Norwich at War Memories (Eileen Marston)

We had heard for a time England could be at war with Nazi Germany.Preparations were being made with identity cards, ration books and gas masks being issued. On september 3 at 11 a.m we were told we were at war. What this meant to me as an 11 year old I didn't know but I soon found out.Rationing of food and clothes, shortages of food blackout curtains on windows and air raid sirens.The odd bomb dropped on Norwich and then more; aeroplane noises were heard and air raid shelters built in back gardens. In April 1942 Norwich was badly hit. My brothers and sisters and I went in cupboards under the stairs - we were so frightened with the diving of planes and bombs. My parents owned a coach business which was used at this time mainly for transporting people to work on building runways and aerodromes. The coaches were nicely garaged at night until unexploded incendiary bombs landed in the parking area. My Dad instructed the drivers to take the buses out into the country for the night and the drivers had permission to take their families with them provided they were back in Norwich the next morning to take the men to work.Our friends were called up for service; some returned some didn't and some were badly injured.We lived in the centre of Norwich and until an air raid wardens post was built Mum and Dad offered our lounge. After the 'all clear' Dad and I would go out to see if we could help in our area. Once we did get out a very badly injured girl who unfortunately didn't survive. We did our best to help families after they received their headed telegrams from the War Office.Fire engine bells would ring ARP wardens would help assist people to and from their homes to air raid shelters which had been built in the streets and what a sorry sight when one came out of them to a bombed home. How sad to see the destruction and how marvellous the fire brigades and hospitals and people in general were helping each other out. With so many Aerodromes and Army groups in Norfolk my parents and friends got together a Concert Party and we entertained troops. I think we must have done 250-300 shows which was so rewarding. As Girl Guides my sister and I would go to the local rail station to assist with children coming from London to homes in Norfolk away from the heavy bombing. We helped the War Charities Committee to raise money for comforts to be sent out to the services. I was elected 'Miss Norwich' in 1943 and had the privilege to meet James Stewart whilst he was stationed in Norfolk and I attended a Rodeo at Norwich football ground the USAAF had arranged. Our family moved house from the centre of Norwich; we were then on the main road from Norwich to Horsham St. Faiths Aerodrome. My father would welcome RAF lads passing by to come in for an evening or 'lonely day'visit. Then the Americans arrived and were also invited in. Birthdays were celebrated in a modest way; letters and cards sent to English and American parents and the odd Polish ones. How we remember the bomber raids when we were out in the garden; the sky full of planes soaring across. When we think of World War II we just cannot realise all these things really did happen. When the war did come to an end I was invited to a farewell ball at RAF Swanton Morley, Norfolk. I met Flt.Lt. Brian Marston who was a Navigation Instructor and 2 years later we married happily.

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