Queen Mary's Women's Auxiliary Army Corps 1917-1919 and 1939

[ginfairy81]

Hi, I don't know if anyone can help. We have recently discovered that my great grandmother, Annie HARRISS, was part of the WAAC and was at Rouen for several years. We have traced some of her records for this time. She was living in Chalgrove at the post office with her uncle, it appears that she lost her mother and father at an early age. She was born in Australia and moved to Oxford. What we are also struggling with is the story of her being a spy!! She married Robert LEDGERWOOD, and on the 1939 register she is missing and we are unable to trace her during this period. Is there any way I could find out where she was or access military records as she appears to be completely untraceable for several years?! Thank you all in advance!! More detail can be supplied (hopefully!) if needed!

[footiestuds]

Is this her ? - Anne Ledgerwood born 14 Mar 1897 Married, a Patient at City Hospital Oxford

[ginfairy81]

Hi, potentially yes! She was born 14 March 1896 in Sydney? She married Robert Ledgerwood in Dec 1920. Thanks

[Cas (stallc)]

Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps service records 1917-1920 held at NA

https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/womens-army-auxiliary-corps-service-records-1917-1920/

These are the service records of more than 7,000 women who joined the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) between 1917 and 1920.  These records are held in series WO 398.

The WAAC became the QMAAC in April 1918 and was disbanded in September 1921. When the Royal Air Force (RAF) was created in 1918 a number of WAAC volunteers entered the Women’s Royal Air Force (WRAF).

Cas

[ginfairy81]

Hi Cas,

Thank you for this I will follow it up! Would yo uhave any ideas why she may not appear on the 1939 register? We did wonder if the stories were true about going to Bletchley Park during this time? Thanks again for your help!

[Cas (stallc)]

Is this her ? - Anne Ledgerwood born 14 Mar 1897 Married, a Patient at City Hospital Oxford

I believe this is her in 1939 register. Surname, DOB, area all match.

Cas

[ginfairy81]

Hi Cas,

Looks like it is her my mum remembers her having TB and being in an iron long for several months. Thanks for the help, gutted she wasn't a spy though!!

[Cas (stallc)]

Name:   Annie Harriss
Military Year:   1914-1920
Rank:   Worker
Company:   WO 329
Regiment or Corps:   Queen Mary´s Army Auxiliary Corps
Regiment Number:   2019
Medal Awarded:   British War Medal and Victory Medal
Annie was classed as a worker from 12. 8. 17 to 15.10.19

Her records are here if you wish to download

https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/results/r?_q=Annie%20Harriss&_dss=range&_sd=1917&_ed=1919&_ser=WO%20398&id=C15099

It has her birthyear as 1896, she may have put a year on age to enrol making her 21 (full age) in 1917.

Some history

https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/queen-marys-army-auxiliary-corps

https://spartacus-educational.com/Wwaac.htm

Not a spy, but a very courageous lady

Cas