Keeping Fit in the Park

Full of patriotism and very young, I volunteered for service in the WAAF. Amongst many others, I took the medical examination at Kingsway House, London and waited hopefully for acceptance which, to my joy, became true. Orders came through to report to RAF Innsworth Lane Depot, Gloucester, 21st March 1941.

After failing the Clerk Accounts course I remustered to Admin Trade and then was recommended for a PT course at St Athans, South Wales. Now I was indeed happy. All my life I've loved PT, games and gymnastics, but to be paid to teach others to enjoy was just unbelievable.

In the year 1944 my daily life was upping and downing in Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park with the WAAF pupils of the Radio School. Classes were taken on the steps of the Albert Memorial for all the world to see.

Alas came the Doodlebug season and we were unfortunate enough to receive a direct hit on our billets at Thurloe Court, South Kensington on 28th June. Now I was in a pickle, for on 1st July, after being parted from my fiance for three and half years, we were to be married and my head-dress and veil were in the shattered building. However, a very kind ARP warden sorted things out for me and all things went to plan.

The RAF still holds for me a special pride and until I retired in 1978 I worked for the MOD at RAF Hendon. T/Sergeant Audrey Lanchbery. Service Number 442129.

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