WARTIME BOYHOOD

i grew up in Chiseldon in the Second World War. In those days, Chiseldon was spelt Chisledon. I lived in Hodson Road and attended the then primary school opposite the Patriots Arms. The two teachers were Mrs. Bullock and Mrs. Cox. It was the era of wartime evacuees, blackouts, air raid wardens, land girls, the Home Guard and food and petrol rationing. Rotation of troops at Chisledon camp included the Tommies, Americans and Australians. Hospital trains arrived at Chisledon station and convoys of ambulances made their way down Hodson Road to the military hospital at Wroughton. After Chisledon primary I attended the old Swindon High School and caught the steam train each morning. Much excitement in winter when the snow plough had to be attached. Following air raids, sometimes the train contained a guarded carriage containing Luftwaff air crew shot down overnight. Went to the Chisledon Church most Sundays, and taught at the Sunday school in the ancient thatched cottages opposite the church. Walked down through the Washpool to get to the church. Have spent half a century in Australia. Despite the wartime tribulations, still have fond memories of the Wiltshire village that was my home for ten years.