Alumna, Cynthia Ehrenkrantz, zoomed in from New York in February to speak to History Club about her experiences of the Blitz and her time as a pupil at Croydon High School.
The History Club felt very privileged in February when Cynthia Ehrenkrantz zoomed in to speak to us about life as a child during the Blitz, what it was like to grow up as a British Jew in Croydon during the war, and, of course, what it was like to be a Croydon High Girl. This yearly occurrence always brings new and interesting recollections from Cynthia about her life as a child in Britain and her later life in America. As we had been investigating in class whether the ‘Blitz spirit’ was a myth or reality, it seemed appropriate to ask our eyewitness for their viewpoint. Although she believed the positive and calm attitude the Government wanted to portray was largely accurate, she did point out that this was not always the case for everyone, particularly when faced with the cramped and smelly conditions of the Anderson shelter. Cynthia also mentioned ways she had to maintain the ‘Blitz spirit’ while enduring air-raid sirens and frequent bombing where she lived. She recalled the hysterical and moaning disposition of one neighbour that made a difficult situation worse for everyone involved, especially a young girl. Despite facing some antisemitism in wartime Britain, her childhood was spoken about positively, especially her time at Croydon High School. She felt welcomed and had great pride in wearing the school uniform (which she said has hardly changed at all)! It was reassuring to hear that the friends she made here were for life and that, despite living in America, she truly remains a Croydon High girl!
Cynthia’s book, “Seeking Shelter: Memoir of a Jewish Girlhood in Wartime Britain”, is widely available online and in bookstores. It also includes wartime recipes if anyone feels brave enough to try them!
Sara H
9M
