- Contributed byÌý
- Millie24
- People in story:Ìý
- Mildred Podolski nee Rump
- Location of story:Ìý
- REME Depot Colchester
- Article ID:Ìý
- A2219889
- Contributed on:Ìý
- 20 January 2004
In December 1943 my schoolfriend and fellow office clerk and I were called up for war service. As the Forces were full we had the choice of Nursing or Industry and we opted for Industry. We were then sent to Letchworth Training College for a basic engineering course. When this ended, in April '44, we were then posted as civilian workers to the R.E.M.E. at Colchester Barracks.
Here we were trained in the unit repairs section but mainly worked on Ford gearboxes which we loved, as they were very easy to repair. Later, in late May I think, there was increased activity everywhere and an air of excitement. Everyone seemed to be working flat out. In our section we were given tins of some almost plasticine-like compound, with which we were shown how to seal all edges and openings of the gearboxes. Naturally we were all very curious but couldn't imagine what was going on, except that everywhere there was a hive of activity. I particularly remember being very puzzled that all the vehicles had large white stars painted on them. They were continually being driven in and out of the workshop. I was especially fascinated by a large tank which had a large number of heavy chains which were flung out and rotated as it moved. When I asked I was later told that they were flails which were to be used to clear minefields.
As I remember, all this activity was over in a very few days and then all was back to normal. Later on, of course, all was revealed when news of the D-Day Landings came through.
Shortly after, all the civilian workers were no longer needed at the REME so my friend and I were sent back to our home town, Norwich, but
re-allocated to work at one of the largest garages in the City which had a Ministry of Supply contract to repair Bedford lorries. We spent another two (happy) years working in the unit section there, learning how to repair, as well as gearboxes, petrol pumps, engine tuning, brake shoes, axles etc., but NEVER how they all went in the vehicle.
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