Hackney People
Jim Campbell
On 19 February 1942, Jim Campbell’s Stoke Newington house took a direct hit from a German bomb.
His father was dug out from underneath the bath tub he had been relaxing in moments before, while Jim and his two brothers found themselves dazed, but unharmed, in the rubble of their former home.
His mother, who had a first aid post at Clissold Baths (now Clissold Leisure Centre), received the dreaded communication: Direct Hit 70-74 Albion Road. Her family lived at 72. But most days in Stoke Newington proved more peaceful for Jim’s family.
Neighbours donated clothes and they were was sheltered in emergency centres and temporary houses over the next few years.
The boys were later evacuated to Rugby to escape the worst of the Blitz. Even Stoke Newington Town Hall – painted white for its 1939 opening – had to be camouflaged in a bid to protect it from aerial bombing.
Jim’s family has a long history with the N16 building, famed for its dancehall days from the 1940s to 1960s.
“My parents were north London waltz champions and I guess this carried on to their children. After the war, my sister and I used to go to the hall too, though for jitterbug and swing dance competitions. You could say I knew my away around a dance floor,” he laughed.
Ironically, for one who spent 50 years teaching, Jim left school at 13. He celebrated his 17th birthday by joining the army and was dispatched to Germany in 1944.
During the train journey across Europe however, it was announced that the conflict was over. “I never tired of telling my pupils that the day Hitler heard Jim Campbell was coming, he gave up,” he recalled.
After the end of hostilities, Jim worked in Germany for the Intelligence Corps, before leaving the army in 1948 to become a teacher.
When he returned to Stoke Newington, one of his first students at St Mary’s Church of England Primary School was Barbara Deekes – later EastEnders stalwart Barbara Windsor – whom he described as ‘delightful’.
He said: “I have very fond memories. Stoke Newington itself was influenced by the influx of immigrants from the Caribbean, Cyprus, and Africa. Jewish, Christian and Muslim groups have lived relatively happily alongside each other for years.
“Sure it’s had problems: we had a couple of gangs fighting here years ago, but it’s just like any other inner city community – only more so.”
Jim continued to live in interesting times by joining the Merchant Navy in 1952, taking part in the Suez invasion and spending the next few years travelling the world gathering artifacts.
On his return, he worked as a teacher and head teacher in primary schools in Shoreditch, until retiring 10 years ago.
“I still have great pride in Stoke Newington,” he said.
And with such a proud affiliation, Jim now provides talks to older people’s groups and schools about the history of N16.
Long may it continue.
Curriculum Vitae
- 1927 Born in Stoke Newington, London
- 1942 Stoke Newington home takes direct hit from bomb
- 1944 Dispatched to Germany in the Second World War
- 1949 Organised Royal Air Force benevolent concerts at Stoke Newington Town Hall
- 1952 Took part in Suez war on a troop ship
- 1999 Retired from teaching
Page updated: 25 Jan 2010