In the East End, war brings gas masks and the terrifying prospect of air raids. Jessie Smith's hopes of a blissful married life is dashed when her husband Tom is called up for army training. She had been looking forward to living with him and baby Billy in their small terraced house in Bethnal Green, even though Tom's irresponsible behaviour sometimes borders on the downright criminal. But there is more to fear - the horror of a new world war. In this book, the author once again captures the vibrant spirit of the East End during the forties, and the resilience and character of those who lived there.