Interview with Myra Nora Collyer

British NCO served with Women's Auxiliary Air Force in GB, 1942-1946

REEL 1 Background in Reigate, GB, 1924-1939: family; education; employment; memories of declaration of Second World War, 3/9/1939; stockpiling sugar. Aspects of period as secretary with 8th (Reigate) Bn Surrey Home Guard, 1941-1942: description of daily routine and duties; memories of Battle of Britain, 1940; story of Royal Air Force pilot being machine gunned after baling out. Aspects of enlistment and training with Women's Auxiliary Air Force in GB, 1942: enlistment in Women's Auxiliary Air Force, 6/1942; induction process at No 1 Women's Auxiliary Air Force Depot, RAF Bridgnorth; issue of kit; medical; question of wearing make-up; posting to No 3 Women's Auxiliary Air Force Depot Morecambe for basic training; social background of recruits; question of prostitutes being graded as Reserved Occupation; nature of basic training; sight of tuberculosis patients in beds on beach at Morecambe. Aspects of period as secretary with Women's Auxiliary Air Force at Cabinet War Rooms, London, GB, 1942-1943: description of Cabinet War Rooms. REEL 2 Continues: atmosphere in Cabinet War Rooms; reason for having sunray treatment; role and duties in map office; story of pilot; question of secrecy; shift system; drill during German Air Force raids; problem of spies; amusing story about Prime Minster Winston Churchill; posted to RAF Medmenham, 7/1943. Aspects of period as NCO with Women's Auxiliary Air Force, Central Interpretation Unit, RAF at RAF Medmenham, 1943-1944: role with Progress Section writing reports for photographic intelligence unit; transfer to K Section and duties; issue of electric typewriter; role in examining photographs of bombing raids on Germany; opinion of rations; relations with American service personnel; sleeping arrangements and medical facilities; living conditions in camp; social life and recreational activities; memories of Sarah Churchill; story of stay in Duke of Hamilton's castle after death of boyfriend. REEL 3 Continues: amusing story relating to Duke of Hamilton; working as shorthand typist for Sarah Churchill; visits by Winston Prime Minister Winston Churchill; British and American service personnel in camp; description of machine to convert photographs into maps; relations with American service personnel; question of American service personnel being higher paid and overcharged in public houses. Aspects of period as NCO with Women's Auxiliary Air Force at RAF Nuneham Park, GB, 1945: posting to RAF Nuneham Park; duties typing letters smuggled out of prisoner of war camps; model making for use of battleships; use of temporary runways; recreational activities including Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA) concerts; comparison of Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes (NAAFI) with American PX stores. Aspects of period as NCO with Women's Auxiliary Air Force at Headquarters, Coastal Command, Northwood, GB, 1945: duties as secretary for Wing Commander James 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 United States Army Air Force airmen; memory of VE Day celebrations in London, 8/5/1945; story of meeting future husband; reaction to Labour Party's election victory, 7/1945; reflections on period of service with Women's Auxiliary Air Force.