Sect.Off. Monica Fenton "Nicky" Wingate
Womens Auxiliary Air Force
from:Great Horwood
My Grandmother, Monica Wingate, joined the WAAF on 8th September 1939 as an ACW 2 (Aircraftswoman 2) at RAF Halton, Buckinghamshire for initial training and trade training as a plotter. 21st January 1940 posted to Leighton Buzzard, Beds for further training as a plotter. On the 27th of January 1940 she was posted to RAF Biggin Hill, Kent. Promoted to ACW 1 on 1st May 1940 and Acting Corporal on 1st October 1940. On the 19th of November she was posted to RAF St Eval, Cornwall. From the 25th May 1941 to 21st June 1941 she attended Course No.79 at Oxford. This course tested suitability for Code and Cypher work and as she was successful my Grandmother was awarded a Commission. What type of work she was to undertake is not clear at present. On the 20th June 1941 Commissioned as an Assistant Section Officer (Service No. 2157). From 23rd June 1941 to 28th June 1941she was at No.1 WAAF's Depot and attended a course at Gerards Cross, London as to how to keep WAAF`s in order.
All of my Grandmother`s duties from now on were in Code & Cypher work. 29th June 1941 she joined HQ 14 Group. On the 22nd July 1941 she was posted to RAF Peterhead in North East Scotland, aFighter Station. Monica was one of the first residents there. On 5th January 1942 she moved to RAF Tain near Thurso, a Fighter Station, she was Appointed Section Officer on 21st of June 1942. On 25th October 1942 she moved to RAF Hurn near Bournemouth, Hants. and on 5th June 1943 was posted to RAF Hurn and transferred to 38 Group Airborne Forces. Activities of 38 Group were towing of gliders and dropping of parachutists. From 3rd November 1943 to 14th November 1943 she was detached on course to W.O.S Windemere in the Lake District. Then on 25th November 1943 she moved to RAF Ringway near Manchester, 38 Group. No.1 Parachutists School. On the 21st of February 1945 she moved to RAF Rivenhall near Witham in Essex with 38 Group. Here she met my Grandfather, Squadron Leader William Henry Edwards DFC. On the 17th May 1945 they were married in St Nicholas Church in Witham, Essex. On 14th October 1945 she resigned her Commission and left WAAF Service.
It is still unclear what my Grandmother's duties were in Code and Cypher. On the few occasions she spoke about her war service she expressed that they were some of the best times of her life. Many friends were made, lost and extremely difficult times were had. My Grandmother always said that if she had her time all over again and had option to delete her war service, she most definitely would not and is rightly proud of her achievements.
