The last days of Kathleen Oates as a Wren on the Isle of Man in January 1946 are captured in her poignant diary entries. These reflections provide insight into her emotional journey as she transitioned from military life back to civilian existence.
Last Days as a Wren
On January 5, 1946, Kathleen completed her demobilization process, which included visits to various officers and a trip to Taggarts in Castletown. She expressed her delight in acquiring a pair of fully fashioned stockings, a notable achievement as such items were scarce due to the wartime shift in nylon production. Kathleen’s diary notes, “they were awfully good and let me have a pair of fully fashioned stockings.” This small victory brightened her day in the midst of impending change.
After shopping, Kathleen sought solace at Scarlett Rocks, where the ocean’s high tide crashed against the rocks. She stood in silence, attempting to imprint the island’s beauty in her memory for the days ahead. “I’m trying to store the beauty for days when I’m in Leicester,” she wrote, conveying a sense of longing for her time on the island. Her entry concluded with a hint of sadness: “Tomorrow will be my last day in the Wrens – I don’t even want to think about it.”
January 6 brought more farewells as Kathleen prepared to leave. She took one last walk along the promenade, reflecting on her surroundings, including a mine washed up on the beach that police were guarding. The day was marked by a mix of nostalgia and apprehension as she contemplated her departure. Later that evening, she attended a film at the Camp cinema, noting how odd it felt to see the once crowded venue half-empty.
Transition to Civilian Life
On January 7, Kathleen began her journey back to civilian life, taking a plane from the island. She chose to fly instead of risking a ferry crossing, which could be rough. “The Anson took off about 09:15 and we eventually landed at Burscough about 11:00, after being lost in fog!” she recounted, describing the flight as an exciting finale to her Wren career.
By January 8, she was back home in Leicester, just days after her Christmas leave. Kathleen expressed a deeper sadness about returning home than she felt when she initially left to join the Wrens. “I feel sadder going home than I did about leaving home to join the Wrens – a queer feeling!” This sentiment highlighted the emotional toll of leaving behind a close-knit community.
The transition to civilian life proved challenging for Kathleen, who experienced a sense of loss and depression after her return. Her diary reveals her struggle with the boredom and restrictions of everyday life. “I’m going to miss all these girls, all the company, fun, light-heartedness and laughter,” she lamented, capturing the essence of her feelings.
Kathleen’s difficulties were not uncommon among ex-Forces personnel. She noted a sense of relief in meeting others who were also struggling to adjust. Her return home was marked by a pervasive atmosphere of worry and dissatisfaction, exacerbated by the lingering effects of rationing and post-war uncertainty. “Rationing, coupons, wars and rumours of wars, take the zest from living,” she wrote, revealing the broader societal challenges of the time.
As she navigated her new reality, Kathleen’s family also felt the impact of her emotional struggles. On her mother Elsie’s 50th birthday, Kathleen’s unhappiness surfaced, disrupting what should have been a joyous occasion. “I don’t know what’s the matter with me! I come home and upset the whole household,” she wrote, illustrating the strain her transition placed on family dynamics.
In the months that followed, Kathleen continued to reflect on her time on the Isle of Man, often comparing her experiences. Nature provided some comfort, yet it often reminded her of what she left behind. “A wonderfully wild night, reminiscent of winter in my beloved island,” she wrote in August, highlighting her persistent longing for the Isle.
Kathleen Oates’ diary serves as a compelling testament to the emotional challenges faced by those returning to civilian life after military service. Next week’s article will delve into her life following this poignant farewell, exploring how new experiences and a return to the island helped to lift her spirits.
