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Hamilton resident shares World War II memories on Remembrance Day

A Hamilton resident, Barbra McWhirter, has shared her childhood memories of World War II on Remembrance Day at the age of 93. She recounted living near London during the Blitz and evacuating to air raid shelters with her siblings. Barbra vividly remembers hearing the announcement on the radio about Britain going to war in support of Poland on November 3, 1939, which marked the beginning of a tumultuous period in her childhood.
As a young girl during the Blitz, Barbra lived on the outskirts of London with her family, including her sister and brother who were just seven and two years old at the time. She recalls the fear of air raid sirens going off and having the responsibility of waking her siblings during these terrifying moments. Barbra shared how she would take her baby brother, Peter, to the public shelter while waiting anxiously for her mother and sister to arrive.
When Barbra was old enough, she joined the Civil Defense Service and learned how to fire a rifle. Reflecting on her involvement with the service, she highlighted its importance during the Cold War era, where their duty was to assist the military in defending the country from potential attacks. Her husband was also part of the service, and Barbra proudly keeps both their service badges in her memory box.
At Douglas View care home in Hamilton, where Barbra resides, she opened up about her wartime experiences by sharing her memory box filled with personal treasures and service badges. The care home manager, Louise Fulton, expressed admiration for Barbra’s story, emphasising how enriching it is to hear from individuals with such fascinating backgrounds and life experiences.
Throughout HC-One care homes across the UK, including Douglas View, residents and staff commemorated Remembrance Day by honouring the lives of veterans and reflecting on their sacrifices. These individuals, now in their twilight years, carry stories of courage, resilience, and dedication that continue to inspire future generations.
In today’s world, hearing firsthand accounts of historical events like World War II from individuals like Barbra McWhirter provides a valuable connection to the past. As we pay tribute to those who served and remember the hardships they endured, we are reminded of the importance of preserving these stories for generations to come.