Description
Object description
British NCO served with Women's Auxiliary Air Force in GB, 1942-1946
Content description
REEL 1: Background in Reigate, Surrey, 1924-1939: family; education; employment; memory of outbreak of war, 9/1939; stockpiling sugar. Aspects of period as secretary with Reigate Home Guard, 1941-1942: description of daily routine and duties; memory of Battle of Britain, 1940; story of British pilot being machine gunned after baling out; story of joining the Women's Auxiliary Air Force, 6/1942. Aspects of training with Women's Auxiliary Air Force in GB, 1942-1945: description of induction process at Bridgenorth; issued with kit; medical; question of wearing make-up; posted to Morecambe Bay for basic training; social background of recruits; question of prostitutes being graded as reserved occupation; description of basic training; memory of tuberculosis <TB> patients in beds on beach. Aspects of period as secretary at Cabinet War Rooms, London, 1942-1943: description of War Rooms.
REEL 2 Continues: atmosphere in Cabinet War Rooms; reason for having sunray treatment; description of role in map office; story of pilot; question of secrecy; shift system; drill during air raids; problem of spies; amusing story about Winston Churchill; posted to RAF Medmenham, 7/1943. Aspects of period at Allied Central Interpretation Unit, RAF Medmenham, 1943-1944: description of role with Progress Section writing reports for photographic intelligence unit; transferred to K Section and description of duties; issued with electric typewriter; role in examining photographs of bombing raids on Germany; opinion of food; relations with Americans; sleeping arrangements and medical facilities; description of living conditions in camp; social life and recreational activities; memory of Sarah Churchill; story of stay in Duke of Hamilton's castle after death of boyfriend.
REEL 3 Continues: amusing story of Duke of Hamilton; description of working as shorthand typist for Sarah Churchill; memory of visits by Winston Churchill; British and American personnel in camp; description of machine to convert photographs into maps; relations with Americans; question of Americans being higher paid and overcharged in pubs; posted to Newnham Park, 1945. Aspects of period at Newnham Park, 1945: duties typing letters smuggled out of POW camps; model making for use of battleships; use of temporary runways; recreational activities including ENSA concerts; comparison of NAAFI with American PX stores. Aspects of period at RAF Coastal Command HQ, Pinner, 1945: description of duties as secretary for Wing Commander Louw and Group Captain McBratney; training in interrogation techniques; story of participation in Liberty and Livelihood march, 9/2002.
REEL 4 Continues: amusing story of American airmen; memory of VE Day celebrations in London; story of meeting future husband; reaction to Labour election victory, 1945. Reflections on period of service with Women's Auxiliary Air Force.