I joined the WAAF on September 18th 1942. I had only started work three months previously, after a secretarial course. I was just a schoolgirl and I certainly acted like one - irresponsible, carefree and full of life. But I felt restless and ill at ease at my job as a receptionist at the Town Hall. I felt an older woman would be more suitable to take my place and I could get on with more useful jobs by helping the war effort instead. I saw service women of every description in the streets every day strutting around looking most important, and I felt very out of it. For several days I thought about it. I wrote to the Wrens because my brother (Hec) was an officer in the Navy, and I liked the uniform. But it was not to be; “sorry you’re not qualified enough!!” was the answer. Anyway one lunch time I went home and resolved to tell Mother I wanted to join the WAAF. She naturally tried to persuade me to wait a year (18’s were not called up at that time) but no, I had made up my mind and nothing would stop me. I filled in the necessary forms, and a week later I was called up for a medical examination. I waited with 10 other girls .................
Read the full story in Memoirs of a WAAF (1942-1946)
Daphne Dangerfields Memoirs is a true account of life in the WAAF, previously untold. The story is told directly from a collection of original notes, diaries and photos from 1942 -1946 all collated and published by her daughter Sue Edwards of Virtual Assistant Sussex.
The memoirs include many names of friends and officers who all form part of the interesting and often humorous account of daily life in the WAAF. It all started in 1942 when she decided to join up. The diaries describe a real insight into the rules and regulations of the WAAF, the conditions tolerated and how they managed to pass the time when not on duty.
For more information or queries call Sue on (01825) 761890 or email vasussex@btinternet.com.
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