THE JOURNEY 

By Tessa Harvey

    The war had affected the small town where Patrick and Josie lived with the little rescued children, Josha and Jenna.
    Terrible stories about what was happening to all who stood against Hitler and to those he deemed "unworthy of life".....Gypsies, Christians and mostly Jewish people. But neither adult spoke of the children's heritage because antisemitism was alive and well, an ancient hatred - even here.
    Some children had been sent to the country to be kept safe. Many had not been treated well - made to work too hard on farms and in shops. Many children did not like the country and eventually came home. All adults who could worked for the war effort, perhaps on the land - The Land Army - or in the army services for women.
    There was a small clothing factory employing many nearby. Most families had someone serving overseas or at home in essential occupations.
    Planes flew over, returning often from bombing the large ports and cities. The sirens went off, but few took any notice. Until one day, in June, this town was the target. The bombs rained down and people ran for shelter as fast as they were able.

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