Description
Object description
British NCO served with RAF Balloon Command in GB, 1942-1945
Content description
REEL 1: Background in Collier's Wood and Mitcham, GB, 1921-1942: family; childhood; memories of Biggin Hill; education; employment; volunteered for RAF; question of reserved occupation; called up into Women's Auxiliary Air Force, 1/1942; further memories of childhood; sporting activities; awareness of events in Europe; father's service in First World War; reaction to outbreak of war, 3/Sep/1939; memories of air raids; air raid precautions; food rationing and prices; left school at 14; description of employment as cutter with handbag manufacturer Thomas H Lewis, Tooting; working hours; wages;
REEL 2 Continues: Aspects of training with Women's Auxiliary Air Force in GB, 1942: induction at RAF Innsworth; accommodation; posted to Morecambe, Lancashire; billets in private house; basic training; trade tests; training as balloon operator in Birmingham and Erdington. Aspects of operations with RAF Balloon Command in GB, 1942-1945: description of duties as balloon operator in Shooter's Hill and Fort Brockhurst, Gosport; memories of Canadian soldiers; preparations for D-Day, 1944; duties as steward in Metropole and Grand Hotels, Brighton; various memories of daily life and duties; relations between male and female personnel; accommodation.
REEL 3 Continues: moral standards; recreational activities; number of balloon crew on site; duties as balloon operator; description of balloon and materials; cables; height of balloon; control of balloon; winches and gears; number of balloons on site; replacement of balloons; test for purity of gas in balloon; question of danger; effectiveness of balloons; attitude of parents to military service; demobilisation; reason for signing on for further six months service; problem of adjusting to civilian life; reflections on period of service with RAF Balloon Command.
REEL 4 Continues: Post-war life and employment with police force in GB. Reflections on Second World War.