This programme features Eric Rennie (born 1933) and Sena (born in 1921) and her friend Helen (born in 1924). They all live in Fraserburgh on the north-east coast of Scotland. They discuss the impact of the Second World War on their lives. There are four main aspects covered:

Eric describes the impact of bombing raids on Fraserburgh. At the start of the war he would never have dreamed of the Germans dropping bombs on his home town. However, the Luftwaffe’s Heinkel bomber (the first jet-propelled aircraft) targeted convoys, which sailed close to the coast, and they unloaded their surplus bombs on the town.

The first bombing raid was on Fraserburgh on 16 July 1940. Eric describes the raid, which destroyed the Commercial Bar: 34 people were killed and 52 injured.

Eric mentions the anti-aircraft guns in the town. Zena and Helen mention the fact that they were firewatchers — waiting for incendiary bombs (bombs which caused fires) to be dropped. They also mention air-raid shelters. There is a picture of a pillbox, which formed part of the coastal defence.

Zena and Helen both worked in factories during the war. They had to operate machines, which had previously been operated by men who were now fighting in the war. Helen started work at the factory, straight from school, at the age of 15. She was paid 5 shillings (25p) a week. Zena worked in a fish-and-chip shop, but had to do ‘war work’ as well, so was required to work in the factory.

They made parts for Rolls Royce Merlin aircraft engines and parts for ‘botha’ guns. The Germans targeted the factory, but it was never hit.

Eric was evacuated from his home for a period of time because of an unexploded bomb near his house. He didn’t like his host family — they were of a different ‘class’ to him, with very ‘proper’ accents. He did, however, prefer the food in his new home.