大象传媒

This story has been added to The People's War Website by CSV Volunteer, Ann Toomey on behalf of the author Mary Littleton, who understands the site's terms and conditions.

Brief account of activities in Royal Naval Camp, HMS Drake, St. Budeaux, Plymouth.

I was the Naval Stores Wren (sailors name - Jack Dusty, Nuts and Bolts) based in the Victualling Office with 5 Victualling Wrens and a Chief Petty Officer.

Although the Naval Stores category covers everything that could not be eaten or worn, I used to take a weekly turn to draw provisions, rum etc. from the RN Barracks for up to 2000 sailors. This was done by lorry driven by a dockyard driver and manned by 4 sailors to load and unload.

The Office was also responsible for the daily rum issue - to the sailors - l tot of rum (a third of a pint) mixed with 2 of water in a barrel with "God Bless the King" on the side and stirred with a broom handle. A member of each mess collected this in a receptacle called a "Fanny". They used to start lining these up outside the door at least an hour in advance. On VE Day I helped to splice the mainbrace on my day off.

I was recalled from leave to give evidence at a Court Martial because Officers, a Chief Petty Officer and Leading Wren were put on trial for misappropriation of Stores and for drinking rum to which they were not entitled. Fortunately, I did not like rum. From time to time I accompanied Officer to muster contents of huts while occupied by sailors.

Ammunitions were stored beneath the camp for D-Day so our only defence during air raids was burning cotton waste in an engine to cover the camp in smoke, but which nearly choked us to death.

漏 Copyright of content contributed to this Archive rests with the author. Find out how you can use this.