Captive Experiences: Area 3: 1940s Heist

A Fire Watcher’s Tale

In 1940, at the age of 17, I was allowed to serve with the men as a ‘Fire Watcher’.

We were required to spend spells of duty in our section protecting buildings. We did this by watching for, and smothering, any incendiary bombs with sandbags, and soaking any fires that had started with our hand pumps whilst waiting for the Fire Brigade.

There were many casualties and not a few fatalities caused by this hellraising.

The Jerries continued their onslaught from the air, and evacuations were the order of the day.

So it was that late on a November night, whilst on duty, I observed a strange occurrence that caught my attention.

At this house, in an exclusive area of my watch, I observed several people about when the Air Raid sirens were sounding.

I knew only too well that the house belonged to a senior officer in the armed forces, away on duty and his family had been evacuated.

I am sure they are up to no good, but I can’t keep track of them whilst undertaking my duties.

It seems to me that they were about no good and after secrets secured within this house.