In November 1945, Leading Wren Kathleen Oates was stationed on the Isle of Man at Ronaldsway, where she documented her experiences through a series of letters home. Eighty years later, her daughter Christine Smith revisits these letters, offering a glimpse into the life of a young woman on the brink of returning to civilian life after World War II.
As the year drew to a close, Kathleen and her fellow Wrens anticipated departing Ronaldsway before Christmas. In a letter dated November 22, she expressed a mix of excitement and uncertainty about her future. “None of us can realise that in approximately a fortnight we shall be leaving here,” she wrote. Kathleen hoped for a transfer to the south coast, possibly Plymouth or Portsmouth. She was eager to see what would unfold for her friend Dora, stationed at a Holiday Depot, and shared her reluctance to be reassigned to another Fleet Air Arm station.
Reflections on Departure and Change
Some of Kathleen’s colleagues, like Catherine Miller, were indeed leaving. Catherine had endured a lengthy service of over three years and faced an uncertain future. In a poignant moment, Kathleen described Catherine’s feelings about her departure: “She has no idea what she’s going to do. She needs someone to direct her.” With parents who seemed indifferent to her career prospects, Catherine’s transition from military life back to civilian life was a significant concern for Kathleen.
Amidst the preparations for potential departure, Kathleen remained practical. She sent home various parcels, including fabric and knitting supplies, noting the scarcity of items like Ovaltine on the mainland. “By the way, there’s plenty of Ovaltine, cocoa etc. to be bought here,” she wrote, indicating her awareness of the ongoing rationing that affected many families.
In addition to her packing, Kathleen actively participated in social activities. She attended a committee meeting for a farewell dance planned for the following week, showcasing the camaraderie among the Wrens even in the face of impending change. “Flying finishes on the 29th of November, so I can expect my draft any time after that,” she noted, encapsulating the uncertainty of military life.
Life on the Isle of Man
Despite the looming transition, Kathleen found time to enjoy the beauty of the Isle of Man. She described evenings spent with friends, including outings to the cinema and walks along the beach under a full moon. “It was one of the loveliest nights I’ve ever known!” she recalled, highlighting the ethereal quality of the landscape and the freedom she felt in those moments.
Not every experience was positive; Kathleen also recounted a less-than-pleasant visit to chapel, where she endured a lengthy children’s anniversary performance. “I was really fed up at the end of two!” she quipped, illustrating the blend of light-heartedness and frustration in her everyday life.
As the week concluded, Kathleen’s letters reflected a spirit of resilience and anticipation. She looked forward to the upcoming dance and the chance to wear civilian clothes, a small yet significant concession from her superiors. “We’ve had permission from the First Officer to wear civvies – a great concession!” she excitedly noted.
Kathleen’s correspondence provides a unique lens into the lives of women serving during the war, capturing both the challenges and the camaraderie that defined their experiences. As her time in the Wrens approached its end, her letters conveyed a sense of hope and readiness for the next chapter, embodying the spirit of a generation transitioning from war to peace.
