Old style 1940s British public phone box, with A and B buttons. add coins, press Button A to be heard, or Button B to have money returned

How to make a phone call from a button A and button B public phone In order to make a call from a public phone box, you had to have the right coins. This was not too onerous because coins were in everyday use as there were no credit cards. Nevertheless, it was not at all unusual to be stopped in the street and asked if one had change for a phone call. People always tried to oblige each other in this respect, and I never knew of anyone getting mugged when they got out a purse or delved into their pockets for money. Callers put their coins into the coin slot, dialled the number they wanted and pressed Button A to be heard or Button B to get their money back if no-one answered.