Did my Grandmother serve in the WAAF?

Discussion in 'The Women of WW2' started by cww, Jun 12, 2017.

  1. cww

    cww Active Member

    Hello good people of the forum
    I hope someone can help
    There has been a bit of talk in the family over the years that my Grandmother served in the WAAF. I know she was full of stories and she'd told my Dad she was one of the first to join etc, this is as far as we know, that's why I'm here to see if there's truth in the story.
    Her name was Monica Isabelle Lorain Brown, Brown was her maiden name, she did marry a chap who's surname was Marchant, ( 1st marrige not my Granddad, Grandads name, Walker, if any help, married in 1946 )don't know if she was married when she joined. She was born in September 1916 in Farnborough. Lived in Lewisham, London area I think. Just spoke to my Dad who said it could be ATS even!! Who knows!!
    I do hope someone can help

    Your time and help are appreciated
     
    Last edited: Jun 12, 2017
  2. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Tricky Dicky likes this.
  3. cww

    cww Active Member

    Thanks Clive
    No photos, nothing.
    I do think it will be Monica Isabel Lorraine Merchant, my Dad says she was married to him at the begging if the War, and I have the record web site thank you any way Clive, appreciated
     
  4. RCG

    RCG Senior Member, Deceased

    Last edited: Jun 12, 2017
    Tricky Dicky likes this.
  5. cww

    cww Active Member

    Wow, what a star you are RCG!! So she was an officer in the ATS! Well there you go.
    Would her commission be on the Army Lists? And would she have been originally gazetted? If so how can I find out?
    Would her service file be with the MOD?
    And why do you think she left in 1941?
    Sorry, a million questions, but what a result,
    Thank you again
     
  6. RCG

    RCG Senior Member, Deceased

    Best thing is to apply for her records as suggested by CL1.

    No, only when being promoted, awarded medals etc.
    I don't know if she did.

    Take some time to read through this site.
    ATS Remembered - Home
    Gives a great insight of those girls lives in the ATS.
     
    Tricky Dicky likes this.
  7. cww

    cww Active Member

    Hello, thanks for great website!
    The reason I thought she left in 1941 is because in the Gazette it says the following:
    Relinquish their appointments on ceasing to be employed.
    I'm going to look through the London Gazette site, see if I can find my Grandmothers entry on commission.
    Thank you all so much, what a Great forum!
     
  8. cww

    cww Active Member

    Hello,
    I've traced my Grandmother to the WAAF's. She joined the ATS as we know in 1939, then I've found a gazzette that has her down as Mcalpin-Marchant, which is a name on her husband's side so it does fit, I've also found her on the Air force list 1942. Nat Museum of Scotland.
    Does this mean she'll have 2 service files? Where would the WAAF one be held or will they be together?
    Thank you again
     

Share This Page