Loch Primary pupils learn from first hand accounts about WW2

Nov 25 2009 by Douglas Dickie, Rutherglen Reformer

KIDS at a Rutherglen primary school were given an insight into World War Two - with the help of locals who lived through those dark years

The primary seven class at Loch Primary School were visited by residents of Lochbrae who regaled them with their memories of the war.

The big topics included the evacuations, the pain of having loved ones fighting and living through fear during the blitz.

One local, Michael Rowe, even told the class a great deal about famous planes like the Spitfire that were used during the conflict.

The visit was part of a class project on World War Two.

The pupils performed a special assembly for the residents which included showing off their artwork, Anderson Shelter models and gas masks.

It was the second year the pupils had gained first hand knowledge during a project.

The idea of doing the same again came from new primary seven teacher, Ashlea Russell, who originally invited her aunt in to give a talk.

She hopes it will become a regular feature for the school.

Said the teacher: “This is my first year as primary seven teacher, but last year they did this for the first time and hopefully it’s something that will continue for the children.

“It went really, really well, the kids thoroughly enjoyed it.

“They were able to chat to the residents and the boys were especially engrossed with what Michael had to say about the planes. They were all really mature about it.

“They can read the books and watch the DVDs, but it’s good for them to have actual people who were there. That makes it real for them.”

As well as Michael’s fascinating tales, there were sadder stories from other residents.

One resident, Christine Frew, said: “The saddest thing for me during the war was that the man who lived upstairs was killed on the last day of the conflict.”

Charlotte Donoghue also had a story to tell the pupils.

She said: “My brother was in the Navy during the war. His ships were torpedoed three times during the war but one time he was badly injured and was rescued by Algerian sailors who happened to be passing by the ship. He was pulled out of the water and taken to safety.

“They put him in a cell for the night because there was nowhere else for him to go. When he woke up in the morning it was his 21st birthday. He lost an eye because of that attack.”

Afterwards, both pupils and visitors hailed the event as a great success.

Anne McInnes from Lochbrae, said: “'It's lovely to know that children are still interested in the war,” while Mary Corrie added: “I enjoyed the singing. The knowledge of the children was also very good and it's nice to see it's still being discussed. The morning has brought back memories for us.”

Pupil Marc Gourlay said: “I liked learning from Michael about all of the different planes.

“He told me lots about the role the Spitfire played in the war.”

Classmate Caitlin Steele added: “I enjoyed learning about the War from the residents.

“One lady told me about being evacuated with her mum because her family was so big,” while Melissa McCarroll said: “I learned that only one bomb was dropped in Rutherglen.”