Alice Maud Cottrell born 1891 Vaynor, Wales

[Charlie24]

Many thanks to all who helped me find Alice Maud's emigration to Australia in 1921 - it really opened a whole new world for me. But now I have another question about Alice Maud. I now have a copy of a letter from King George V, dated 1918, in which he wishes Alice "God Speed" & "A grateful Mother Country thanks you for faithful services". I can't find any military service record in the National Archives, I wonder if she was in employment at Buck Palace? (She became pregnant with an Australian soldier in 1918 who was in Colchester Hospital at this time, hence her subsequent emigration to Aus.) So is there any way of tracing Palace employees at this time?

[avm228]

Findmypast has a Royal Household Staff archive collection.

I would have thought “a grateful Mother Country” would be a bit OTT if that was her role though.

[avm228]

Can you tell us more about the letter? It sounds like an intriguing discovery.

[Charlie24]

I'll try FindMyPast. Can I post a copy of the letter on Rootschat?
Thanks

[avm228]

Yes, you can.  If you reply to this you will see “Attachments and other options” underneath the text box, and you can use that to attach a scan.

[Charlie24]

Thanks avm. Attached letter - I tried FindMyPast but no luck - I'm wondering if it might have been a letter to her husband William Sarlow as he left to return to Aus in 1918?

[avm228]

Yes the first paragraph is definitely consistent with the recipient being an Australian serviceman injured in the course of his war service and now returning home.

[Charlie24]

Many thanks avm - I think you're right.