I found a pilot jacket years ago, which was an exact replica of the one on a famous photograph, belonging to one of the women I told about. But I never got me the rest of the gear.
Months ago I was invited to an anniversary dinner of the branch where my veterans used to work.
The theme: '40-'45.
They expect me to attend in a self made nurse uniform.
Saving money, only buying the absolute necessary, turning every coin 25 times before spending, not doing things I would love to do...
and I was able to order a replica uniform of a WAAF LAC wireless operator. (And was lucky the shoes were not available).
I asked the friendly lady to send it to a friend in England, afraid that sending oversees would land it somewhere on a customs table, either forgotten or arriving at my place too late.
One of my Veteran friends and his wife received the parcel yesterday...
I will see it thursday 31 of august, when I'm in England.
They will keep their mouths shut, so no one else of the veterans knows how I am coming.
I can't wait!!!
I'm so excited!!
My father served in the RAF, and he worked as a wireless operator. When he came back from WW2, to The Netherlands, he was given a job at the Post,Telephone and Telegraph Company, as a wireless operator. It was very special as he had just a little education before the war, and he was so young (16) when he left the country. Almost everything he learned he was taught at the RAF.
I have been a telephonist.
I never realized, until a short time ago, that some of my characteristics were maybe not his, but the RAF's. He was a well loved boss, found his own education and followed every course he was granted. It was never him at the center, but he always worked for the greater good. Making people work together as a good balanced team. He was keen to improve things. Came with lots of ideas. His feelings were always last.
So I feel so very proud to be able to wear the uniform from the women I respect so much.
Some of them jumped behind the lines...my son is a parachutist, and those women have always had my attention.
So when I was allowed to present a wreath at a service at the SEO monument in London of Violette Szabo, I was moved.
Often we forget that all those women were part of the birth of our freedom and our peace.
Without them, we wouldn't have had more than 70 years of relative rest.
With a war at our doorstep, with young men and women ready to defend us, we should be more aware of what war does with people.
My family lost many members during WW2.
One of the uncles, a priest, was excecuted by the Nazis, because he wouldn't tell anything about his activities.
My family was one resistance group, without outsiders.
When it became too dangerous for my dad, he went to England.
How? I don't know.
All I know that this boy of 16 was shipped in 1943 to Nova Scotia to be trained in Canada.
He had sworn secrecy about his activities (he told me) and he never said a word.
I can't find his files. I have applied, paid the money, and got no reply at all.
But I can keep the stories alive, honour all thos emen and woman, and take care of the veterans that are in my life as best as I can.
Next year I will jump in England and I'll do it to get some money together to support the AAC Veterans.
Please consider a donation.
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Image: Joyce Todd.
I am very happy for you to have finally gotten an authentic uniform! What a treasure! So proud of the work you do and I know you are making an impact in the lives of those around you whom you serve. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI try. I wish I had more money to do more. Would love to give them an end of life house.
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