28 minutes | Tuesday, 6 November 2018
Part of our series of interviews in recognition of the sacrifice and service of those who fought in the wars – from first hand experiences, to family members relating the often very emotional stories of their loved ones. It seemed no sooner had the Great War finished - and men, women and children were trying to rebuild their lives while dealing with the atrocities and enormous loss suffered by so many - that another World War loomed large. This of course meant that fathers, mothers, brothers and daughters were in the position of having to watch their loved ones leave home once more, potentially to suffer the same dreadful fate that Their War was meant to put an end to.
One such family was that of Fransis Hinds, nee Dobson. Having spent her early years living at Groudle with no running water or electricity, she decided she wanted an adventure and saw the Forces as an opportunity. Christy DeHaven went to speak with her about her own experience in the 2nd WW as a clerk and decoder, only to find that her father, uncles, brothers and more had been caught up in some of the biggest battles of both conflicts. With a little help from her daughter Gill, we pieced together some of their story - one that they’re still learning about themselves.