Warning to Waacs

Flak, Volume 1, Issue 4, 30 April 1943, Page 8

Warning to Waacs

One of the things I have repeatedly noticed since I joined the Waacs is the number of new members who cry “Why weren’t we warned of this? Someone should tell us these things.” As briefly as I am able, and without any personal motives, I will endeavour to outline a few of the things a raw recruit must be prepared for. Perhaps if the various trials and difficulties are arranged in tabulated form they will be more easily digested. The order of importance is, of course, dependent upon your particular case, but here they are: — Your first parade. The Sergeant-Major. The salute you didn’t try and the one you .(disastrously) did. The erratic and incorrigible behaviour of the local farmer’s cow. The process of army bed-making very involved this. The importance of Being Earnest About Your Work, and, on the other hand, the importance of Not Taking Things Too Much to Heart. You will find this last impressed upon you by fatherly and well-meaning people 7 during your early days. On the other hand, an epidemic of giggling wears thin very quickly with the very people who wagged a playful finger at you before. This, I find, is a frequent la-

meat of the callow Waac, and it is a very important point; : . . Work.—Now this is really important. It is bound to be pointed out that you are in the army for that 'very reason. Also that a kindly Government pays you a daily sum for that specific purpose. You must accept this state of affairs with reason and fortitude, and remember you are doing this for Your Country. Even if your reasons are different, be patient and doifi’t argue about'it. Mess Conversation. —Many difficulties here for the unwary, and a difficult subject to deal with fully in the little space an impatient Editor allows me. Favourite trend, however, seems to be general abuse. This generally impartially includes all personnel, beginning with the camp kittens, and working up to pips and crowns. Grievance. —An attitude of acute grievance is also a grave mistake for the raw and unitiated. Laugh it off! Even when on your morning .constitutional the , Sergeant-Major comments on everyone being out of step except “Gunner Mabel;Jones,” remember he will be doing a little mental effort later on thinking• out'• a- new ' and better one for someone else. A final warning I must add. Impatience. Quite fatal this, and no use to anyone, as well as being of the utmost inconvenience to the Army generally; and although they cannot perhaps cure it all at once, they will frown blackly on the foolish recruit and wish her in any other unit. Re"member . . . the wheels of somebody or other grind .exceding slow, but they get there just the same —or words to- that effect. HADN’T FAR TO FALL * A gunner had been promoted to the rank of lance-bombardier and proudly displayed his stripe to his family. He explained that he was on the lowest rung of the military ladder. His bright sister remembered a verse she once read in a book. Here it is: “Fiercely the battle raged, and sad to tell, Our Lance-jack heroically fell. Fame from her heights looked down upon the brawl : And said, “He hadn’t very far to fall.”

NEW MURDER THRILLER/ Murder, in the world’s most famous railroad station, New York’s Grand Central Terminal, provides the plot for Metro-Goldwyn-May er’sinew mystery drama “Grand Central Murder,” the latest attraction at the Majestic Theatre, Van Heflin, the stage actor. who turned in a sensational performance as Robert Taylor’s pal in “Johnny Eager,” has the principal role- as a private detective. No less than ten suspects figure in this above-average thriller. Patricia Dane is responsible for a capable performance as the murdered actress found in a railway siding. The Ritz Brothers, Hollywood ace comedian team, are featured in the associate attraction “Behind the Eight-Ball.” -- • . /

Sgt. Longdill: Now Gunner Whitefield, what’s the first thing you do when you clean your rifle?” Gnr. Whitefield:' Look at the number. * r Sgt. Longdill: What’s that got to do with it? Gnr. Whitefield: To make sure it’s mine!