Sampson, Jeanne Babette (Leading Aircraftwoman, b.1922 - d.2002)

Collection relating to the Second World War service of 2066867 Leading Aircraftwoman Jeanne Babette "Jean" Sampson (nee Sims), Women’s Auxiliary Air Force, 1942-1944.

Jean Sims joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), aged 19, in June 1942. The WAAF was the women’s auxiliary to the Royal Air Force (RAF). It had been established in the United Kingdom in 1939 to help relieve the pressure on some of the technical, trade and clerical roles required in wartime. Sims trained at No. 4 Motor Transport School and qualified as a DMT (driver, mechanical transport). The collection includes Sims' RAF training notebook, which is filled with detailed notes and diagrams on mechanical aspects of motor vehicles, from the chassis, suspension, axles and valve, to engine components, gearbox, fuel systems and ignition. The notebook also contains notes on map reading and chemical warfare, including details on lethal gases and the procedures to decontaminate motor transport vehicles.

The collection also includes Sims' RAF deficiencies of kit record card, visitor's permit for RAF Church Fenton, and a RAF permit pass (Form 557), which authorised Sims' to drive within a 25-mile radius of RAF Weston Zoyland in Somerset and to be out as late as 10:30pm. While working from RAF Weston Zoyland, Sims met Flying Officer (later Squadron Leader) Douglas Sampson, a Royal Australian Air Force reconnaissance pilot serving with No. 16 Squadron RAF. They married in 1943.

Leading Aircraftwoman Jean Sampson discharged from the WAAF in January 1944. On her Statement of Service and Certificate of Discharge, Sampson's commanding officer wrote: "This airwoman has carried out her duties in a satisfactory manner. Her character has been exemplary at all times."