Hamilton resident shares World War II memories on Remembrance Day

A resident at a Hamilton care home has marked Remembrance Day by sharing her childhood memories of World War II – including living near London at the time of the Blitz and evacuating to air raid shelters with her younger siblings.

Barbra McWhirter remembers listening to the radio when it was announced that Britain was at war in support of Poland on November 3, 1939, and she later went on to become part of the Civil Defense Service.

The 93-year-old has created a wide-ranging memory box including numerous personal treasures such as service badges, and shared her wartime experiences with fellow residents and staff at Douglas View care home in the town.

Barbra was around nine during the Blitz, when she lived on the outskirts of the capital city with her family including her sister and brother, then aged seven and two.

She recalls being with her siblings when air raid sirens went off, and told how she was in charge of waking them during the terrifying times and taking her baby brother, Peter, to public shelter.

Barbra said: “They were big brick buildings and every time the siren alarmed, everyone had to go. I took my little brother to the shelter and had to wait. Eventually my mother and sister showed up, but it was very scary as I was so young.”

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She went on to join the Civil Defense Service when she was old enough, where she learned how to fire a rifle.

Barbra said: “The Civil Defense was very important after the war because the Cold War had started. It was our job to help the military and defend our country from any further attacks.”

Her husband was also part of the same service, and Barbra still has both of their service badges in her memory box.

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Douglas View manager Louise Fulton said of Barbra’s story: “It’s amazing to meet and get to know people with such interesting backgrounds and it is such a privilege to listen to their stories and life experiences – there is much to be learned from their words of wisdom.”

The Hamilton residents and staff joined those at HC-One care homes across the country in reflecting on the remarkable lives of residents who served in the armed forces.

A spokesperson told how they were “acknowledging their invaluable contributions to our country” and said: “These men and women, now in their twilight years, carry stories of courage, resilience, and dedication that continue to inspire and educate future generations.”

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