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Women in the armed forces

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Elaine

Elaine Report 6 Sep 2009 21:17

I am researching about my great grandmother Marjory Joyce Reardon. She was born in 1922 and married my great grandfather in 1944 in Southend on Sea, Essex.

My great nanna was in the armed forces, we believe something along the lines of W.A.F. (Women's artillery force)?
She met my great grandfather while stationed in Cornwall..

Does anyone know of any where I could look to find any records for her? I have just spoken to my nan (her daughter) and she has told me all she knows which is written above.

Thank you!

George_of_Westbury

George_of_Westbury Report 6 Sep 2009 22:07

Elaine

During WW2 there were three branches of the services in which women served, but there were others branches women served

WAAC Women's Auxiliary Army Corp Also known as the ATS

WRAF Women's Royal Air Force

WRNS Women's Royal Navy Service

Of the three i think it is the WAAC/ ATS that you would need to find info about her.

Now these WW2 records are not online and are not in the public domain,they are still held by the MOD, but they can be obtained by NOK

Here is the link to the Veterans Agency which explains all,and who and how you apply, but there is a cost and a long wait

http://www.veterans-uk.info/service_records/army.html
Worth giving them a ring as well
Regards George

PS if you want info about these services just google loads of info

Researching:
My avatar is that of my Dad and shipmates, taken onboard HMS Blanche in 1938, place unknown From left to right, my Dad,Sidney Mellor and Sidney Bateman.

Denis

Denis Report 7 Sep 2009 10:32

Perhaps it was the WAAF - Women's Auxiliary Air Force. This website is quite useful:

www.waafassociation.org.uk

Staffs Col

Staffs Col Report 7 Sep 2009 16:54

If you know where in Cornwall it will help in identifying the service

Denis

Denis Report 8 Sep 2009 10:45

That's right. For example, lots of WAAFs were based at the Cornish radar stations during WW2.

Eileen

Eileen Report 8 Sep 2009 11:14

There is also the W.R.A.C. The Womans Royal Army Corp to look at their site has lots of info