In August 2011 Tamsin Astbury, Publications Officer requested the wartime memories of alumni. On the Memories of War webpage you will find all the memories in full, plus images and photos from the time and extracts from alumni publications. Below is an extract from January 2012's featured memory:

Alastair McKay - m.1942

"Rooms OZ 1^st Court 1943-1944 Memories

1.       Lying in bed in the early hours of the night, hearing wave upon wave of heavy bombers flying over to targets in Germany. And then in the early morning, hearing them returning, distressingly in far fewer numbers.

2.       As well as one’s studies, one also had to train to be ready to go into the armed forces on graduation, if not directed into reserved occupation War work. Reading mechanical sciences, I was assigned to the Royal engineers, whose duty it was in the event of German invasion, to blow up all the bridges over the River Cam. The charges had already been put into position and the detonations protected by damp by being placed in condoms!

3.       In addition to the above, 2, one also had associated training with the home guard. Having been kitted out (for 2 above) with army uniform including leather anklet gaiters and army boots, (the latter unfortunately not made to measure!) As a result, on a route march, one or two of us developed the most appalling foot blisters. Unable to continue we had to be transported back to base! It was rather heavy going, especially if one spent too much time rowing for Christ’s!..."

To read the rest of Alistair's memories and others please visit /alumni/publications/memories/

If you like to contribute your memories to the project please send them to the Publications Officer at publications@christs.cam.ac.uk. I would like to thank all the alumni who kindly contributed to this project.