Author Topic: WW2 Service Record of my Aunt Agnes . Advice please  (Read 180 times)

Offline deebel

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WW2 Service Record of my Aunt Agnes . Advice please
« on: Monday 11 November 24 13:45 GMT (UK) »
My  Aunt, Agnes Blane Bell was my father's younger sister who sadly pre-deceased me as she died of TB at 24. Her son has asked me to assist in researching her WW2 activity however he has scant information about it other than a few photographs of her with mates in typical service overalls.

It appears that these were taken in Canvey Island and make reference to Barrage? Unit. I have tried searching for a service record on Findmypast without success. Can anyone assist?

What sort of activity was going on in Canvey Island? I imagine it was defence batteries of some description?

Which branches of Services would women be attached to there?
What roles would they be engaged in?

Any assistance appreciated

David
This post is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws. Unfortunately my preferred method of writing (Parker Quink on Basildon Bond) cannot be used.

Offline Jebber

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Re: WW2 Service Record of my Aunt Agnes . Advice please
« Reply #1 on: Monday 11 November 24 20:05 GMT (UK) »
WW 2 women’s service records have been transferred to the National Archives, only some are available online.  I suggest you read the research guides on the website for more information.

https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/
CHOULES All ,  COKER Harwich Essex & Rochester Kent 
COLE Gt. Oakley, & Lt. Oakley, Essex.
DUNCAN Kent
EVERITT Colchester,  Dovercourt & Harwich Essex
GULLIVER/GULLOFER Fifehead Magdalen Dorset
HORSCROFT Kent.
KING Sturminster Newton, Dorset. MONK Odiham Ham.
SCOTT Wrabness, Essex
WILKINS Stour Provost, Dorset.
WICKHAM All in North Essex.
WICKHAM Medway Towns, Kent from 1880
WICKHAM, Ipswich, Suffolk.

Offline MaecW

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Re: WW2 Service Record of my Aunt Agnes . Advice please
« Reply #2 on: Tuesday 12 November 24 03:03 GMT (UK) »
Reference to "Barrage" immediately suggests Barrage Balloon units. These were part of the RAF and were staffed by WAAF personnel. Canvey island would certainly be a likely place for balloons as part of the London and Thames defenses.

Can you post a photo that might show the uniforms ? Even working overalls could show which of the Forces she was in, which will reduce the search area noticeably !

Maec
Baron (of Blackburn), Chadwick (Oswaldtwistle), Watkins (Swansea), Jones (x3 Swansea), Colton (Shropshire), Knight (Shropshire/Montgomery) , Bullen (Norfolk), White (Dorset)