大象传媒

This story was submitted to the People鈥檚 War site by Bill Ross of the 鈥楢ction Desk 鈥� Sheffield鈥� Team on behalf of Bea Winterburn, and has been added to the site with the author鈥檚 permission. The author fully understands the site's terms and conditions.

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Having worked in an office since leaving school in 1939, I was determined not to do office work in the forces. I had volunteered for the W.R.V.S. in 1942; in July, I went to Mill Hill in North West London for initial training and general assessment.

The 鈥減owers that were鈥�, decided that Station X was my destination-the prospect of more secret office work didn鈥檛 appeal at all, so I said, 鈥淣o thank you.鈥�

In August 42, I was on my way to HMS Landrail, Machrehanesh in Argyllshire, as a maintenance WREN. In May, 43, I went on one of the first WREN Air Mechanics鈥� courses, specialising in engines at HMS Fledgling in Staffordshire. It was a five months intensive course; I learned about 鈥淥tto鈥檚 Cycles鈥� and how to adjust tappets. I was also able to do daily engine run-ups and complete form 700 (Daily Inspection). On completion of the course, I was posted to HMS Nightjai (between Preston and Blackpool) to become the Commander鈥檚 (flying) personal mechanic. I loved the job, especially when Blackpool FC was playing at home. We would fly around Bloomfield Road for the second half of the match. The Commander would ask me for a description of the action. What I knew then and what I know now about football, wouldn鈥檛 fill a postage stamp. My father was a Bradford Northern Rugby League supporter and he enjoyed taking me to home matches (especially when I was wearing my WREN uniform).

I was fortunate to be able to work on the 鈥淎ncient and Modern鈥� fleet of planes from Swordfish and Albacores to Fulmars, Seafires etc. Being tall, I was able to work inside the engine with a light strapped to my forehead.

I enjoyed my 2 陆 years in the WRVS, especially as I was doing something different from clerical work.

PR-BR

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