大象传媒

This story was submitted to the People's War website by Stoke-on-Trent Libraries on behalf of Gladys and has been added to the website with her permission. The author fully understands the site's terms and conditions.

I was 21 when the war started. I was living at home with my parents. I worked at the Employment Exchange in Newcastle and as unemployment went down my job became under threat.
The Manager of the Employment Exchange said she'd lokk out for a job for me. I got a job as a telephonist with Sir Alexander Gibbons Partners who were building the Swynnerton munitions factory. I had a problem travelling there, I had to get the early train from Stoke to Stone and then we were met at the station. I was stunned when I got to Stoke Station - I was the only girl - they were all men on the platform! I had lots of offers to share their compartments but decided it was safer in the Guards van! Eventually they arranged for a bus to pick me up in Waterloo Road - but again it was all men!
I enjoyed the work at Swynnerton - there were 3 receptionists. Our room was self-contained ans no-one was allowed in - we had to stay on duty even if there was an air-raid. Part of our job was to phone round the warnings. It was exciting therefore you felt that you were contrbuting.
We were well looked after. We had a staff canteen and a good lunch every day. Around the time of the Dunkirk landings we had to work seven days a week!
The factory was camouflaged and had anti-aircraft guns all around.
I got married during this time and was allowed 2 days off - Saturday and Sunday!
We hd lots of hair-raising incidents:
Anti-aircraft guns brought down one of our own planes in error - the pilot survived and had to come into our office to ring his base!

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