OH TO BE - AN EVACUEE!
by Bill Yendall
War broke out with Germany, just five year's old and evacuee.
Put on a train with sister Joan, no time to cry, no time to moan.
Mile upon mile through countryside, somewhere to live?, somewhere to hide?
The train was stopping run out of steam? a place called Dawlish, was this a dream?
We all got out held hands and cases, soon to find our allocated places.
Where oh! where were we to stop? soon we knew it was Knapmans shop.
Lots of clocks a ticking here, we raised our hands to cover each ear.
Home now seemed so far away, a good night's sleep t'will be another day.
We were to move from that first place, something different for us to face?
Brunts Cafe was that place to be, down the stairs they were brewing tea.
Could we hope for something snappy, alas to say we grew unhappy.
Into the picture came "Aunt Nell", she offered her home for us to dwell.
Aunt Nell's name was Mrs. Spear, with husband Alf we were to endear.
We stayed with them for over three years, in dear old Dawlish we hade no fears.
A lovely town with it's flowing stream, please believe me 'twas no dream.
A railway line along the beach, passing through cliffs other towns to reach.
We'd walk to town along Barton's back,soon to see the swans of black.
Memorable years despite the war, often been back to further explore.
Life was happy with the Spears', Joan kept in touch through many years.
Yes, Dawlish was the place to be, during my years as an evacuee.