Minnie Bailey: I'd never had new clothes before I joined the Air Force
Minnie Bailey came from very humble beginnings. As a child she’d be sent out to play for the day with a snack and a fizzy drink her mother had made from nettles. She had no watch and would go home again when she was hungry. She was bright but her parents couldn’t afford to keep her at school so she went into domestic service and one day ran an errand which changed her life. Minnie got herself a uniform. It was the first time she’d ever had new clothes.
She became a cook for Bomber Command and would prepare meals for the pilots and crews flying night-time missions. There would often be empty tables for breakfast when planes were lost.
Minnie Bailey passed away in August 2024.
We Were There aims to collect as many first-hand accounts as possible by 2025, the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, to preserve veterans' accounts for future generations.
The BBC is currently working on the project with a number of partners including the Normandy Memorial Trust and Royal British Legion. Some of the stories collected may be shared with our partners and used on BBC News platforms.
If you have a story to share, or know someone who does, please click here to tell us a little bit more or use one of the methods below.
Do you or someone you know have memories of World War Two? Please share these experiences by emailing [email protected].
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
- WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803
- Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSay
- Upload pictures or video
- Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy
- Please include your name, age and location with any submission.
