SEPTEMBER 1942
My father came home for a seven day leave spell in September. Immediately he arrived mother"s mood brightened perceptively. You could tell by her springy step, the tone of her voice and a good few other little indicators. Dad came home laden with all the usual goodies that swelled Mum"s larder considerably and Cadbury"s Milk Chocolate bars for Paula and me. My mother wanted to know how he had managed to get hold of a large joint of beef fit for roasting but he just put one finger to the side of his nose and she raised an eyebrow. After that nothing more was said but it did make a terrific Sunday roast dinner with roasted potatoes, green beans and mum"s special, highly spiced onion gravy. We all had second helpings except Mum herself and thought Christmas had arrived early.
