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This story has been added to the website by CSV Volunteer Olivia Davey on behalf of the author Thelma Bennett who understands the site’s terms and conditions.

I started at Devonport Dockyard when I was 20. I had to go in because I didn’t have any children. I was employed as a welder on HMS ALONIA.

I welded the OERLICAN GUN SITE. I wore a black snood on my hair and held a screen to my face to protect my face and eyes from the sparks. We wore brown overalls. I enjoyed it and picked up £11 a week which was a lot. We trained at SOUTHYARD by MUTTON COVE and then to NORTHYARD. I never worked indoors only outside.

When my husband and I celebrated 60 years of marriage the EVENING HERALD said THELMA & RON WELDED TOGETHER FOR LIFE!

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