Wendy Hooton

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A veteran interview with

Wendy Hooton was a communications centre operator for the WRAC.

1 / 1 Talking Point: "Rheindahlen"

Watch the interview

Discover 24 key interview topics and talking points

02:00

Guildford

04:00

WRAC uniform

06:00

Passing Out Parade

08:00

Trade training

10:00

Murray Code

12:00

10th Signal Regiment

16:00

Rheindahlen

18:00

Pops and Eddies

20:00

Guildford Pub Bombing

24:00

Hong Kong

28:00

Stonecutters Island

34:00

Aldershot

36:00

IRA (Irish Republican Army)

40:00

Duchess of Kent

42:00

Australia

46:00

Cyprus

48:00

Greek Civil War

52:00

Falklands

56:00

Germany

64:00

Scotland

68:00

Leaving the Army

74:00

Being a veteran

76:00

SIB

80:00

Homosexuality

About Wendy Hooton

At only seventeen years old Wendy Joined the WRAC in 1972. Driven by her desire to travel, she joined the army as a communications operator and her interview provides a fascinating insight into the processes, and complications, of being a young woman in a military environment.

Wendy recalls the strict routines at Guildford and the excitement of her passing out parade following the first six weeks of training. In her specialised training, Wendy discusses the complexity of the communications machinery and the development of technologies throughout her time as an operator. Beginning with T-100s, Wendy describes the transition into T-15 Telex machines in the late 1970s.

Reflecting on the WRAC Wendy speaks fondly of her travels to Rheindahlen, Hong Kong, Australia, Cyprus and later Edinburgh. During this time she faced constant IRA threats, Cold War tensions and feelings of discontent that erupted with the onset of the Falklands. She speaks passionately on the importance of the WRAC as an emerging space for women to push beyond their societal expectations during a period of great change.

Credits

Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker
Reviewed by:
Evie Painter
Transcribed by:
Leon Graham

Transcripts:
Please note that transcripts and closed captions in the video player are automatically generated by Vimeo.

If you would like a version of the transcript that has been transcribed manually by Leon Graham, please complete this form or email info@legasee.org.uk.

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