The Second World War's arrival in the United States brought significant changes to at least 131 women in Worcester, who became the wives of American GIs based in the surrounding areas. Official figures show that 38 Worcester women were married to American servicemen in the city's churches, with another 93 wedding GIs at the Worcester Registry Office. Beyond American soldiers, some Worcester women also developed relationships with German and Italian prisoners of war, though marriage to them was apparently not permitted until a year or two after the war ended.
"In a article in Berrow's Journal in 1947, it is reported of a wedding of a 27 year old ex WAAF of Rainbow Hill married a 23 year old Germain POW who had been a Stormtrooper and had seen service on the Russian Front. He was captured in France in 1944, while serving in the Panzer Corps. Berrow's Journal said his intention was to become a naturalized Englishman and to settle down in this country. 'However, he will not be allowed, as yet, to forget that he is a prisoner. He was required to return to the Perdiswell Satellite Camp where he is stationed, on the night of his wedding'. reported the paper. And this was two years after the end of the war!
The gentleman remained in Worcester for which a few years ago l was contacted by a relative who was searching his family history, and l had the pleasure of meeting him at the grave side of his family member.