My brother, David,t he eldest child of the family was only 18 and a half when he was killed in action in France during the First World War in April 1918. The first news of his wounds came from the Jewish Padre, Doctor Rabbi Adler who wrote to say that David was wounded by shell shrapnel. My mother was distraught. Later that morning another letter arrived. I picked it up from the floor. My mother opened it. She could not read English. Giving me the letter, I read in haltingly, as a child of 10 years old reads not taking in the contents. My mother's anguished cries brought a realisation to me that my brother was dead. I recovered when neighbours came in to comfort mother. I sobbingly went to my aunt and uncle nearby to tell them the terrible news. I used to read the newspaper headlines when the Russian Bear as it was said had had its claws pulled out by the revolution. It had its effect on many ex Russian Jewish men who were forced either the join the army or go back to Russia. Many went back to Russia and were never heard of anymore. The anti Jewish Press had a field day and its results were felt by the Jewish East End.

During the bombing raids by the German Zeppelins and planes we took shelter with others in the basement of the London Hospital. The hospital was opposite our house. One day we saw a notice to the effect that no foreigners were allowed to take shelter anymore. The Jewish authorities took the matter up and the notice came down.