Catalogue

Interview
578, CH/072/0194
Community History Collection

Speaker: Doughty, Beryl, 1929 - , Interviewee, Female,
Speaker: , Interviewer,

Summary of interview item: Recalls joining Air Raid Precautions (ARP) in Leicester, aged 16, as a messenger during the Second World War to join friends. Mentions positions of some ARP Posts in Leicester, duties , including helping with evacuees, and training. Describes a bombing raid on Leicester that affected Eaton Street where she lived. Recalls going to different shelters, the bombing raid of 19-20th November 1940, and seeing Freeman Hardy and Willis’s factory on fire. Mentions carrying gas masks, remarking on the cases later looking like handbags. Recalls gas training exercise at school and period when schooling was suspended whilst shelters were being constructed. Mentions clothing rations and coats made from baby blankets. Recalls her wedding took place during rationing and help given by friends. Counters negative reputation of Wharf Street with recollections of friendliness and cleanliness despite poverty. Briefly describes working for Fowkes flower shop as a schoolgirl; housing on Eaton Street.
Place of birth:
Education:
Marital Status: Married, Children:
Father's Occupation:
Mother's Occupation:
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Leicester
Periods Covered: 1940s
Language: English

Recording Date: 7/4/1994
Playing time: 1 hr
Access Restrictions: Full clearance Item Copyright: CHCL
Summary: Yes
Transcription: No
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.