- Contributed by听
- Researcher 239333
- People in story:听
- Mrs Miles (Sammy鈥檚 mum)
- Location of story:听
- RAF postings around England
- Background to story:听
- Royal Air Force
- Article ID:听
- A1148447
- Contributed on:听
- 18 August 2003
I was born and lived in Tunbridge, Kent. I always wanted to be a confectioner, and trained with a baker. When war broke out I was 17 years old, and as all the men were called up I had to transfer to the delivery rounds.
In 1942 conscription was introduced for women over the age of 20, and I was called up into the WRAF. My choice of occupation was in munitions or a MT driver. As I could drive I opted to be a MT driver.
I was sent to RAF Innsworth in Gloucs for 6 weeks training, which was a bit of a cultural shock sharing a room with 23 raw recruits.
I then transferred to RAF Marham in Norfolk, from where Mosquitoes were in operation. My main task to drive the crews and kit out to the aircraft on runways, and then remain there to await their return. Needless to say, there were frequent occasions when crews did not return.
My next posting was to RAF Finmere in Bucks where I met my future husband
RAF Warboys in Hunts
Boscombe Combe in Wilts.
I was demobbed at the end of the war, which coincided with my first pregnancy.
I did receive a medal, and was mentioned in dispatches for 鈥渄evotion above and beyond the call of duty鈥
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