大象传媒

My sister Pam and I were evacuated form Guernsey at the end of June 1940. After a long journey by boat and train we arrived at London Road, Manchester.

I actually thought that we had arrived in Canada.

We were both very green, never having left Guernsey before. I was 15, Pam was 17, both rather young to be placed in this situation.

When we reached Manchester, we were taken to what would have been called a workhouse. We were there for a couple of days and there were various people coming round and pointing out who they thought they could look after.

We were eventually taken on by a Mr and Mrs Holmes from Ardwick. We went with them to their house. From the start we were not really happy and as soon as we were settled in work we rented our own digs in Chorlton-cum-Hardy.

I decided now to join the WAAF. Being only 16 years of age I was too young so I put my age on by two years and at 18 years I was accepted. This was 11th August 1941.

I was posted to Insworth, Gloucester where I was trained as a telephone operator. Once I was trained I was posted to various stations about the UK. The most memorable being Biggin Hill. The flying bomb raids started on London. We had our share as we were on the flight path of these weapons.

I had just come off duty and with several other girls were in the showers. A doodle bug came our way, its engine stopped and down it came with an almighty wallop. All the girls, including me, went dashing out looking for shelter. We were all in our birthday suits, and dashing in to help us were several airmen. There were a few red faces I can tell you.

Another time I was just going on duty when a flying bomb came our way and I just fell off my bike into a ditch.

My next posting was to Thorney Island and while there the armistice was signed with Germany. As soon as the islands were liberated I applied for leave to see my mum. I was granted 24 hours but I was on my honour to return. A sea otter of the Fleet Air Arm was going to Guernsey from Lee-on-Solent and I was offered a lift. We landed at Guernsey airport; it was crowded with German prisoners. I got a lift to St Peter Port and met my mum. What a surprise for her. We spent a lovely day together and then I had to say goodbye. We cam back to Lee-on-Solent very tired but relieved that my mum was well.

I was demobbed on 5th November 1945 after a short stay with my husband I returned to Guernsey where he joined me when he was demobbed

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