Meetings

We grew up in different circles. He was a Catholic, we were Church of England, and religion played a very great part in social circles in those days. I became very aware of these differences in beliefs very early: I was always very envious when I saw them setting out together, as a family, to go to church on Sundays and other special occasions. When I saw his sister all dressed up for her first communion I can remember feelings of jealousy and admiration. She looked like a princess to me, and I thought "how wonderful to have such lovely new clothes!"

As we grew up our differences became less apparent, and Peter became one of a gang (greatly admired by we girls). I remember the nicknames of his gang. Peter was known as "Despo", a shortened form of Desperate Dan (a comic character then). Then there was Ernie Walker, known as "Hookey"; Pat Windybanks, always called "Windy"; and Stanley Standeven, simply known as "Stan". They were a real gang, never vicious but real rascals, always up to mischief and deeds of daring. They caused many a heart-stopping moment with their various activities. Very much admired, never feared by other children, and tolerated by the adults, they all grew up into nice young men. In fact, my sister went out with Hooky Walker for a while.

I always liked Peter. I liked his red hair. He was different from the other boys. I forgot to mention John Nash, "Nobby"; he was also a member of the gang. I had quite a crush on him at one time, but he never really liked me (I think I was too goody-goody for him). But he was a handsome lad. Everyone was impressed with the fact that his father was a train driver, quite a prestigious occupation in those days.

Peter's experience of evacuation was quite different to my own. In the first place, he and his sister Christine were separated (they went to different schools). Peter was sent to Welwyn Garden City and Christine, after a simply horrendous journey, finished up at Penzance. Peter's experiences were very bad. He was even taken to court by the people he was billeted with, his crime being wetting the bed. He was obviously discharged. The whole thing makes one realise how inexperienced people were when it came to dealing with life.

Peter had a very varied life, although on the surface it could be viewed as very humdrum. Right from a very young age he loved ships and the sea, as he grew older it became almost an obsession. So the war gave him a chance to join the Navy and live a little of his dreams. He sailed right around the World and loved every minute of the experience, but I think he was pleased to settle down to marriage. He did join the RNVR when he was demobbed.

He had a very good memory, which made him a most interesting person to talk to. He also had a good eye for detail, and was a regular Mr Fixit. He could do anything, especially if it was electrical.  He was given the grand sum of seven shillings and sixpence, plus a civvy suit and a trilby hat to celebrate his demobilisation; this all happened in 1946.

We both remembered the end of sweet rationing in 1953. We had been married three years, we both had a sweet tooth so we bought the largest bar of chocolate we could find and had a feast. It was a real treat for me, after thirteen years of going without. Peter had an easier time, foodwise, when he was in the Navy so it wasn't quite such a treat for him.

He always looked very smart, manly and really handsome in uniform. I was as proud as he was when he got his first officer's uniform. I really used to feel very privileged to be seen with him and always tried to be a credit to him. In later life he became highly excitable and was inclined to get frustrated and short-tempered. He would often thrash about and I sometimes got in the way, hence I had several black eyes and various bruises. But he was never malicious or fault-finding, just quick-tempered (which never lasted more than an hour).

He was, in fact,  a happy person, always willing to help and assist in any way he could. We had the usual kind of life together, but we were friends as well as lovers. Friendship is a most important attribute in a marriage.