“I don’t recall ever feeling scared” Blitz survivor remembers community spirit

As the city of Coventry prepare to commemorate the 85th anniversary of the Blitz, many will be hearing the stories of relative’s accounts of the night passed down through generations. Covfeed had the privilege to document a firsthand account from 97-year-old Gordon Talbot.

The evening started like most November nights do, cold and dark. No one could pre-empt the horrors about to hit the city locals called ‘our Coventry’. 11-year-old Gordon Talbot, along with his family, took shelter at the bottom of their garden. By the time the raid was over, they were buried under debris. Mr Talbot’s father was a miner, who managed to dig himself and his family out of the collapsed ruins.

The children of the Blitz didn’t know anything else, and like most children were curious and even excited about the changes surrounding them. Once the raid had ceased, Gordon and his family had sadly lost their home. But he never recalls feeling sad. More excited, as he and his friends would have lots to climb on now.

Gordon also found much enjoyment in collecting shrapnel and pieces of the cities ruined, many of which he donated to the Midlands Air Museum. All his memories of this period of wartime are happy he says. His father taught him how to tend a garden, treating each plant with love.

Stories like Gordons remind us about how Coventry is a city based on community. Together they rebuilt the place they called home.

This week we celebrate the memories of the people who healed Coventry together. Those who helped one and other when they themselves needed it too.

Two sirens will sound at 18:55, just like they did 85 years ago as the air raid began.

Moonlight Sonata will always have a shadow over Coventry, but the people here will always shine brighter.