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This is a story told by Betty Macleod who lived in Battersea during the blitz. She died in the Spring 2004 but now her friends are pleased that her story will live on.

A land mine
During World War II, I was based in south London. In September 1940, a land mine exploded in the street where I lived and my house was one of the many that were affected. We were very lucky as our home was only partially damaged and we were unhurt thanks to our Anderson shelter.

All hands to the deck
In typical war-time spirit, all the residents set to work, trying to repair the damage that had been done. It was hard going, working amongst the dust and rubble, and we were all getting tired, down-hearted and very grubby. It was at this moment that Winston Churchill came walking down the street - he stopped to speak to us, explaining that he had heard about the land mine and had come to offer his moral support and see the damage for himself. You can imagine how our spirits were lifted by his visit - I just wished that I hadn't looked quite so scruffy in the great man's presence!

Joining up
In 1942 I was called up and joined the WAAF. As part of the MT section I was taught to drive different vehicles, ambulances, petrol bowsers and lorries, as well as Staff cars, and travelled all over the country being responsible for the safe transport of many important officers. One of the places I was stationed was Turnhouse in Scotland where I met my husband — an RAF engineer — and we married in 1944.

Seat of Power
The photograph with this story was taken in April 1999 on the occasion of my 80th birthday. As a treat, my neighbours had driven me up to London to have tea at The Ritz Hotel. We arrived a little early and as the weather was fine, we decided to wait outside. It was then that we discovered the seat with statues of Winston Churchill and President Roosevelt. When I saw Winston Churchill's statue on the seat, I just couldn't resist sitting down next to him. He had been my hero since that memorable day in 1940 - and at least on this occasion (some 59 years later), I felt suitably dressed!

Buckingham Palace
In July 2001 because of the Not Forgotten Association, I was chosen to represent the RAF and invited to Buckingham Palace — another wonderful day in my life. It’s important for us to keep and record our memories, so let us all — not forget.

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