Raw recruit

Raw recruit

Three verse poem about the WAAF recruit process.

One page printed document

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SReidK473650v20001

Raw Recruit.

After the humiliation
Of nude examination
The mastication
Of Air Force stodge.
Endless queing [sic]
For irons,
Plate and cup,
Woollen hood,
Woollen stockings.
[inserted] K FLAT [/inserted] Black shoes,
Blue blouse and bloomers,
(Passion killers)
Humbug striped
Thick pyjamas
Gasmask
Tin hat
And that
Uniform,
Shirt,
Skirt,
Jacket,
Card for identity,
Kit-bag
As big as me
I stand outside
In a Wiltshire winter
And yearn and yearn to be free.

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I’ll run away to freedom
Ere I cast my civvy skin.
But ---- What will they think of me at home
When there is a war to win?
That I’d run away like a rabbit
Run away from the truth?
Other’s were paying war’s debt with their lives
I’d only to pay with my youth.

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In that Waaf reception station
I wipe the tears from my eyes
And turn from freedom’s temptation
And pay with my youth ------
Was I wise?.

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