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I was born at Langley Mill on the 14th July 1926. I lived with my Grandmother, Emily Long and Parents, Bernard and Doris Goodall in Ebenezer Street for about 6 years. The house then had to be pulled down due to the expansion of the Aristoc factory.

When I was old enough I had wanted to join the forces and duly went to enlist. A long time passed, then even longer, I got so frustrated that I went back to the offices to check my name was down, which it was.

Then finally notification came from the enlisting office, I was so excited - until I read what was on the letter - I was to report to the local pit straight away!
I went back to the office and said I thought there had been some mistake which, they assured me there had not, I stated that I would then become a concientious objector and they told me to please myself but all I would then get was a big fine and still have to go down the mines.

I felt angry and cheated but felt I had no choice but to follow the path that had been chosen for me.......

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