Always interesting to hear those sorts of stories/memories

Hope to see you next season

KR

BC

[BlueAdder]

Well remember collecting shrapnel after air raids. I always thought they were bits of bombs. Do you also remember getting bits of perspex which I think must have come from downed planes.
Also remember having an incendiary bomb burning on our window sill. Mum knocked it off with a broom and covered it in sand, we had it for years after the war. I'd forgotten just how brave my old Mum was.
My Dad, an RA Major, was part of the defense of Malta during the siege days. That's when he got TB which eventually killed him. Oh dear, what a shame, never mind.

[lovedeanblue]

Great postings from you both. Heard a story re damaged house doors in the Fratton station area. They were piled up in the street, the council came along in the morning and took them away. They patched them up as best they could and returned them. However you didn't necessarily get your own door back I'd like to echo what Bc says, looking forward to seeing both of you from August onwards