Betty's Bear

Recently, my son Martin picked me up so we could go for a coffee and to catch up on the weeks events. As I settled into my seat, I noticed that we had another passenger. Sitting behind him was an old brown teddy bear, which he immediately gave me to hold.

During our journey, Martin spoke animatedly about his latest acquisition, referring to it as a "Blitz Bear." I had never heard this phrase before but Martin went on to explain its provenance.  The bear had been reconditioned, it had no identifying label, but judging by his shape, coarse coat, and fixed limbs and head, it is thought to be 90 - 100 years old. What seemed like a simple toy immediately became much more interesting as Martin shared the story behind it.

Martin has a keen interest in aviation and wartime history. Through his popular Instagram page, "flying_with_martin", he regularly shares photographs, research, and stories from the world of historic aviation with a large and enthusiastic following. Our conversation soon turned to life on the Home Front during the Second World War, and he explained how teddy bears and other comfort toys often became treasured companions for children living through those difficult years.

Whether sheltering during air raids, made homeless by bombing, or leaving home as evacuees, many children carried a favourite toy that provided them with comfort and a sense of security when so much around them was uncertain. Many readers will be familiar with the photographs from that period: children wearing gasmask boxes over their shoulders, huddled in air raid shelters or standing on railway platforms, clutching a bear, a doll, or some other cherished possession.

As we talked, Martin suggested that a collaboration between his Instagram and my blog might be possible. That I could try to write a story or two imagining the adventures of this old bear and the child who once loved him. Where did they go? What did they see? Did they spend nights in air raid shelters, travel by train as evacuees, or witness the momentous events of wartime Britain together? Looking at that old bear, I couldn't help wondering what stories it might tell if it could speak.

The poem that follows is a possible first step on that journey. Told from the bear's own perspective, it is dedicated to all the silent, furry companions who shared the hopes and  fears of a generation of children during wartime.

BETTY'S BEAR 

Amidst the roar of metal rain,

The doodle bugs buzz by,

We run to hide below the ground

Beneath the pitch black sky.

Hidden in the shelter,

While sirens split the night,

Betty shivered, shook and cried

And squeezed and held me tight.

I press my faded, furry cheek,

Against her tear-stained face,

To block the roar of falling stone, 

Inside this crowded place.

My fur so worn, my eyes so black,

Reflect the searchlight beams,

A silent guard in Betty's arms,

Defending childhood dreams.

I do not have a uniform,

There's no helmet on my head,

But I will brave the dark and dust,

Besides her shelter bed.

I cannot stop the bombs that drop,

Or make the siren cease,

But I will soothe and comfort her,

Until the dawn brings peace. 

Image by chatgbt