Albert Kingham shares his memories of being evacuated from Southend to Nottinghamshire at the age of eight. Albert dreamed of becoming a pilot and witnessed the first dogfight over Southend in 1939. During his four years in Nottinghamshire, he witnessed the bombing of Sheffield and collected shrapnel from crashed planes. At 14, his passion led him to join the Air Training Corps (ATC), where he received training, including parachute exercises, and flew in various aircraft. Albert recalls a memorable flight with a photographer over Germany in 1947, where he witnessed the devastating aftermath of the war in cities like Cologne. In 1948, Albert was stationed at Oakington during the Berlin Airlift, he recounts flying in Dakotas to and from Berlin. After leaving the ATC in 1951, he began a career as a naval tailor, helping produce battledress uniforms, including those worn during the Korean War. Albert’s story is one of bravery, resilience and a love for planes.

Jean Cleminson shares her experiences as a wireless operator part of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) during World War 2. She details her experience in the Y Service, an essential part of British intelligence operations, from working in Dunstable to Bletchley Park. Jean recounts her time training in wireless operations in 1941 at the Post Office in Cardiff. After studying in Compton Bassett, Bedfordshire and Staffordshire, she was assigned a post at an ostensible meteorological station in Dunstable. At Dunstable, Jean carried out clandestine Y section work and intercepted reports from Germany. She was informed to never speak about the work undertaken to anyone, including her family. She reflects on the late-night watch hours and quiet atmosphere in the station, as well as maintaining a best friendship for life. Years later, Jean revisited the Dunstable station. Whilst difficult to find, she slowly came to the realisation it had turned into a cracker factory! Jean’s account serves as a testimony to the dedication and resilience of those in secret and often underrepresented war roles. The story highlights Jean’s incredible contribution to the war and the significance women played in the war effort.

Vera Morgan was living in London during the early years of WW2. She vividly recalls the eerie sound of sirens on the day war was declared, though at first, little changed. However, as the Battle of Britain began, bombs became a daily threat. From navigating bomb craters on the way to work, to dealing with incendiary bombs and V-1s, Vera remains remarkably pragmatic when describing these challenging times. Although exempt from military service due to her role at an ammunition factory, Vera was determined to serve. So in 1942 she joined the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), despite her employer’s objections. Trained as a teleprinter operator, she was stationed at RAF Harwell, then RAF Chicksands from 1943 until the war’s end. Vera shares her experiences of life at Chicksands. Camaraderie with other teleprinters, and a sense of getting the job done helped Vera through the long shifts relaying intercepted messages to Bletchley Park. The uncomfortable living conditions were offset by the social aspects of life, such as dances and socialising with American and British soldiers. Many friendships made then still last, with Vera attending annual reunions with old colleagues. Vera ends with her vivid memories of VE Day. Leaving camp without permission, she hitchhiked to London to join the celebrations. Unfortunately, with such huge crowds, Vera didn’t notice being pick-pocketed! Despite the theft, her excitement wasn’t diminished. For Vera, the joy of being part of such a historic occasion remains a cherished memory that she enthusiastically recounts.