NAM.1998-01-64-1

Ada C L Gummersall, Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps ‘I Join the Women’s Legion’. Associated with World War One (1914-1918). Memoir 11th July 1966: Feb 1917 an advert in the Times advertises shortage of man power. Women needed to relieve men in trenches. Goes before committee, produces three testimonials. Passes Medical Board, spends three weeks at Connaught Club, London. Inoculated, given uniform, proceeds to Boulogne and the Hotel Commerce in Rue Thiers. First duty sweep up courtyard and front of hotel. Tries to get used to army rations: hind quarter of beef, tins of corned beef (bully) tin beans with pork fat in middle, bread (in short supply) biscuits that damage dentures of women, evaporated milk (short supply) potatoes, rice and sugar. Rice boiled and served with plum and apple jam. Biscuits softened in boiling water, served with jam for pudding. Gastric trouble reported to the VAD nurse. Complaints of food were censored in letter. Deputy Administrator, Miss Lowe, gave pep talk on not complaining. Request made for fresh meat and vegetables. Lime juice, butter and strawberry jam appeared. WAAC formed with Helen Gwynne-Vaughan. Enrolls in new army as NCO, Hostel Forewoman. Takes charge of drafts, collects wood. Portuguese and Chinese Pioneer Corps working. Edible seaweed part of Chinese ration. Not allowed peas, as they were navy not army ration. Takes signallers to Base HQ to report their findings. Signals women form a musical society and sing to hospital patients. Off duty memories: recollections of concert entertainment, tea and petite fours. Describes patients, and a kiss from one.

World War One (1914-1918)