[East Midlands Oral History Archive logo]

Catalogue
*
[Link to: new search] [Link to request a recording] [Link to: contact the cataloguer]

 
Interview
581, CH/075/0199
Community History Collection

Speaker: Smart, Marjorie, 1919 - , Interviewee, Female, Factory worker; Munitions worker;
Speaker: Cutting, Angela, Interviewer, Female

Summary of interview item: Recalls life during the Second World War, mentioning parents were farmers, and she grew up in Glenfield, Leicester. Recalls hearing declaration of war on radio in 1939. Outlines places of work in shoe industry from leaving school through to working shifts in munitions at British United Shoe factory, Leicester, and shock of hearing ‘factory talk’. Describes shift work. Depicts life in munitions as uneventful with more ‘exciting’ times when bombs fell near Abbey Park Road bridge. Mentions wartime food, growing vegetables, and saving rations for wedding cake. Got married in 1942. Recalls making bridesmaids’ dresses and buying ornate wedding dress. Gives description and cost of wedding dress. Mentions weather on wedding day. Portrays everyday life during war as one of low expectations and poverty, and little different to non-war years. Recalls husbands’ essential war work at British United factory and voluntary work for National Fire Service. Believes blackouts gave her good night time vision. Lists two cinemas visited: Westleigh Kinema and Fosse Cinema. Notes post-war housing development of New Parks Estate in Glenfield ruined the view from the garden. Very briefly mentions years sisters married, Christmas as a child, and gardening.
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: 22/1/1997
Playing time: 25 mins
Access Restrictions: Full clearance Item Copyright: CHCL
Summary: Yes
Transcription: No
Copies: yes
Cross Reference:

Page Automatically Generated

Use the browser's back button to return to the previous screen.
Home>>Catalogue>>Search


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