Here is a snippet from one of our many Oral History audio files. In it, Dulcie Arundell tells the story of a night-time meeting at Shipton Station.
Listen Here
Transcript
“There was a lot of work. I met an American serviceman, working late one night, and I shan’t ever forget him. I was in the office. We had one office staff, one outside staff, always on late duty. And he’d come from a convalescent home somewhere, and he was going to RAF Lyneham.
At least the American Air Force was at RAF Lyneham. And he’d been sent to Shipton, as we had such a lot of both goods and people come to Shipton station for Lyneham.. But it wasn’t our Lyneham.. It was Lyneham in Wiltshire, you see.
And at that time of night there was no possibility of getting out of the village really. And I felt so sorry for him. I said, “Right, well, I’ll ring through and I’ll see what I can do”, and I was itching to get home.
And it took me almost, I think, an hour and a half before I could get anybody to do anything about it. And I said, “Something’s got to be done. He’s just come from a convalescent home. He can’t stay here on the station all night.”.
And eventually, they agreed to send a truck out for him. And I’ll never forget him. He opened out his wallet, and he said, “Now, I want you to have all this.” And I said, “Well, don’t be silly.”
And he said, “I know my number’s up.” he said, “I’d like you to have it, because wherever they send me, I know my number’s up.” And I said, “No, on no account.” I said, “You take the chance like anybody else.” I said, “And we shall all pray for you.” And I said, “I’ll tell you what I will do. I’ll take one of these $1 notes.” And I’ve still got that $1 note.
I’ll always remember then, because I felt so sorry for him, because he didn’t look well. Anyway, they sent the truck out for him. What happened to him? I don’t know. But I’ve never forgot that fellow.”
The Full Interview
Dulcie’s grandparents were from an agricultural background, grandfather was cowman to the Hartley family in Shipton. Mother, Winifred Emma Powell married father Leonard Hill Shepherd – he came from Stonesfield, a butcher’s roundsman.
Descriptions of family life and growing families, and of school attendance- especially the opportunities for social mobility for pupils showing ability – Dulcie was one such beneficiary.
A lively and in-depth interview with references to many Wychwoods family names, village and community activities, shops, postal services, the telephone exchange, her sister’s shocking accident, and with special reference to Dr Scott and his paternal care for village families in need.
Among many anecdotes is this touching story of a GI soldier who arrived late night at Shipton station, looking for Lyneham in Wiltshire. Many such stories and anecdotes pepper this extensive interview.
More Extracts
