An ARP warden during WWII (believed to be Helena Hall) in gas protection outfit (PPE)
By Margaret Nicolle
It is revealing that the language being used to fight the current battle against the coronavirus outbreak is stirring memories of the same call to arms as during the war. A new enemy is facing us, called by the Prime Minister ‘a physical assailant’ but just as challenging because of its invisibility. Emmanuel Macron has stated ‘we are at war’; antibodies are ‘fighting’ the virus; the Queen’s Speech referred to ‘evacuees’. There have been even more direct references for example to the spirit of Dunkirk; a policeman has been called a Nazi; slogans such as Keep Calm and Pick for Britain remind us of wartime Britain.
These remarks have led me to look at parallels from Helena Hall’s Journal of the Second World War
Restrictions
July 12th 1940
I went to Brighton today and was told that in all the streets near the sea, curfew is enforced at 9.30 the time altering with sunset time…sentries go along the streets to see that they are clear. No one is allowed on the beach – guns and forts abound.
August 8th 1942
People caught trying to visit Brighton are to get heavier penalties. Seven people were fined from £1 to £3 but the full fines are £100 or 3 months imprisonment.
August 5th 1940
The leaflet “Stay where you are” was in the letter box this morning. Copies are being delivered by the postmen to every house in the country.
Disruption
October 15th 1940
These day raids are annoying, no doubt partly designed for that purpose. I prefer the night raids when I am not hindered in the ordinary day’s work of shopping, cooking, fireplaces, Jock’s meals etc….
Voluntary help
March 6th 1941
This morning because three helpers were ill, I went to the Hall to help with the children’s dinners which they have in the corridor. There were 70 to 80 children, all evacuated and they have a good dinner. Today it was minced meat, pease pudding, cabbage and mashed potatoes and a milky rice pudding.
Food shortages and the black market
March 19th 1942
Public barter has taken place in the Channel Islands where food is scarce. Guernsey newspapers contain such advertisements as ‘apples for paraffin’, ‘canaries, all colours for rabbits’ ‘cigarettes for a fur coat’ ‘eggs for golden syrup’. A Jersey message says ‘Conditions bearable, food scarcity.’
For stealing coupons from the GPO stores where he worked sentence of 3 years penal servitude was passed on Webb and the same time for Raphman for receiving them. Far too much ‘black marketing’ goes on with stolen coupons and the sentences get more severe.
January 13th 1943
At his weekly food conference Lord Woolton said yesterday bread would continue unrationed if the public co-operated. He wants potatoes used more than bread and the wheat stock to be conserved by using home grown potatoes. He appeals to the women of Britain to use potato dishes whenever they can.
Humour
Helena pasted into her journal many relevant cartoons taken from newspapers. Today the restrictions on our lives give rise to a proliferation of such comment often as video clips.
BUT there were differences too. The social life of Lindfield continued. Helena went round to a neighbour’s house to listen to important news. She made trips to London to visit the National Gallery where special exhibitions to boost morale took place. Churches remained open although bells were not rung.
Copies of A Woman living in the Shadow of the Second World War, Helena Hall’s Journal from the Home Front edited by Linda Grace and Margaret Nicolle can be obtained by phoning 0144448268 or e-mailing margaretnicolle@outlook.com or lagrace15@hotmail.com