Voluntary war work

War Memoirs-Voluntary War Work

When war broke out I was secretary in a men’s ready made clothing factory. Then we had to change to making army battle dress tunics, and our basement was used as a storage depot for army materials, and I was in charge of keeping accounts and records of what came in and went out.

I was exempt from “being called up” because my mother was ill and someone had to be in the house to see to her needs, she was not bed-fast and as long as I saw she had breakfast and things to hand which she might need I was able to carry on working. I went home at lunch time then went back till 5:30 and in the evening I devoted my time to voluntary war service. In those days there was no need to lock the door so neighbours and friends called in when passing to see if mother needed anything, my brother had been conscripted into the royal navy.

First I joined the St. Johns ambulance and on passing my exams was transferred to the ARP as an ambulance attendant/driver which included fire watching also I joined the WVS. Then in 1941 I helped to form the women’s junior air corps, when we prepared teenagers for the time when they would be conscripted. By teaching discipline drill, crafts and sport. I was a squadron leader.

As more and more of our workforce were called up I was asked to keep in touch with each one by writing letters and sending parcels from time to time. We organised dances, whist drives and concerts to make money for the service men, then I was co-opted onto the Hebden Royal council and given the job of organising ‘holidays at home’ as we were discouraged from travelling, so had ladies cricket matches, galas and sports days.

My mother was able to knit so knitted dozens of gloves, scarves and balaclavas to send out. We had drill contests and netball matches with other units in the area of the WJAC. I must admit it was not all doom and gloom, we had some happy times, comradeship, and working together to help those in dangerous situations. After the war the WJAC changed to a youth group.

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