成人论坛

Ernest Tate was born on 2 June 1931. He lived in Belle Isle during the war.

He has fond memories of the time. During the war he recalls going out with his dad to make sure the neighbours were in their shelters when the sirens went off and going out hunting for spies with his friends.

He was 14 when the war ended. On VE Day he remembers sitting around the table listening to the official announcement on radio that war had ended. He remembers his mum crying in relief that the war was over, and hoping for the safe return of Ernest鈥檚 older brothers who were in the army as well as two of his brother-in-law鈥檚.

He remembers people being elated that the war had ended and remembers some street parties, though his neighbourhood didn鈥檛 have as many as some streets.

Ernest went on to serve his time in the army and then trained as a brick-layer, which is an occupation he retained until retirement.

Image: Ernest now and as a child.