RESEARCHERS at a National Trust museum at Croome, near Worcester, captured wartime memories at a special event.

The event, Did Granny Work at RAF Defford?, bought to light some names and personalities enabling the researchers to learn more about some of the civilian women of RAF Defford, the once secret wartime airbase, and the roles they played.

The event, held at Pershore Town Hall, produced some very useful leads for the current research project. It has also set some of the relatives of these women on discovery trails of their own.

“The event opened up some new lines of inquiry and new contacts,” said Pauline Gardiner, National Trust Volunteer and researcher on the Women of RAF Defford project. It’s hoped that this will help raise awareness of the work at the National Trust Croome and their ongoing interest in the women at RAF Defford, both service personnel and civilians, and their stories.”

The day highlighted a number of characters such as two local sisters who served at RAF Defford, one as a WAAF nurse and the other as a WREN.

The researchers also learned of some of the women civilians who filled various roles, for example in the drawing office.

Stories were shared from ladies who worked at RSRE who visited RAF Defford and Pershore as part of their work. Two men also turned up, with information that will add to the general history of RAF Defford and the development of radar.

It hoped that the event has helped raise awareness of the quest for information and may draw visitors to the RAF Defford Museum at National Trust Croome. Visitors can leave their contact information there and one of the researchers will be in touch.