大象传媒

This story was submitted to the People's War site by Sophie Duncan of the 大象传媒 Outreach Team on behalf of George Jackson and has been added to the site with his permission. The author fully understands the site's terms and conditions.

I tried to join the 93rd Searchlight Battalion in 1939 but was told I was too young and to come back when I was 18! I joined the 26th regiment and worked in the office for the Commanding Officer, Adjutant and Padre. I used to go out on site watching the lucky girls who were on active service and, when I applied to be moved to London to be closer to my parents, I got the shock of my life when the telephonist told me I had been posted to the 93rd Searchlight Regiment!

I felt I was protecting the country and helping the Regiment I so admired, especially the girls who did such a wonderful job. I felt it was a terrible war - absolutely dreadful - so frightening for people, especially children. Adults can adjust themselves somehow, but children would not have been able to understand anything and they often just stood, screaming in the street, when the sirens went.

When contacted by the 'Stars in Battledress' committee who were looking for 'artistes'.. I said: 'but I can't paint and I can't even draw!'. I may not have known the difference between 'artiste' and 'artist' but I did meet my husband, a wonderfully talented man.

The work was so interesting in the Regiment it was no hardship. When the war ended the women of this Regiment were those who turned their searchlights onto St Paul's Cathedral, forming the 'V for Victory' sign, on Churchill's express orders, recognising the important part played by the Regiment in keeping London safe.

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