Figure 1.--This is the orginal suitcase I took to America in 1940. The labels are contempory but were for a return trip in 1948. Put your cursor on the image to see what is left of the contents list.

We were allowed just one suit case each. So you can imagine what ensued. Mum wanted to include practical items like clothes. My and my brother bedrooms were in turmoil. We wanted to take everything bar the kitchen sink. I was livid I coun't take my train set, and cars. I think we eventually agreed the Dinky toys took up least space. And I certainly was not about to go without Teddy! I still have the suitcase that I took to America. Sadly the label, listing the contents has been torn out. In the end I took Teddy. The suitcase also contined basic clothes plus a few toys. The Dinky Toys (small model cars, ships and airplanes). One of my favourite ships was a model of HMS Hood. It was the best-known ship in the Royal Navy. It was later the ship that blew up with all hands but three survivors when hit by an unlucky shell from the Bismark. It is a great shame that the contents label has been detroyed. There are a few items still legible in my mother's handwriting. It is apparent that minimal clothing was taken--eg just two pairs of underpants! Two Khaki shorts are listed. These I remember were common summer play clothes worn with matching shirts. I think I was a bit ashamed to have a Teddy at nearly 10 and this was soon lost.