The Pre-War Years

George Alexander Brighten (my father) was born in Walthamstow on 14th April 1917.  His parents were William Brighten and Phyllis King.

George was one of 9 children, of whom only 7 survived to adulthood - 

He had to leave school at 14 to earn a living and started working at Cable and Wireless in Holborn London as a 'Telegraph Boy' -

A telegraph boy was a young man, typically between 13 and 17 years old, whose job was to physically deliver telegrams, often by bicycle, across urban areas. They connected the fast-moving electrical telegraph network to the public, delivering messages that could carry crucial, and sometimes distressing, news for both individuals and businesses.

Daily life: Boys often worked long hours and had a significant amount of responsibility. It was their job to get it to its destination as quickly as possible, 

Working conditions: The work was often difficult and paid based on a piece-rate, meaning they earned less than indoor operators and did not receive union benefits. Some even had to deliver telegrams to dangerous areas at night.

George in his Telegraph Boy uniform

He continued working at Cable and Wireless until he retired in 1977  His final position was as Senior Clerk in the Engineering department which was responsible for the laying of undersea cables.

He was a keen football player and lifelong supporter of Arsenal Football Club. 

The photo below is of Westbourne Football Club.  Dad is circled 2nd from left, middle row.  Behind him (also circled) is Mum's eldest brother Alf, her youngest brother Fred is far right front row.  Back row far right is Stan Farris - Jan's father in Law (Roy's father)

Ethel Powell (my mother) was born in April 1917 - the third youngest of 7 children - Alfred, Doris, Daisy, Lily, Ethel, Alice and Fred.  Their parents were Edward Powell and Ethel Bambridge.

The image below is from the Census carried out in 1921

The Powell Sisters

The photo above is of her doing gymnastics (she is the one upside down doing the handstand on the girl's knees!).  We believe she worked as a bookbinder before the war started.

Some of the Powell family - from left to right Ethel Snr.  Doris (known to all as Doll), Alice, Lilly and Ethel (my mother).