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I was in the forces after being called up aged 19. I worked in a huge records store office in Gloucester from 1942 to 1946. I was ‘LACW 2111734’ (Leading Aircraft Woman) and one of my friends was 2111733. It stored the records for the whole of the RAF, for aircrew and costal command. The barracks were called Innsworth. There were about 20 people in each hut and there was a stove in the middle. Since we were there so long, some people lived with civilians in the town. We worked from 8.30 to 5.30 and would go back to our barracks for lunch.

Uniform — an air force blue tunic (jacket), skirt, grey stockings and black shoes. We were issued with 3 shirts, bra (no more than 2) and 3 ‘blackouts’ which is what we called the scratchy knickers we had (some would wear their own underneath these). When there was a kit inspection everything we had had to be laid out on our beds in a set pattern. This also included the ‘biscuits’ (3 square mattresses), 3 blankets, our ‘housewife’ kit (needle, thread, etc) and our boots.

We got 4 leave passes for 7 days each, and our travel was paid so I could come home to South Shields. You could also get 24 hour passes. During your leave you could wear civilian clothing — most were proud of their uniform and wore it too and from their barracks.

Meals — we would take our ‘mug and irons’ (irons — knife, fork, and spoon) to meals which were served in the mess house. I remember the butter we got to go with our bread was the tiniest bit I have ever seen. There would be a choice of dishes, and I remember curry often being on the menu. The 3 meals a day were sufficient. Breakfast - porridge usually. Tea — what we called ‘high tea’, if you wanted anything more after that you had to go to the naffie to buy supper or sweets.

I didn’t have many adventures — it was more a way of life.

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