- Contributed by听
- AnnLouise
- People in story:听
- Ann Gilbert
- Location of story:听
- WW 2
- Article ID:听
- A2001330
- Contributed on:听
- 09 November 2003
My mother, Eileen Russell nee Brown was a member of the ATS during WW2. My mother joined the ATS on the 24 March 1939 at Brighton, and rose to the rank of Company Sergeant Major. Her Army number was w/9856, I am unsure of her regiment. But I believe she started her training at Brentwood Barracks.
Mum never spoke in great detail about her time in the Army she believed that she was doing her duty for her country and there was nothing heroic in that.
I have several old photographs of her reigment and fellow comarades, her soldier's service and pay book, and a water colour of a house she was stationed at during the war. I have no idea where this house is although I believe in the South of England.
I am so proud of my Mother, the work she did for my generation and future generations to live in a free and just society. I feel that the work the women did in the ATS has never been truly appreciated and these very brave and committment women have never received the true honour they deserved. Never the less I know that my Mother was never one to dwell on the past.
Mum was a member of the British Legion until her death in 2000, when she received full Legion honours at her funeral, may be it was not until then that I realise what a special Lady my Mother was. I miss her and hope my children will be as proud of her as I am today and always.
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