´óÏó´«Ã½

This story was added to the ´óÏó´«Ã½ People's War website by Helen Jubb, ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio Leeds on behalf of the contributor, with her permission.

In Joan Gordon’s book, ‘What I Never Told Mother,’ she describes her wartime memories of her life at the Torre Road Ambulance Depot:

…There was great excitement at the depot. Leeds had paid for the replacement Ark Royal, and we were now being urged to but war bonds to cover the cost of equipping the ship with aircraft, bombs and torpedoes. ‘Give us the tools and we will finish the job!’ was Mr. Churchill’s rousing message.

There was to be an Ark Royal Week, with a march-past in front of civic dignitaries. We, the Cinderella of the Services, had been invited to take part.

The day came, and it was chilly. But to our amazement Mr. Dobson ordered all the women about to march, to queue up outside his cubby-hole. He looked each of us over, and then handed out excellent quality Melton navy overcoats. Mine was a good fit, the right length, and warm. Bliss! And no coupons required.

The parade went off well, and we had not disgraced ourselves by marching out of step. It was voted a great diversion from the daily routine. Back at the depot the smiles were wiped off our faces. Mr. Dobson stood inside the doorway, arms outstretched, ready to snatch the new coats off our backs. They had only been issued for the day! I was so angry, I thought of walking out. But by this time we could not resign without official consent. After all, there’s a war on…

When I was off duty, I told Mum about it. ‘They wouldn’t do that to the Wrens,’ I said. While still seething, I concocted a letter to the Yorkshire Evening Post. ‘Would you like to sign it?’ I looked at Mother. ‘I might get into serious trouble, if I do.’ I was thoroughly fed up, but I didn’t want to be sacked. Mother agreed.

Three nights later, the letter was printed, signed ‘Mother of a driver.’ It had a headline, five inches of space and a sixteen-line excuse from Mr. A.T. Wilson, Deputy A.R.P. Controller for Leeds. Mother was delighted and said to anyone who called: ‘Did you read my letter in the Post?’

It was also the talk of the depot, and although I laid no claim to it, there were some shrewd looks in my direction. But no comment from the office, thanks be.

We froze in our cotton coats for the next six weeks. Then when the daffodils were coming up, we were summoned again by Mr. Dobson, when handed out our lovely warm coats in time for spring. At least we would be warm for the following winter. I like to think my letter had helped.

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