By Victoria Evans, Searchroom Archivist
IIn the first part, I delved into the all-important context behind the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) and what other related treasures can be found in our archive. If you didn’t catch it you can read it here. In this second and final part, I will be sharing the more personal life of Mary Chapman, who served in the ATS. This has been compiled from the biography provided to us by her daughter in MP 7379 and my own research using internet sources. Unfortunately, my request to access her WWII service records was denied (but I am still waiting with bated breath whether a redacted version can be shared), but we can still thankfully piece together Mary’s time in the ATS through other sources.
From Mary’s photograph album that was digitally deposited with us back in 2013, you can track her journey with the ATS. She was first posted to Mitcham Road Barracks, Croydon, in 1939. Then, in 1940, she was posted to Walberton House. According to a BBC article at that time, Canadian soldiers were also stationed at the house. Mary then had a brief period at Fifehead Manor in Hampshire before, in 1941, she was posted to Sennicotts.
The photographs taken from her time at Sennicotts depict a seemingly very happy period in Mary’s life and insights into the great bonds of friendship that were forged between the women and men she was surrounded by. During those trying times of war, forging bonds with others must have carried a greater and more meaningful weight as the burdens could be shouldered together.
- PH 28942 – Tea time, Sennicotts House, 1941
- PH 28949 – Office staff, Sennicotts, 1941
- PH 28961 – 1942
- PH 28963 – Frank, Bert, Duggie, Vic, and Molly
Romance even blossomed during Mary’s time at Sennicotts. Victor Willis was stationed at Sennicotts at the same time and the two fell in love. This love was strong enough to survive both being posted elsewhere before they married in October 1943.
According to the biography written by Mary and Victor’s daughter, after the war Victor retuned to a job as a removal clerk for Pickfords. In the 1950s, Victor earned a promotion that saw the family move to Portsmouth and settle there. Mary turned their house into a cosy family home that was frequently visited by London relatives. The biography also mentions that Mary was busy with dressmaking, knitting and sewing. She loved ballet, the opera, musicals and even enjoyed western music! One may be led to think that Mary was occupied enough with all this. However, she wanted more and began working for the school meal service. These wages paid for driving lessons and, just like that, her and Victor were off on road trips all over Britain.
Mary lived until the age of 96. She passed away in January 2011 at her last known residence in Southsea. From what we have learned from her service in the ATS, and the biography written by her child, Mary lived a very fulfilling life. It appears she was someone who was never content with just doing next to nothing. She wanted her days to be filled with doing the things she loved while being surrounded by those she loved.
All of the images from Mary Chapman’s photograph album have been digitised and these are available to be viewed on our website when logged in with a simple account (register here). If you wish to purchase any copies, these photographs are available for £5 each for an instant download.
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