Living History

A Little Wartime Story

Alan was born at Alberton South Australia, on 27th March 1924, and his family moved to Blackwood South Australia, where he did his schooling.

When he left school he worked in an Engineering factory until the age of 18 years when he enlisted with The Royal Australian Navy.

At the age of 20, Alan met Lillian Joan at the Blackwood RSL Club, and they married on November 25th 1944. They had actually even been born in the same hospital.

Alan’s 2 brothers, Robert and Ronald were also in the RAN at this time, as were my father Perce, and brother Ralph.

Alan and Joan had 5 children, the first of which was born on 11th September 1945 while Alan was mine sweeping up as far as Hong Kong with the RAN.

During the War, I did such things as Plane Spotting at the Blackwood Bowling Club, and knitting socks and baking fruit cakes to send to our loved ones.

Travelling by train at night was always very difficult because of the blackout. There were no names on the Stations and no Street names, so you had to be wide awake to make sure you knew where you were, and that you got off at the right place.

Alan discharged from the RAN on 6th February 1946.

Lillian Joan, South Australia

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