What Did you Do in the War Mum?

My twin sister Doris and I were 18yrs old when the war broke out and we were working as machinists making woman's overalls, then we changed to industrail dungarees for the forces.

When they started to call up women for the forces our boss tried his level best to keep us as we were already doing war work. How ever we were called up. We were to join the forces or heavy war work. My sister and I were our mothers only support so instead off joining the forces we opted for war work.

We were assigned to Rolls Royce at Hillington Glasgow where we made parts for Spitfires. It was hard going especially the twelve hour shifts but we got used to it.

I had a nasty experience one night when my hair got caught in a drilling machine. Luckily the man on the next machine heard my call and switched my machine off. I was taken to the first aid room and told to rest until my sister finished her shift. She then took me home. Needles to say I always kept my hair covered after that.

After a time our section was shifted to the Wills Tobacco Factory in Alexandea Parade Glasgow which Rolls Royce took over. It was easier as it was three shifts six to two, two to ten and night shift.

We made many life long friends one of which I still keep in contact.

After the war was over we returned to our machinist jobs and stayed there until we married and left to bring up our Familys.

Mrs H L long

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