'Stop Me and Buy One'

[This story was contributed by Mr H W Jones of Orton, Peterborough, Cambs.]

As a child of five years old living in Gosport, Hants., I remember my mother wearing a whilte long coat and flat peaked cap, riding a three-wheel tricycle, with a large square 2 lidded box on the front displaying Walls' icecream - Stop Me and Buy One.

I remember her selling ice creams and lollies to an RAF balloon detachment in Walpole Park, Gosport. Not long after she had left the site, there was a daylight raid, and the detachment had a direct hit, killing all 22 personnel. Luckily a plane was shot down, killing the German crew.

I remember with my mother, who is now deceased, watching the funeral procession to Anns Hill Cemetery in Gosport, Hants, of 12 x 15 cwt. openback military vehicles, the first 11 carrying two coffins each and the last carrying the two coffins of German crew. A vivid memory, which I shall never forget.

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