WRAC - LADYSMITH CAMP 1954-55
As Remembered By Evelyn Norton
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In 1949, aged 14 yrs old, I joined the Air Corps 262 Squadron in Alvaston, Derbys.
In 1952, aged 16½ yrs old, I lied about my date of birth so that I could join the Territorial Army – a full year before I should have. On joining I was attached to HAA Artillery of Derby – trade: Radar Operator. I did two long weekends and many evenings Drilling etc
On the 23rd December 1952 I joined the Regulars – Woman’s Royal Army Corp – as a Silver Service Waitress, stationed at Guildford, Surrey. I was into all sports and gymnastics and we did displays for Nursing Hones and schools. When there was a Big Parade Day or Inspection, one or two of us were picked out to lay out our kits. I was always one of them as I always took pride in my appearance.
In 1953 I was one of the privates picked (only two of us out of all other ranks) at attend Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall in London. As we practiced marching down the steps – eyes front – there would be an NCO on each step and if, at any time, your eyes looked down then you were off the Parade. I was told I had been chosen because I was smart and had immaculate kit. We all worked hard to get two pairs of shoes up to standard – brown ones for practice and black ones for the actual days and evenings. 6/7th November 1953, I kept my nerve – no eyes down!
I am on the back row – 5th one along
Practicing for the Remembrance Parade 6th/7th November 1953
In September 1954, I was posted the Egypt and sent to Kingston-upon-Thames for Holding & Drafting whilst awaiting to sail. A few of us were told to do a few days in Earls Court in London for the “Forces Broadcasting Services”. We had to select records for people to send a tune and messages to their loved ones far away in the services.
On the day of our ship, the “Empire Ken” we sailed from Southampton. I was lucky , I wasn’t seasick, so spent much of my time handing out sick tablets to those who were. On board ship we did P.E. on deck and dancing etc. which we all enjoyed. We stopped at Algiers where the men could go ashore but not us women – they said we were not safe and could end up in a Casbar and been seen no more! When we docked at Port Said we were loaded onto truck to take us to our camps – mine was Ladysmith Camp, Fayid. Our camp was patrolled by different regiments’ month by month – to keep us ladies safe!
My duties were that of waitress but most of the time the Egyptians did the work. They were a lovely crowd and nick-named me “Shoo, Shoo”. As and when the Sgt Major required of me, she also had to call me this otherwise nobody understood who she was asking for! My work also was to be on duty most times – day or night – as we looked after the married families as it was a transit camp for them. On early mornings, 01:00 am onwards, flights would come in and we would have to meet them , cook a small meal, fbefore getting them to their quarters. Then the next morning serve them breakfast.
As and when off-duty there would always be lots to do – pictures, sports, beach, dancing etc. – never a dull moment. For sports I did the high-jump and a truck would come and get me for training before Sports Day. I came 3rd and received a Bronze medal. In Fayid village we used to go to the Piccadilly – roller skating – rifle shooting – food and drink. There was a shop called Freddy’s selling lots of goodies to send home . The cinema was the Cameronia, then it was down to the Ladies Beach for a steak, egg & chips supper – was it camel or donkey meat? – I do not know, I didn’t eat the meat! We also went to the Scottish church in Fayid for Scottish Dancing. Every Sunday, we would meet up with other servicemen and women at the Old Victoria Lido. A lot of the ladies couldn’t dance so I taught them a few steps, especially the Be-Bop which I loved. At the Yachting Club dance my partner and I won an alarm clock for the best Be-Boppers. Most of the Army and RAF camps put on dance nights. I remember a few such as the Life Guards, 1st Inf Div REME, RASC, BMH, the Yachting Club and RAF Kasfareet. At one dance we were asked to dress up as it was a “Tramps Night”. I wore a nightdress and came 2nd
Before Remembrance Parade 1954, I asked the young man I was seeing if he could take my uniform to his dhobi man; it came back like a cardboard box! I did feel so very smart.
December 1955 saw the end of my 3 year service. Undecided as what to do, either sign on – go to Cyprus – or go home to get married. Yes I flew home – what a mistake – ii didn’t marry so I bought myself a motorbike instead! I flew back home on a cranky plane. We dropped down in Malta at 03:30 hrs – ate eggs and chips – but the plane suffered engine trouble so we landed in France – given more food and finally made it back to Stanstead then back to the Holding & Drafting Base in Kingston-upon-Thames.
I joined the T.A. again then Signals (a waitress). If I had known that I could
have rejoined after 6 months I would have done so. On leaving the forces I went
to work at the Ordance Depot in Derby (Army again!) as a Diesel Fork Lift Stacker
driver which I had to pass a
test for. Serving in the Canal Zone and other parts was an education and I would
not have missed it for anything. Meeting so many comrades. Good old days and
what memories!