Poppy spoke to her great grandparents about VE Day and what it was like at that time
I decided to speak to my great grandparents about VE Day and what it was like at that time. I was really lucky that my great auntie sent me some pictures for my home learning.
Lilian Bird 6th JULY 1924 -
When the Second World War was declared, Lilian Bird was still at school. In 1940-1942 she was employed by the Army and Navy Stores in Victoria, London, as a secretary. During this time, she used public transport where possible, as each day was different after bombing raids on the City of London, never knowing if she could reach her destination as roads were always left with big craters, together with any buildings that had been hit by the bombs which had left streets and roads blocked with rubble. At her place of work, the cellar/basement of the building was converted to an air raid shelter, where all personnel would go to during the bombing raids. If she was out and about she would then have had to use the various other air raid shelters scattered around London. She also experienced bombing of buildings where she lived, with many people losing their homes and their belongings, but everyday life continued as best as possible.
Lilian left this Company and took employment with a munitions company (Molins) in Deptford. This area was very near the Docks of London and therefore came under intensive enemy bombing. During her time there she wanted to join the Services (Army, Navy and Air Force) but because she was in what was called a “restricted occupation” with the armaments sector and came under the Secrets Act, she was required to continue with her employment there. Lilian and Charles married in 1947 and had three children: two daughters and one son – my Grumpsy.
Shared by Poppy Davis, her great-granddaughter, and Samantha Davis (nee Bird), her granddaughter
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