We are a group of women who meet on the  fourth Thursday of the month in Pakefield Church Hall, beginning at 2.00pm, unless otherwise stated.

Our aims are:

*  Promoting friendship, support and social activities for women in the local community

*  Raising funds for our charitable causes.

All women are welcome (whether or not you are a wife !)

PAKEFIELD WIVES’ GROUP

After A short prayer to begin the November meeting, Sheila introduced Ian McLachlan who has written books and gives many different talks about the USAAF based in Suffolk during the war from 1942-45. His diligent research into this subject means he has so many stories to tell about this era but he was asked to talk about GI Brides. Many decades have since passed but Ian is still in touch with relatives of the brides who have helped him present a bigger picture of the social and cultural impact on the population both here and in the US. His interest was sparked when, as a young ATC cadet, he was part of a team recovering the wreckage of two B17s – Flying Fortresses – which collided over Reedham ten minutes from landing, both crews killed. There is a memorial at Reedham, which commemorated the 80th anniversary of that date earlier this year.

The brides, some of whom were very young, often with babies, were called aliens by the US authority which often discouraged marriage with US servicemen. If the couple’s plans went ahead in any case, the women were interviewed, have a medical and, if under age, the consent of parents. A guide to the US was issued, Ian mentioned a few. The difference in culture – the importance to keep smart and wear lipstick! – knife and fork usage – different spelling of some words – be aware not to overdo the “please” and “thank-you” – books recommended to self-educate about the USA – how to deal with home-sickness.

Come the day of sailing, the brides were accommodated on the Queen Mary and the Queen Elizabeth, some flew. Those suffering with sea-sickness found the Statue of Liberty either daunting or joyful, whiles a band played “Here comes the bride” as they disembarked. Some potential brides didn’t make the journey having lost their husbands on active service during the war years and some had encountered disappointment finding themselves isolated from towns and cities and not what they were expecting. However, most brides made the US their home and were able to adjust and raise a family.

Sheila thanked Ian for his most interesting talk which brought to life the era of the war years and its ramifications.

It was Mollie’s birthday so there were delicious cakes to go with the tea/coffee.

The next meeting is on the 28th November – H & J Chocolatiers – Julie Hadridge.