The 'Reward for Service' is based on the reminiscences of Jessie Edmondstone, who joined the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes in 1929, eight years after the organisation was set up to run recreational establishments for servicemen, and to sell goods to their families. Jessie, a Scottish girl, has been employed by the Naafi for almost a year, when she is offered training to become a cook. She is transferred to the canteen at Eastchurch aerodrome and is derided by the manageress when she finds it difficult to adapt to the role of kitchen maid. An emergency operation for appendicitis provides a respite. Jessie is sent to Chatham to convalesce and then home to recuperate. She does not intend to return to the Naafi, but changes her mind when she is offered a job at Preston. The canteen at Fulwood Barracks is well-managed. The work is arduous, but the monotony is relieved by amusing incidents. Jessie is soon rewarded for her service.