'We kept home fires burning' (From Penarth Times)

'We kept home fires burning'

AMONG my memories of the last world war were the shortages of food, the disruption of peaceful family life, and the news that one of my uncles had been shell-shocked and blinded with six children to bring up.

My mother had Wrens stationed with her who left their cigarette ends under the bed and on her nice carpet, much to her disgust - especially when one of them stayed out all night, causing her much worry!

On the most terrifying nights in Cardiff, with land mines dropping, my husband came home at 4am to find me standing on the dining room table with my pyjamas rolled up my legs, because a mouse had run over my face while I attempted to sleep on a mattress on the floor!

By this time my babies and I were spending nights downstairs in order to make a quick exit when the incendiaries arrived!

Some weekends I put up an Army Major who was pally with my friend. He loved being here and brought candy and luxuries for my boys.

Sadly he was killed later on in France.

A distant in-law came for Sunday tea and a private bath, as he hated the communal life at the RAF. He survived the war but died later.

I really realised we were at war when I saw the pilot and swastika in a plane flying very low over our house - I was flabbergasted, standing there in the moonlight in my nightie!

Caught in a raid up town, we entered a concrete shelter and my toddler son spotted a man in there with a black moustache and ran to him asking "Are you Hitler?".

Everyone laughed and it eased the tension somewhat!

Everyone in the road became friendly, and I made many cups of tea in the small hours for air-raid wardens.

It was a very hard time for me with two babies and my husband away a lot, but nothing compared to the dreadful suffering of others.

So it was with great relief that I helped with the street party on D Day and looked forward to some sleep at night, and relief from the stressful years of war.

THE Penarth Times wants to hear about your wartime recollections or stories - happy or sad.

We have already received several letters from readers, and we will be featuring them all over the coming weeks.

Everyone who sends us a wartime memory will be entered into a monthly draw, running through the summer, with one lucky winner bagging a meal for two and a bottle of wine at Mediterraneo - one of Penarth's most popular restaurants.

The first draw will take place on Thursday, May 27.

Write down your memories, in no more than 300 words, and send, along with your name, address and contact details, to Penarth Times/Wartime Memories, 12 Royal Buildings, Stanwell Road, Penarth CF64 3YU. Or email them to penarthtimes@gwent-wales.co.uk