AN EXTRAORDINARY woman who lived through the Coventry Blitz is set to release a book retelling her remarkable life while helping today’s disadvantaged young people.
Mabel Hewitt, 93, was 11 when she had to take shelter underground with her mother and sisters as the bombs rained down.
Her new book ‘Mabel’s War: Love and Hope Beyond the Blitz’, also gives an account of the years that followed, including destruction, fear and the camaraderie which pulled everyone through them.
She said: “I just can’t tell you how horrific it was during that time.
“Food was rationed and I remember my mum telling me one evening we were eating all the rations that night – I knew she meant she didn’t think we’d be here the next day.”
The morning after the bombing Mabel tried to go to school but wasn’t able to as the army had to come in overnight to deal with an unexploded bomb.
“We experienced the bombing in an Anderson shelter, I remember how cold and damp it was in there but it was a lot safer than a lot of places with all the bombs falling.
“I pray to God there will never be another war like it – writing this book has brought back so many memories.
“I can still remember how the bombs whistled through the air, it was terrible but we all rallied together and helped each other.
“When peace was declared we had the biggest street party ever, I still remember a lad setting the gramophone up and everyone celebrating.”
Her story was ghostwritten by Barbara Jones who is semi-retired after a long career as a war correspondent journalist.
All the royalties from the book will go to Mabel’s Enterprise, which funds school trips for youngsters at Washwood Heath Academy, the largest school in a Birmingham ward where 57 per cent of children live in poverty.
The community interest company was set up by Mabel’s grandson Matt Henderson, and the pair co-wrote the children’s book series ‘The Tingalings’ to raise cash for their cause.
Mabel’s new book will be released on Thursday, March 9, and costs £10.99.
Visit thehistorypress.co.uk and search for ‘Mabel’s War’ to buy a copy of Mabel’s war.
