As VE day fast approaches, a man from Chichester has released his mother's war diaries.
The diaries, titled "Home Front Wickham," were written in secret and only found after the author's death during a house clearance. They describe the unsettling sounds of distant gunfire, sirens, and approaching aircraft.
The author, named Dorothy, lived in Wentworth, Hampshire, and was active in her community during 1938. She was the first female member of the Rural District Council, which meant she had an inside look at the events of the time. As the billeting officer for her area, Dorothy played a crucial role in looking after and arranging homes for hundreds of children who had to leave their own towns to escape danger.
David Warwick, who put together this historical book, shares that his mother started her married life living in a small apartment above a shop, without any central heating or running water. She managed to raise four children there, including her eldest daughter, Dame Mary Donaldson, who later became the first female Lord Mayor of London.
Picture of: David Warwick, author who transcribed book
Dorothy was from 1938 and lived in Wentworth in Hampshire, was the first lady member of the Rural District Council, so she was aware of what was happening behind the scenes. As billeting officer for the area, she was responsible for the welfare and placement of some hundreds of evacuees.
David Warwick who put together this historical book, says his mum began married life in rooms above a shop, without any heating or mains water, bringing up a family of four, the eldest being Dame Mary Donaldson, who became the First Lady Lord Mayor of London.
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