After Living Through WWII And Covid, My Wartime Vs Pandemic By Sheila Crossley Asks Which Was Worse

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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Sheila Crossley’s My Wartime Vs Pandemic compares her experiences growing up in Luton during World War II to her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic with her husband, leaving readers to ponder which event had a greater impact.

My Wartime Vs Pandemic

In her 95th year, Sheila Crossley’s My Wartime vs. Pandemic offers a poignant comparison of life before, during, and after World War II with her experiences navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Growing up in Luton, a target for Nazi bombers due to its factories, Crossley shares vivid memories of evacuations, air raids, and the profound changes wrought by war.

Drawing parallels between her wartime ordeals and the challenges posed by a global pandemic, Crossley delves into the personal and societal impacts of both events. She recounts her husband’s hospitalization and his time on a ventilator, providing a firsthand account of the healthcare crisis during COVID-19.

My Wartime vs. Pandemic is more than a personal memoir; it’s a valuable contribution to social history. Crossley’s unwavering resilience and fortitude shine through, inviting readers to consider the similarities and differences between these two life-altering events. Ultimately, the book poses a thought-provoking question: which side truly won, if either, in this contest of war versus pandemic?

Sheila Crossley

I lived and grew up during World War II  in Luton,  Bedfordshire. Interestingly, where I currently live there are some that believe Luton, Stanstead, Heathrow and Gatwick are all part of London, just like Wimbledon is.

Before the war, we called ourselves Lutonians, which made us sound quite posh. The children that were evacuated to escape the London Blitz came to our school, and we called them the Londoners. So, they changed Lutonians to Lutoners, but didn’t pronounce the ‘t’.

Whilst Luton should have been relatively safe from bombers, London Midland and Scottish (LMS) Railway provided a useful guide for aircraft to use, as unlike many other landmarks it could not be camouflaged.  And so my hometown was an easy target for both incoming and outgoing bombers.

-Sheila Crossley

The Second World War erupted just weeks before Sheila Crossley’s tenth birthday, casting a long shadow over her adolescence. It wasn’t until she turned sixteen that the war finally ended, leaving a lasting impact on her life.

Crossley’s experiences during the war were marked by hardship and resilience. She endured air raids, sleeping in an underground shelter with others for safety. Her education was disrupted by the war, and she faced challenges in obtaining basic necessities like shoes and a winter coat.

Her family also struggled financially, burdened by the debts incurred during the illnesses and deaths of her younger siblings and mother. Her father worked tirelessly to provide for them, while her stepmother contributed to the household income through her craft work.

After the war, Crossley encountered new challenges as displaced persons, including former prisoners of war, began to arrive in her community. She learned to navigate these interactions with assertiveness, even resorting to physical self-defense when necessary.

Despite the hardships, Crossley found small joys during this time. She was able to enjoy the luxury of attending the cinema and indulging in a treat like a choc-ice.

Find more from Sheila Crossley now:

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3Yyjz79

Paperback: https://amzn.to/3Yhr1SI

Hardcover: https://amzn.to/3NzluCa

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