Catalogue

Interview
1202, LO/549/499
Leicester Oral History Archive Collection

Speaker: Harrison, Blanche Edith, 1917 - , Interviewee, Female, Ticket collector
Speaker: Saunders, P, Interviewer, Male

Summary of interview item: Explains how the outbreak of Second World War disrupted marriage plans. Mentions going to theatre, walking home in dark if sirens sounded. Talks about working as tram conductress, wages, shifts, procedures, being reported for allowing a tired soldier to travel without a ticket. Mention of landmine dropping near Gypsy Lane, air raid shelter in grounds of Schoolboy Boot Company, seeing aeroplanes 'dog fight'. Talks about blackout on trams, man who had heart attack, using torch to see money, being given wrong coin, names given to shifts such as 'Straight Eight'. Comments that workers relied on public transport; describes uniform, ticket holder, tickets, prices, interior of trams. Mentions getting used to air raids. States hours worked on Christmas Day. Recalls singing, presents, games of childhood Christmas. Explains how felt when husband returned from four years of war.
Place of birth: Leicester
Education: Ellis Avenue School, Glen Street Junior, Harrison Road School
Marital Status: , Children:
Father's Occupation: Painter and decorator
Mother's Occupation: Tobacco roller
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Leicester
Periods Covered: 1930s, 1940s
Language: English

Recording Date: 16/6/1989
Playing time: 45 mins
Access Restrictions: Full clearance Item Copyright: EMOHA
Summary: Yes
Transcription: No
Copies: yes
Cross Reference: LO/506/456

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Last updated: 08/05/02 East Midland Oral History Archive Web maintainer This document has been approved by the head of department or section.