Auxilliary Territorial Service WWII

[cmk16]

I have my Mum's ATS # and a photo that she has written, on the back, Milsom (??) possible something similar.
Does anyone know where this would be please. After training I know she went to Africa - however I'm still trying to find out more. Thanks

[MaxD]

From the numbers in the photo and the trees that look more UK than Africa, I think we are looking for  a training unit in UK.  After that though inspiration dries up!  There were about 17 ATS training centres in 1941, hopefully some one has a list of them!

maxD   

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi, the photo was certainly not taken in the UK.

The girls wear "Khaki Drill" tropical uniforms, which were obviously not worn in the UK.

Note the different shade of the cap to the rest of the uniform. They never had a "KD" service dress cap, but continued to wear the woolen SD cap as issued in the UK.

As an aside, my wife collects ATS uniforms and has a large collection. She says thanks for posting your Mum's photo.

Cheers, Ade.

[MaxD]

Ade

I bow to your (and your wife's) superior knowledge on the uniform and hence the location.

maxD

[cmk16]

Thank you both. I'd not realised about the uniform either so maybe Milsom (??)  is in Africa/Rhodesia. I have a letter with her payout amount that was sent to Rhodesia and forwarded to Kenya. My pleasure in adding to your wifes collection Ade, there is another but I have no idea who she is. Is there somewhere I can get information using her service number? Thanks

[nanny jan]

This might help;  scroll down for WW2 :

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/women-in-british-army/

[Skoyen89]

Does the MOD hold personnel Records for ATS personnel as it does for males?  If so it would be worth getting it.

[MaxD]

Yes and yes.  The National Archives guide and info from other research sources confirm it. 

cmk 16 - while my recognition skills for WW2 women's clothing may be suspect, you can trust that this is the place to start:

https://www.gov.uk/get-copy-military-service-records/apply-for-someone-elses-records

maxD