'I can remember world war two being declared in September 1939'

'I can remember world war two being declared in September 1939'

Avril Patterson describes her first memory of collecting her baby brother from hospital. She also remembers later being evacuated from Belfast during the blitz.

Avril Patterson

Trinity College Dublin

1939

This item is protected by original copyright

This content may be downloaded and used (with attribution) for research,teaching or private study. It may not be used for commercial purposes without permission.

Avril Patterson

Childhood and Early Life

Life Story

Letterbreen,Co. Fermanagh

1940's

My first significant memory is going to Malone Place maternity hospital,Belfast to collect my baby brother Basil. I was then 8 years old. I can remember world war two being declared in September 1939. In 1941 I can remember going to live with relations in Letterbreen,Co. Fermanagh because of the Blitz in Belfast. At this time my second brother,Roy,came to live with us. He was 6 weeks old. My father went to work in London during the war. Before we went to live in Fermanagh,I attended Malone P.E. School,Balmoral avenue.My favourite toy was my Doll's House,doll and doll's pram. My hobbies were cycling,reading,sewing,dancing and activities in my local church,Letterbreen Methodist Church

Irish Research Council for Arts,Humanities & Social Sciences (IRCHSS)

Dr Kathleen McTiernan (Trinity College Dublin)

Dr Deirdre O'Donnell (Trinity College Dublin)