Margaret's War

One day, early in May 1940, I was on a train going to London hoping to be accepted in the WAAFs. I was in my early 20's and feeling rather nervous but on reaching my destination was surrounded by girls all with the same idea. We were in a large hall with a long table at which sat officers who were waiting to take details of height, weight etc., including any medical problems. I was passed, given a number, when asked what I wanted to do I said “working in transport” but was told that so many wanted to do that but cooks were needed so I became a cook. Actually the training was quite strict and we had to pass teats quite frequently. After we had all been assessed we were bundled into trucks and transported to West Drayton near Uxbridge which was a WAAF training camp. Our sleeping quarters were long huts with beds going down each side with a stove in the middle on which we could heat up water for a hot drink. The mattress was in three which had to be piled on top of each other every morning with sheets and blankets folded neatly on top. Underneath the bed was a large box to keep our belongings.

We now had to get kitted out with uniform etc., so along to the stores we went. The uniforms were not ready but we were handed pyjamas, stockings, shoes, soap, towels and necessary equipment. I believe it was two of everything. the classroom came next to test our IQ. I don’t know how far I came up or down but I managed to pass the different exercises. We had many lectures to attend.

Now came our introduction to the parade ground and the Flight Sergeant to be in charge of us and in marching. I kept forgetting which was my right and which left, I am sure I had two left feet, the Flight Sergeant was very strict but a gem. I think it was a week or two before I finally got into the kitchens.

The kitchen was huge, one I did not have to wash up the big boilers and pans, this was done usually by men on punishment, so also were the spuds. Having finally learnt which was my right and which left and how to make bread rolls, pastry, stews etc. I was now fully fledged and ready for posting elsewhere. My first posting was to Harrogate. It was quiet there, not much trouble overhead. I cannot remember much about that period. Now and again we had kit inspection when all kit was spread out on our bed and woebetide us if anything was missing. We had to mend stockings until only the darning held them together. All darning wool, cotton and buttons were provided.

My postings were always in the midlands or further north so when I had leave it was necessary to cross London from King’s Cross to Victoria. Tube trains did not go through at night as the stations were used as shelters. I often had to step over people to get outside the station and walk to Victoria through heavy debris but sometimes Victoria was closed and I had to find some other way to get back to Maidstone. Fortunately there were other people, mostly service people, doing the same thing. There always seemed to be a feeling of comradeship. I remember once having to get across Croydon with my kitbag just after a heavy raid. Debris was still falling, it was a little frightening.

Parades, especially pay parades, I hated them - shoes and buttons had to be highly polished, uniform well brushed, cap on straight. Mine always seemed to get lopsided. We had to stand in ranks, when my name was called I stood to attention, called out “sir” and gave my number, march up to the pay table holding out my left hand for money and saluting with the right, about turn and marching back.

One posting I had was to Filey near Scarborough, it was one of Billy Butlin’s holiday camps. In fact, it was not quite finished being built. We were housed in new chalets, there were swimming pools, a gym, cinema and sports field but I don’t think we could use the pools. We had lads from Poland and also Kingston, Jamaica. At that time a film was being shown about Poland. I think there was a special reason why they were there. I had received my corporal stripes by now and wondered what I done to deserve them. I had to take a squad on the parade ground and march them up and down. Once, instead of giving the order to about turn I called out “squad, eyes about turn”. Fortunately, they knew what I meant.

At one time I should have attended a church parade but, as the weather was nice and a little quiet overhead, two of us missed the parade and went for a walk. We were missed as I was a corporal. Naturally, I had to take the blame for both, I was put on a charge which meant going before officers, so I was between two sergeants. Caps off and marched up to the senior officer - left, right, left, right, attention. My crime was read out, I had no excuse to offer so was given a reprimand and my name recorded, but it was wiped out after a time.

In 1942 the American 8th Army Air Force were coming over and the 351st group were going to be based at Polbrook near Kettering. Myself, with other WAAFs (not many) were sent to Polbrook to help get ready for them. Before they came I was off duty for a while. We were billeted in a farmhouse and the daughter of the farmer invited me to go into the nearest village with her. She had to take a goat. She did not tell me the goat was in kid. We got along the lane a little way when the goat stopped and would not move although we pushed and pushed, so the daughter decided to go back to the farm to get help - it was not too far. I had to stay with the goat, so there I was in uniform on the roadside with the goat when I heard the rumble of wheels, the 351st Air Force were arriving. All were amused except myself. The Flying Fortress came over, Clark Gable was there with the Fortress but I do not think I saw him. The airmen were most courteous and treated us with respect. I’m afraid I forgot a few events after that.

Five of us had volunteered for overseas, we learnt how to live under tent, to make our own ovens and then we had to undergo a stiff medical. Unfortunately, I failed and instead of going overseas ended up in Northampton hospital undergoing tests.

I was not discharged on medical grounds but put on light duties, no more parades, no marching but I was posted to a quiet camp. I believe the men were preparing to go overseas. I was still in the kitchens overlooking things. The last three months of the war I was in Whitehaven and the Lake District. It was a shame my health got in the way and I landed in sick bay once or twice.
All the time I was in the WAAFs I cannot remember any disharmony. We had some lovely concerts and shows and I played hockey. We had sorrows when new boy friends did not make it, I should say men friends.

I must admit to being scared at times but we shared our fears. I met some grand people and it was a pleasure to be in their company.

Margaret Reeves

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