The singing of patriotic songs, and pledge of allegiance to Britain by seven year old Ross Grimmett played a significant part in the downfall of Adolph Hitler - it must have done, because Hitler is long since dead whereas Ross is still very much alive!
Seventyfive years later Ross, our guest speaker last week, shared his memories of growing-up in Dunedin during World War II. Setting the scene - a modest home in the Southeast corner of Mornington; a coal range that heated the water, cooked the food and burned the rubbish; hot water bottles; a "penny in the slot" telephone box down the road.
Then came Rationing - of petrol, tea, sugar and knicker elastic. Singing of popular songs of the day (like "Rosie The Riveter") to keep spirits up. Black-outs, Air Raid Shelters, searchlights and sirens. No Macdonalds, but a cooked crayfish cost one shilling!
Ross kept us entertained with his own style of humour, but also gave a good insight into the hardships faced.
Seventyfive years later Ross, our guest speaker last week, shared his memories of growing-up in Dunedin during World War II. Setting the scene - a modest home in the Southeast corner of Mornington; a coal range that heated the water, cooked the food and burned the rubbish; hot water bottles; a "penny in the slot" telephone box down the road.
Then came Rationing - of petrol, tea, sugar and knicker elastic. Singing of popular songs of the day (like "Rosie The Riveter") to keep spirits up. Black-outs, Air Raid Shelters, searchlights and sirens. No Macdonalds, but a cooked crayfish cost one shilling!
Ross kept us entertained with his own style of humour, but also gave a good insight into the hardships faced.
