My Mother's War

When World War 2 broke out my mother was working for the Gas Company as a cashier in Kensington. The war ruined her 21st birthday on September 17th 1939 as her friends would not come for fear of air raids. My mother was a good singer and took part in amateur choirs etc. She joined a group called the Victory Voices, 5 voices in harmony, and they were employed by Gaumont British to appear in cinemas as the act between the films. The songs they performed were to boost morale. Mum and her friends appeared in London, Cardiff and Newcastle travelling back to London on overnight trains. The Lyons Cormer House was a popular venue for a cup of tea before turning up for work.

My mum's two younger sisters were evacuated from Willesden Green to Northampton. Her other sister stayed at home. Their father worked as a Scientific Instrument Maker in Cricklewood.

The members of the family survived the Blitz and
in 1942 my mother was called up into the WAAF. Training was via Gloucester, Morecombe and Penarth and she was posted to RAF Uxbridge on Pay Section and Accounts. This was handy as she could visit family easily on leave and enjoy the comforts of home etc. Music played a large part of her RAF career as the Squadronaires and RAF Central Band were based at RAF Uxbridge. Their ranks were swelled by professional musicians from classical and band members.

My mother was lucky in that she was down to be posted to other bases in the UK but her superiors always kept her at Uxbridge on other duties including towards the end of the war, DUnit or the Detention Unit, dealing with deserters etc.

In 1945 my mum was promoted but the sudden arrival of a posting from overseas saw the promotion withdrawn. The posting from overseas was to become her fiance and husband.

Towards the end of the war mum was offered training through the RAF at Trinity College of Music to become a professional singer. The lessons continued and she intended to teach music. However her war ended in 1946 being demobbed, but in December 1946 she was married to my father. He stayed in the RAF until 1948.

She enjoyed the freindship and the music and did not mind the long hours or the threat of bombs.

Sadly she passed away on Decmber 18th 2003 and I have posted this article in her memory. I am sure there are many details missing.

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