大象传媒

I joined the WAAF just after I was eighteen. H.Q. No.85., was the first contingent of WAAF to be posted to Normandy after D Day. I was Cpl.Clk/GD (Tech) and was one of the first WAAF to be posted to this group to work for The Group Captain for whom I had worked since I joined. I was stationed at HQFC at RAF Bentley Priory and on Saturday 19th February was posted to HQ No 85 Group at Uxbridge.

In September 1944 we were sent to Normandy. We were there about ten days and then flew (about five at a time) in an Anson of 85 Group Communication Flight from Carpiquet (an airstrip close by) to Ghent in Belgium.

Then came New year's Day 1945! The break though in the Ardennes by the German army. All the RAF airfields on the Continent were attacked. The Polish squadron which was based on the airfield behind our HQ was out on patrol, which was fortunate, because the Lutwaffe shot up all aircraft on the ground. Fortunately, the squadron came back and the Lutwaffe dispersed. All the flags of welcome to the British Forces in the streets of Ghent were taken inside - understandably!

I remember seeing the beginning of this attack. I was working in the office (in my greatcoat). It was a bright and cold day and the windows were all steamed up with the paraffin stove. I heard the noise of the aircraft, looked up and thought, "They are peculiar D Day markings". In actual fact they were the German crosses on the FW 190s.

This story was submitted to the People's War website by Helena Noifeld of 大象传媒 Radio Kent and has been added to the website on behalf of Elizabeth Woodin with her permission. She fully understands the site's terms and conditions.

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