大象传媒

This story was taken from Mrs Marjory Frances Lumb by Sorren Maris Jones of the 大象传媒 Open Centre, Hull.

My first experience of war began at a very young age when my father, who served during the First World War, told me both funny and tragic stories about the events of wartime. It was these stories that encouraged my decision to join the forces but I was only 15 when World War II broke out and I remember feeling disappointed knowing I had to stand back and watch my older friends wear attractive uniforms and travel to far off places. My life was mundane and I wanted to lead an exciting life, like in the stories my father told.

Two years later, in 1941, I received an official letter requesting my services and I decided I would join the Wrens. I worked in the Naval Boat Stores, which supplied everything to make a ship seaworthy. This was a messy job as I had to work with chains and ropes that control the ship. My journey as a wren began in South Sea, which was crowded with marines and sailors. My earliest feelings were that I missed my home comforts and I felt singled out because I was the only northern girl, but this lasted a mere few days.

At 18, I was given the biggest honour as I was elected to be a leading Wren, which was the equivalent of a Corporal and this made my father extremely proud. I was determined to show those posh upper class girls how hard work is really done! As a leading Wren I learned to use a rifle but my height was a problem and it took me a while, however, I passed my test! Other difficult tasks were learning colour coded forms, which were used to distinguish all the different nationalities taking part and practicing storing and de-storing small craft. The bonus was extra pay - I earned 拢6.00 per two weeks.

There were 5, 400 servicemen and only 40 women on board and because there were such a small number of us girls, the captain took great care not to put temptation in the way of female starved sailors.

One of my clearest memories is D Day (June 6th of 1944), which is the day when the men did not return. I remember the town was filled with a long eerie silence which gave me a headache. Never before had I witnessed such a silence. The only men left were old, crippled or injured through serving on Russian convoys.

I served as a wren for four years and never will I forget the day when the war ended in 1945. I can see it clearly now. I was sat in my office in Portsmouth when all of a sudden I could hear a great hullabaloo. The whole office ran downstairs and out onto the street and the atmosphere was electric. People were laughing, hugging, crying and throwing their hats into the air. It was such a contrasting feeling from that of D Day. It was a special moment in my life I will always cherish and I am honoured to have been a part of the Second World War.

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