Margot as a young teenager war years

" I think my Aunt and Uncle must have had enough of the responsibilities of minding me. I was sent to boarding school in Gerrards Cross. It was called Chalfont Lodge and I loved it. Having been brought up like an only child I was thrilled to be living with all these children - such fun and I was so naughty. I led them all a dance. I was now 13, had a very Welsh accent and got teased so much that I soon lost it! My hair was long and in two plaits. It used to take ages every morning to do and I hated them. I was in Blue Dormitory with six others and we had a tin of cake someone had sent. I had the idea of a midnight feast in the cornfield. We sneaked out of the window in our nightclothes with our tin and had a picnic in the field. There was a dog-fight going on in the skies and lots of searchlights and gunfire. We thought it was fun, not realising the danger! When we got back the three principals were at the door waiting for us with their hair in curlers ... In trouble again (no supper). I managed to catch chicken pox and was isolated in the sanitorium. I passed notes on a piece of string down to my friends through the window. Consequently the rest of the school got chicken pox and it was closed down for the rest of term and everyone was sent home to take our chances with the air raids. Finally, we had our annual display (open day) for parents. I was to perform with the gym team and was the star turn, being the only girl who could dive backwards off the top board into the swimming pool. However I had done something very naughty and was not allowed to perform. I also had to explain to my parents just why! I later got expelled - dear dear! But I had a most fabulous time there..."