Hymers Junior School was evacuated to Market Weighton during the early part of the Second World War which proved not exactly secure, as German Bombers bombed Driffield Aerodrome. One of my billet keepers, a farm labourer had to dive into a ditch to escape from being machine gunned by a German fighter.

I remember in one billet sleeping on a feather bed and listening to all the anthems of the allies.  We also listened to American broadcasts featuring Orchestras, Singers and Comedians.  The only school teacher I remember was called Mr "Oscar" Kidder (OH Staff 1920-50) who entertained us with films from his 8mm Pathescope projector.

He took us for nature rambles even in the height of winter which were pretty severe. Sweets were very hard to come by so we roamed the fields eating raw carrots. Once we obtained a tin of condensed milk - nectar!

My last billet was with a Veterinary Surgeon, Mr Cook, down Londesborough Road. Mrs Cook used to supply me with a small tin of Golden Syrup for breakfast which had to last a month! I visited another billet keeper to see my friends, Roach and Rowe - we ate Bovril on biscuits.

Finally, we visited the cinema every Saturday morning and sat upstairs as the borstal boys from St Williams sat below. Films included Laurel and Hardy and Disney films.

Tony Craven, OH 1938-46

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