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Show IB THE GREEN SHEET Reflecting On Days Of World War Two Thursday, Aprlll!, 1985 - Tears, Brave Smiles Were Many Editor's Note: The following is in response to an invitation from the Green Sheet to share memories of the World War Two era. WWII in Earope ended 40 years ago this spring. The writer of this article, Mrs. Etty Johnson, resides at 3707 So. 4355 West in West Valley City. by Mrs. Etty Johnson My memories of World Two begin really in 1938. I was, as a lot of other young people, not really concerned with the news and the seriousness of the situation. Oh, we knew that Mr. Chamberlain had said, as he stepped from the plane, Peace in our time," which everyone know would not admit it - was not likely, and that sometime, and not too far ahead, the time was fast approaching a showdown. But so what . - for most young people - our lives were still concerned with fun, careers, clothes and other oddities of youth. But as August faded out and September approached, there was an undeniable electricity in the air. Every household in Britain was feeling that war was coming - more uniformed people were around but to the British people, there was work to do. Everywhere people were digging big holes in the back yard. I can well remember as I picked up a man-sizeshovel and hove to to help my dad get our air raid shelter into place. It was fun in a way; I did not - . d quite realize the full momentum behind it I can very well remember on the morning of Sept. 3, 1939. 1 stood at our back door and it was as if the whole world had come to a full stop. Not even the birds were singing, not a movement, and over the wireless came the words that we were at war. Suddenly it happened. One minute complete suspenseful silence, then, as if a breath was let out, the whole of Britain sighed and, knowing the ultimate, said, Lets get on with it. And so Britain changed from a all.-An- . happy-go-luck- attitude to a were No time now to waste in regrets for weekends by the sea, quiet evenings at home, tennis, one. Green Sheet area readers are invited to share their recollections of the period that led to VE Day by submitting, in writing, an article or perhaps, just a paragraph or two. When submitting material, please include the telephone number where the writer can be reached. parties, etc. - there was a war to be won. Their world might be upside down, so they must learn to be upside down, too. They must learn to do all sorts of things they had never done before to adapt themselves to conditions that had never before existed. They did all this with cheerfulness, for they knew that it was necessary. The British might be a little weak on sdme things, but quite positively clear on the difference between being free men and women - and being slave. We even took our gas masks to the bathroom. Sirens we hated but got used to. Children were evacuated from the more vulnerable areas. We had sandbags and blankets for doors. The loud shout of Put that light out was always with us and for the first few months, life was strange. But as time went on, we got to accept whatever life had to offer and got on with it. Consoles No credit needed Thats right, you as low as can lease-to-ow- n a brand new Curtis Mathes color TV, stereo or VCR. Youll be amazed how affordable leasing is! Shop and compare. Why rent from others when you can lease the best for less from Curtis Mathes. Curtis $53 t) ft a month. Mathes consoles are loaded with features like solid state chassis, auto color, picture control and automatic fine tuning. Wide selection of fine furniture styles available, with or without remote control. FOUR YEAR EICUJSMI LMTTtO WARRANTY k IN '41 . . . Foursome indudos Owen Johnson, husband of tho writer, "somewhere in England. There were ration cards, coupons and all the paraphernalia of a country at war. Women were marshalled into the services Army, Navy, Airforce, Land Army, munitions factories - and went to it with amazing capabilities. Songs were written that gave hope and heartache too to those whose loved ones were overseas or actively engaged. Tears were many, as were brave smiles. Weddings happened in 48 hours and suddenly the bride had a new dress to be married in. There were always people who could come up with some coupons and everyone made sure it was a lovely wedding. The song In Room 504 was popular, as well as Therell Always Be An England, Britons Never, Never, Never Abide With Shall Be Slaves, Me. Even Its A Long Way To Tipperary was brought forth out of the years to lift up flagging spirits. My brother Bill was at Deling-iKent, an airfield amongst many that was frequently bombed. I can remember clearly going down to Kent to see him with my mother and taking the next door lady's baby out for a walk when all that could be heard was the birds still twittering away in the - -- Stereos as low as a month Lease a complete system and choose from a wide selection of amplifiers, tuners, cassette decks and turntables. Hi 'tHU trees.1 jmhii jnna. ..mi. ni Video Recorders as low as 33 a month. inaicnn'isi) rim 'Etw CFm 3H9Q 3500.South EOQSD 30 SouthTState aa&cn But high overhead, vapor trails could be seen weaving in and out as opposing fighters fought for supremacy in a dogfight. I was late for work one morning and, although the sirens had sounded, I decided to go, and as I stepped out of the entry between our houses, I saw this German Swastika on the side of the plane and it was diving. I pulled back into the entry, heard a splutter of machine gun fire and two loud blasts; the plane had been blown up, but took the lives of at least six people. The spirit of the British people was held together by a great leader by the name of Winston Churchill and a very much loved Royal Family. All were to be seen amongst the people, unexpectedly at times and particularly after a bombing. Shop windows were blown out, with nothing but the brick floor left and on a very damaged mannequin would be the words: Business As Usual." Everyone seemed to pull together in general, for I feel everyone knew that if we lost, there would be no lif$ for our children, no future for the world. There was a great sharing Continued on page 8 |