I was back in London in 1943, this time with a Midlands accent.

I took the scholarship (now known as the 11+) at Droop Street School where my sister was being taught and from there I went to Grammar School in Westminster.

Rene and I used to spend most of the long summer holidays in Oakthorpe, where it was good to meet up with old friends again.

We were there in August 1945 for VJ Day, when the war was officially over. I danced holes in my shoes on Oakthorpe Square that evening!