reminiscences of a wren

Reminiscences of World War Two told by Mrs. Olive Thornton.

I joined the WRNS in 1941 reporting to Westfield College London for training. The list of items to take included; gas mark, identity card and 2 pairs of dark bloomers! Having been a hotel receptionist, and qualified as a book keeper I was taken on as pay clerk. Pay at that time was 1/8d per day (9p in present currency) on entry, rising to 5/4 per day(27p) if you reached the dizzy heights of chief wren- few did! After 3years service I was promoted to Petty Officer, receiving 4/10d per day (25p). We also received a kit allowance of 2shillings per week. We were issued with initial uniform, but had to purchase replacements. We also had free accommodation and food. I was drafted to Scotland —HMS MERLIN- a Fleet Air Arm Station, just north of the Forth Bridge, headquarters of Scottish Command, so plenty of “ top brass” around. We did not see a lot of action-the worst was at the beginning of hostilities when German planes tried to bomb the Forth Bridge, very alarming if one was crossing it at that time!
We had dances and film shows etc. in the recreation rooms as well as weekly religious Service-Divisions as it was called. We always sang Eternal Father, and being fleet air arm we added a final verse for all Flyers, our own, the RAF, ATA (air transport auxiliary) and any personnel who were flying. It went:- O Ruler of the earth and sky, Protect our airmen when they fly. And keep them in thy loving care, from all the perils in the air. O let our cry come unto thee, For all who fly o’er land and sea.
On one occasion a platoon of Polish soldiers, stationed a few miles away, invited us to a dance at their place. Our transport was a truck, and it was very cold, so it was difficult to raise any enthusiam, but about 12 of us reluctantly agreed. As a P.O. I was put in charge. Before we went our WRNS officer of the day gave us a pep talk saying,”We have reports that the Poles are very amorous, but if you behave like ladies,I’m sure they will behave like gentlemen”.Sure enough, during the interval, a sergeant, with whom I had been dancing, asked me if I would like to see the rest of the camp. I said it was too cold and would rather sit down and have a drink. With a twinkle in his eye he said,”You told to be a good girl too?” They left the next day. I wonder what happened to them. I hope they came through.

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