Strange But True.
Posted: Friday, 11 August 2006 |
There is nothing strange about being born on a west coast Island, but the different events over the decades can have strange undertones. So it is natural that I wouldn't call my own appearance in 1942, to a crofting family anything but normal. But at this time in the history of the world a terrible period prevailed. The lights had gone out over Europe.
For me it may well not have existed all tucked in my cot as my parents struggled
with their occupation as crofters not knowing even what sacrifice would be imminent. The news in 1942 I'm sure were bad and the social set up was rapidly changeing as two sides faced each other in deadly combat.
During the war, even on the islands, we had to conform to certain requirments as other parts of the country : food rationing and black outs for a start. But for one good advantage we were'nt on a starvation course like our neighbours in the cities. the crofts produced plenty potatoes, milk and eggs which were often shared with those without. What was once called : the staple diet of the islands, the potatoes already mentoned, were sold on demand to those wo didn't have the ways and means to acquire, espically with the men on war service.
On this island like some others the government provided special encouragement to produce traditional crops and therefore beef although the monotary returns were not always of the best; a basis for a better future was being established; and is this not strange at a time of huge conflict.
Talk about the Second World War stayed alive for a long time after it ceased, and I learned about what I'd missed out on, an so I can see why Europe doesn't want another disasterous episode, with every effort being made to avoid it.
For me it may well not have existed all tucked in my cot as my parents struggled
with their occupation as crofters not knowing even what sacrifice would be imminent. The news in 1942 I'm sure were bad and the social set up was rapidly changeing as two sides faced each other in deadly combat.
During the war, even on the islands, we had to conform to certain requirments as other parts of the country : food rationing and black outs for a start. But for one good advantage we were'nt on a starvation course like our neighbours in the cities. the crofts produced plenty potatoes, milk and eggs which were often shared with those without. What was once called : the staple diet of the islands, the potatoes already mentoned, were sold on demand to those wo didn't have the ways and means to acquire, espically with the men on war service.
On this island like some others the government provided special encouragement to produce traditional crops and therefore beef although the monotary returns were not always of the best; a basis for a better future was being established; and is this not strange at a time of huge conflict.
Talk about the Second World War stayed alive for a long time after it ceased, and I learned about what I'd missed out on, an so I can see why Europe doesn't want another disasterous episode, with every effort being made to avoid it.
Posted on Island Wanderer at 01:00
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