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In 1944 I was called up, and became what the government called 'mobile'. Meaning they could send me anywhere. Being a quiet, reserved person, I was petrified with visions of army service. I sat and cried in front of the interviewer. However when the railway was mentioned I cheered up. I thought great, I love trains and railways. I thought I would be a porter, but that was not to be the case. They were looking for signal men, so they could release their men for war service. I had to be trained in what they called 'Block Class'. Me, insignificant me, a signal woman in a signal box, responsible for lives and goods. The box was called 'Anfield Sidings', it was high up alongside Anfield Cemetery and very scary when on night duty. I worked alone from 6am - 2pm, 2pm - 10pm and 10pm - 6am. I was amazed that they trust me with the trains. Some trains carried war traffic to and from the docks, and a few carried passengers from Walton on the Hill Station into the city centre. I signalled trains to and from the Atlantic Junction and Breck Road boxes which were used for coal etc. I was trained and had to pass an exam regarding rules and regulations and signal box working. I was sad when I was told my services were no longer required as I had grown to love the job and felt important.

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