The enemy is arriving?

It was 1942 and at that time I was employed by the Ministry of Health. One of my duties included finding out which hospitals in the country had beds available to cope with the ever increasing demand and at the same time be sure that the hospital had the facilities to cope with the nature of the injury. I was posted to various locations during the wartime and at that time I had been sent to work at Tunbridge Wells in Kent.

It was a peaceful Sunday afternoon enjoying a rest knowing that I would be back on duty the following morning.

I was living in accomodation that was described in those days as 'digs' and that particular afternoon I was totally alone in a very big house because the landlady and all the other guests were out having a good time at the pub which was supposed to be closed but the landlord knew us well!

The sound of sirens during wartime was not unusual to hear and the sirens that afternoon started to warn us of an expected air attack. It was wise to take cover. I had time to get underneath the dining room table but felt very uneasy as I was alone. In heard the aircraft approaching from a distance and then most unexpectedly the Church bells started to sound. The ringing of church bells was an agreed method to warn people of an expected invasion. The bells had been rung because many parachutists were seen landing nearby and the Germans were on their way!

I was absolutely terrified and searched for anything to arm myself tried to hide.

The concern was however in vain because the bells had been rung in error and the men landing were Polish airmen - many injured who had bailed out following a horrific air battle.

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