NAM.1998-01-87-1

Memoir: I was a WAAC. Written by No 32139 Fwmn Lia Parfitt, Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps. 15 chapters cover: 1. Introduction:’ Family background Chapters 1-3: ‘I attempt to be a WAAC’ Recruitment, medical, Refused as not British subject. Accepted, daily routine, uniform goes to tailor, chores given. Journey to Aldershot,. Chapter 4: ‘A typical Work Day.’ Structure of day. Chapter 5: ‘On loan to WAAC.’ Detailed uniform description. Chapter 6: ‘Am again transferred’ Form filling. Chapter 7: ‘Am again transferred.’ Orderly room, translator of letters. Chapter 8: ‘Description of quarters.’ Chapter 9: ‘Typical off duty pastimes’ Theatre, movies, dances, punting. Chapter 10: ‘Description of meals.’ Chapter 11: ‘Our Staff’ Chapter 12: ‘Our Administrators’ Chapter 13: ‘Our Physical drill team, sports.’ Drill demonstration competition. Six weeks training. Supper with Drill Sergeant Major, second place in competition. Field Day held for all women’s units, prizes presented. Chapter 14: ‘Sick Bay’ Spanish flu epidemic, military funerals. Chapter 15: ‘Our Commander-in Chief, Queen Mary.’ Change of name to Queen Mary’s Army Auxiliary Corps and new badges issued. Review of new corps by Queen Mary, King takes the salute. Reference to Lia Parfitt being Argentinian and the only foreigner in the Corps.

World War One (1914-1918)