Newry suffered very little over the Second World War years. I remember going with my aunts to be issued with my Mickey Mouse gasmask. I can still smell the rubber from it. Of course we never had to use it in earnest. We were also issued with identity cards and ration books.
My aunt packed a little suitcase for protection in the event of air raids. Then we were to take to the hills. I remember standing at the front door clutching it and a teddy bear when the sirens sounded. There were also specially-built shelters from air-raid attacks though I cannot remember them being used – at least not for that purpose.
In 1942 my uncle and two aunts decided to go to
Each week I would receive a postal order for half a crown from my uncle. When he came home he could always be persuaded to buy me clothes and shoes. I know now that the money sent home from
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