She says it's
war time and ther's bombs and air-raids and things. So we've got
to go to the country where it's safe.
What's the country
like? I hope it's nice. I've seen pictures of cows but I've never
seen a real one. I hope so - perhaps there'll be other animals like
horses. You can ride them like on cowboy films. I go to see them
every Saturday at the flicks. Wonder if there are cowboys in the
country?
I hope Margie
and me will stay together. I've got mi gas mask and suitcase. I
feel right daft with this big label wi mi name on it. I wrote it
miself. They said I could take one favourite toy. I've got mi model
of the 'Flying Scotsman'. It's a lovely engine, cleaner than the
one on this train. Mi Dad gave it to me before he went away. He'll
win the war, I know that. And he said I had to be brave too. I keep
his photo in his uniform in mi pocket. He's in the RAF. He'll soon
get those nasty bombers, then we can come home, eh?
Watch out! We
have to get on the train. The man called the 'Guard', I think, is
waving his arms and blowing his whistle and shouting "Please
board the train". This part with seats is called a 'compartment'.
Better sit down while there's still a seat. It's a right squash
- there must be about fifteen of us in here.
That lad over
there had a right thumping from his Mam for pulling that chain up
there. Don't know what it's for.
What does it
say up there on that picture? "What- To- Do- In- Air- Raids".
Here, listen to this, Margie: "Make sure you are on a platform
before alighting from the train." It'd be a big step down in
you weren't!
Oh, don't start
sniffing again. Everyone will think you're a right soft thing. Look,
we're moving. Lean out of the window and wave to our Mam. Bye Mam,
Bye Mam, Bye... Good job Mam remembered to give me a hankie - I
need it!"
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