Cynthia Field - A memoir of life in the WAAF during the war

Cynthia Field - A memoir of life in the WAAF during the war

Cynthia starts with a description of feelings and actions at beginning of the war. Her mother had tried to persuade her to join land army and  she mentions brief experience and unsuitability for farming. So she decided to join the RAF. She describes enlistment and initial training recalling training, facilities and food at RAF West Drayton. The memoir continues with her telephonist training at RAF Worcester and subsequent posting to 11 Group at RAF Uxbridge. She describes various aspects of RAF Uxbridge, including: accommodation; food; work; manning switchboard; and working conditions and continues with a detailed description of actions during Battle of Britain. Cynthia goes on to describe the bombing of London and living through the local raids, and describes, in detail, living accommodation, colleagues, room mate and activities. She recalls trying for commission and turning down re-mustering as wireless operator. She goes on to detail postings to RAF Biggin Hill and HQ 2 Group at RAF Huntingdon and what they entailed, including units and work; people; location; and activities. She talks about promotions to corporal and sergeant, and gives a detailed description of off-duty activities and entertainment. This is followed by a very detailed description of her work and activities of Bomber Command, and the group including Mosquito operations, friends and colleagues. She talks about the thousand bomber raid against Cologne and other highlights, and continues with an account of her remaining time at 2 Group and subsequent move to Norfolk. Finally, in early 1944 she posted to RAF Leeming and, again, describes location, facilities, work and NCO s course at RAF Wilmslow, as well as resident squadrons, aircrew and other personnel. One crew that she got to know well, subsequently volunteered for Pathfinders and went missing on operations. She goes on to describe other postings. The memoir concludes with 36 photographs including: her father, his army units; her mother; friends; herself; WAAF colleagues; family; family home; as well as Ian Hay, her NCO course; WAAFs and airmen at RAF Leeming; and some post war photographs of bomb damage in Germany.

Seventy-six page printed document with text and thirty-six b/w photographs

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