Catalogue

Interview
309, WF/016/H16
Westfield Collection

Speaker: Biggs, Alfred, 1923 - , Interviewee, Male, Salesman; RAF, flight mechanic; Building Society worker;
Speaker: Hyde, C., Interviewer, Male

Summary of interview item: Describes childhood in Walworth and Peckham, south London, before the Second World War. Details the accommodation they lived in, games they played, outings into the countryside and school. Gives detailed account of hop picking in Kent. Talks about work, first as salesman for a drawing office and being too young to join the Royal Air Force (RAF). Describes being a messenger for the Air Raid Precautions (ARP) during World War II, joining the RAF, posting to India in 1942 and work servicing planes as a flight mechanic. Talks more about wartime experience, return to UK and demobilization from RAF. Recalls work for a Building Society, meeting and marrying his wife and move to Mitchum. Describes the local cinemas in the 1960s. Talks about gardening and his allotment.
Place of birth: Walworth, London
Education: All Saints school, Peckham
Marital Status: Widowed, Children:
Father's Occupation: Van driver
Mother's Occupation: Housewife
Location: County: Leicestershire, Surrey
Location: Town/Place: London, Burbage
Periods Covered: 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s,
Language: English

Recording Date: 14/6/1994
Playing time: 53 mins
Access Restrictions: Full clearance Item Copyright: HOHP
Summary: Yes
Transcription: Yes
Copies: yes
Cross Reference:

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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.