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[Page 32]
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One morning when reading the "Times" I saw an article explaining the aims of the newly formed Women's Army Auxiliary Corps which was intended to release men for the front, and regret was expressed that there was a dearth of Women of administration capacity offering, who were needed as leaders.
In view of long experience in Australia, it seemed to me a direct call, and I immediately wrote to the Chief Controller, asking for an interview. In a very short time I had a favorable reply and the outcome was that the same day I had enrolled and passed a stiff medical examination for active service.
Before signing the enrolment form, which pledged me to service for the duration of the war, I sought an interview with the Recruiting Officer and asked if in the event of domestic circumstances warranting my return I could be released. She suggested that a statement citing my circumstances should accompany the form and felt sure that any untoward happening would be sympathetically considered. With that assurance I felt considerably relieved, and being given by the examining Medical Women a first class bill of health I walked home across Hyde Park with a feeling of great elation and awaited further events.
The few days of my remaining freedom were very pleasantly spent. On one of them Cecil got a day's leave to accompany me to an outdoor party at "Ranelagh" given by Lady Francis Lloyd, whose husband in London is Provost Marshall. The day was an ideal one and in the magnificent grounds under spreading trees tables were set for congenial parties. Waiters in red coats were a striking note in gay harmony with the peacocks that roamed at will. For the several officers present, competition sports were held. On the lake was a particularly spirited oar contest, rowed in heats, each taking a lady in his boat. Cecil in the final had to row to a conclusion against Lady Lloyd's nephew just home from Eton, and as he had belonged to the boating crew there it was no disgrace for Cecil to be beaten by a length.