Romford Civil Defence, Report and Control, outside the Town Hall, May 1945.

This photograph was kindly provided by Geoffrey Styles, who is standing at the left end of the middle row.  He writes:

"I was thirteen years old when recruited as a "messenger boy" through a group at St. Edward's Church in Romford Market Place.  I always looked older than I was.  Now that I am old, people tell me I don't look 71!  Hah!

"My father had a pretty important "night-time" job with the local ARP Group and he encouraged me to get involved.  My brother was working full time and so could not become engaged in such duties.  He soon became a member of the British Army (at age 17½) and was off to war.

"I spent one night a week at the 'Report Centre' in the Town Hall, sleeping in the basement on bunks.  We ran errands when needed.  A bonus was the 'big' breakfast provided every morning.  Eggs, sausage, toast and tea.  WOW.  Helped a young man's stomach, believe me."

When the Civil Defence Service was disbanded, all workers were sent a message from the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the Borough of Romford.