Smoker, Barbara Mary (Oral history)

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Description

Object description

British civilian in London, GB, 1939-1942; wren trained as telegraphist with Women's Royal Naval Service at Royal Navy Signals Training Centre, HMS Cabbala Signal School, Lowton St Mary's, GB, 1942-1943; telegraphist served with Women's Royal Naval Service at HMS Nightjar, Inskip, GB, 3/1943-10/1943 and Ceylon, 1943-1945; civilian anti-war campaigner in GB, 1957-1983

Content description

REEL 1 Background in London, GB, 1923-1939: awareness of First World War from father's experiences; visit to Germany, 1938. Recollections of period as civilian in London, GB, 1939-1942: evacuation with school to Merstham; outbreak of Second World War and reaction to first air raid siren, 3/9/1939; reunion with family in Stoneleigh; employment in City of London; problems commuting to London during heavy German Air Force raids; death of cousin in German air raid; blackout; work with Youth Auxiliary Service Corps; use of air raid shelters. REEL 2 Continues: public morale; attitude towards German Air Force raids; attitude towards evacuation of children; reaction to Dunkirk Evacuation, 5/1940-6/1940; family's religious beliefs. Recollections of enlistment and training as telegraphist with Women's Royal Naval Service at Royal Navy Signals Training Centre, HMS Cabbala, Lowton St Mary's in GB, 1942-1943: reasons for enlistment; training as wireless telegraphist; story of refusal of unnecessary treatment from naval dentist; lack of knowledge of sexual relations; visit by Princess Marina; attitude towards service with Women's Royal Naval Service; attitude towards rules and regulations. Aspects of period as telegraphist with Women's Royal Naval Service at HMS Nightjar, Inskip, GB, 1943: drafting to HMS Nightjar, 3/1943; living conditions; decision to volunteer for overseas service. REEL 3 Continues: prior recollection of father's experience of dental treatment during military service in First World War; move to Golden Square in London; uniform. Aspects of voyage from GB to Ceylon via Mombasa, Kenya, 1943: embarkation at Greenock, 10/1943; German Air Force attacks in Mediterranean; disembarkation at Mombasa, Kenya; embarkation aboard armed merchant cruiser HMS Chittral; Christmas celebrations aboard HMS Chitral, 25/12/1943. Recollections of period as telegraphist with Women's Royal Naval Service in Ceylon, 1943-1945: initial impressions of Colombo; signal duties; taking signal relating to sinking of SS Khedive Ismail carrying female service personnel in Indian Ocean, 5/2/1944; move to Trincomalee; story of involvement in road accident on harbour road at Trincomalee; nature of signals work. REEL 4 Continues: treatment for amoebic dysentery and precautions against malaria; nature of rumours of war in Europe; attitude towards Japanese; reaction to end of war in Europe and VE Day, 5/1945; story of hearing of end of war in Far East, 15/8/1945; transmission of messages that war had ended to ships at sea, 15/8/1945; story of journey with fellow wren to Kandy for Buddhist Perahera procession, 8/1945. REEL 5 Continues: incidents that account for her lack of promotion; return to GB by first ship; reaction to hearing of the dropping of atomic bombs, 8/1945; demobilisation in Chatham on return to GB; attitude towards service with Women's Royal Naval Service during Second World War. Recollections of period as anti-war campaigner in GB, 1957-1983: early membership of peace movement; helping organise Aldermaston marches; activities of 'Spies for Peace' including discovery of a government nuclear bunker; distribution of leaflets exposing government nuclear secrets; story of march from Holy Loch and leaving mock Polaris Missile on steps of Imperial War Museum; attending anti-Vietnam war protest at House of Commons. REEL 6 Continues: participation in peace march to Greece; visiting Women's Greenham Common Peace Camp; attitude towards single sex action groups; prior recollection of occasion when sisters escaped injury in German V2 Rocket explosion.

Object Details

Category: Sound
Related period: 1990 to the present day (production), Second World War (content), Second World War (association), 1945-1989 (association)
Creator: IWM (Production company)
Smith, Lyn E (Recorder)
Smoker, Barbara Mary (Interviewee/Speaker)
Production date: 1994-10-18
Dimensions: whole: Duration 165, Number Of Items 6
Catalogue number: 14581

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Smoker, Barbara Mary (Oral history)

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