Oral history interview with Vera K. Griffin

Item description

Primarily documents Vera Keen Griffin's service in the British Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) from 1941 to 1944. Griffin gives details of her early life, including her education, living during the Depression, and the outbreak of WWII. She mentions her father's service during WWI and her sisters' service during WWII. Topics about WWII include: the onset of the war in England; the fear of poison gas; buzz bombs; the fall of France; and the destruction of London. " Griffin discusses the opportunities for women in the British armed services and how she enlisted in the WAAF. She describes marching, instructors, and receiving uniforms during basic training at Innsworth, Gloustershire; and cook training in Melksham. Of her time stationed in Liverpool, she mentions working in a Merchant Marine hotel, living at Huyton College, dodging bombs, and socializing. Griffin also discusses her marriage, her husband's death in Tunisia, transferring closer to home, working at the Coastal Command Headquarters, and receiving airmail. She shares her opinions of Winston Churchill; her memories of meeting and marrying her second husband, Ken; being discharged when she became pregnant; and V-E Day and V-J Day celebrations. " Other topics include moving to the US and settling in Baltimore, Maryland; residing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Bethany Beach, Delaware; one of her son's military service; and her other two sons' service in the National Guard.