A writer’s memories of the Second World War are being used in the classroom to bring history to life for youngsters
John Phipps, 79, of Allandale, Hemel Hempstead, penned his memories of being a young boy during the war in his book Living Through A War: A Lighter Look At WW2, which he published earlier this year.
Primary schools in Dacorum, including Two Waters Primary, Westfield First and St Cuthbert Mayne, have bought a number of copies of John’s book to help teach pupils about the war, because it relates to Key Stage 2.
John was just six at the outbreak of war, and now at the age of 79 he has penned his memories of time spent during the war in South Harrow on the outskirts of London, and then Devon.
Dundale School in Tring ordered several of the books and then asked John if he would visit to talk about his memories.
He said: “It’s delightful that they asked me to go into the school and talk about my experiences.
“The children were very clued up about the war and had a lot of questions to ask me.”
Year 4 teacher Helen Dunford said: “It was a very informative visit.
“The children were absolutely fascinated by John’s experiences and he gave an incredible insight into what it would have been like for children at the time.
“Pupils in Year 4 have been learning about the war, particularly about children being evacuated and John talking about his memories was very relevant.”
John’s book is available at the Waterstones Store in Hemel Hempstead town centre.
It can also be found online by searching the book title on Amazon.
John is now working on a novel.