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Patricia Bridgen Farley was a Wren (Womens Royal Naval Service) stationed at Portkil, Near Kilcreggan, Scotland during World War II, living in a house affectionately known to the group of Wrens that were based there as 'The Barn'. The Wrens came to be known as the 'Barnites'.
A hearty 'jolly hockey-stick,' type of Wren NCO brought me my shipping orders. 'Well, Bridgen,' she said, (I had to get used be being called by my surname without the privilege of a 'Miss' or 'Patricia' all the time I was in the service),'Looks like you're going up north. You have to report to the naval base in Helensburgh.' 'Where's that?' I spluttered, never having heard the name of that town before. 'Bonnie Scotland' was the answer.
She told me to go to the clothing section and get fitted out with my uniform. I received a travel chit for the trains and though I can't remember, I must have been given some money, as an advance on my first meagre pay check.
I went home for a few days, taking my civilian clothes and accessories to be sent on to my final destination, if I found out I was allowed to wear them at all. My parents and sisters were happy when I returned to Manchester. They admired the uniform and were glad for my sake that I had passed muster as a Wren.
My father, especially, was pleased with the outcome. He began calling me, the 'Sweetheart of the Forces', a nickname that stayed with me for a long time.
My short leave was soon over, and there I was at the railway station, waiting for the Scottish train, outfitted in my first Navy uniform - Navy gabardine jacket and skirt, white cotton, long sleeved short with black tie. Collars were detachable and attached to our shirts by studs. We were supposed to make a shirt last for two days, by changing collars. Black stockings and shoes finished the outfit.
Underneath, I wore a regulation bra and shiny, black bloomers of a rayon type material. Just like school I thought. (Although later, most of the girls I worked with, and myself, chose to wear our own underwear).
A navy raincoat, a beautifully warm greatcoat, and a soft navy hat had been issued also. The HMS sailor type of hat didn't appear until six months later. I was told more clothing would be issued to me in Scotland.
During World War II, petrol was rationed severely and most people travelled by train. In peacetime, in the 30's, trains in the British Isles, as now, were dependent and plentiful, reaching almost every city, town and even villages around the country. In wartime, their rating dropped considerably!
Generally not heated, and food not readily available made travelling by train a risky and hazardous experience. You brought your own brown bag, or rushed out of the train compartment when it stopped at a station, and tried to buy a mug of tea or a sandwich filled with heaven knows what.
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