Mary Beckley (nee Brown)
W/300603, Lance Corporal, Auxiliary Territorial Service, (A.T.S.)
Royal Army Ordnance Corps.
O. C. ‘G’ Company Berks and Oxon
Mary Brown, known as Molly, was born in Burnley, Lancashire on 26th November 1923. There is not much information about Molly’s family life, prior to her wartime experience. Her occupation until 1944 is known to have been a presser. Within Lancashire, the majority of surviving textile mills dating from the late eighteenth century were engaged in the production of cotton goods. The Burnley area was known for cotton mills and her job title suggests that she worked in the finishing process.
Molly’s service document shows she was ‘called up’ and started her wartime service on 18th February 1944 joining the Auxiliary Territorial Service. She was just over 20 years of age.
The A.T.S was formed in September 1938, initially as a women's voluntary service, but in December 1941 as WW2 was progressing and due to the shortage of men, Parliament passed the National Service Act, which called up unmarried women between 20 and 30 years old to join one of the auxiliary services.
Women did not actively serve in battle during WW2, but the A.T.S. and other women's voluntary services, took over many supporting tasks to aid the war effort.
Royal Army Ordnance Corps.
O. C. ‘G’ Company Berks and Oxon
Mary Brown, known as Molly, was born in Burnley, Lancashire on 26th November 1923. There is not much information about Molly’s family life, prior to her wartime experience. Her occupation until 1944 is known to have been a presser. Within Lancashire, the majority of surviving textile mills dating from the late eighteenth century were engaged in the production of cotton goods. The Burnley area was known for cotton mills and her job title suggests that she worked in the finishing process.
Molly’s service document shows she was ‘called up’ and started her wartime service on 18th February 1944 joining the Auxiliary Territorial Service. She was just over 20 years of age.
The A.T.S was formed in September 1938, initially as a women's voluntary service, but in December 1941 as WW2 was progressing and due to the shortage of men, Parliament passed the National Service Act, which called up unmarried women between 20 and 30 years old to join one of the auxiliary services.
Women did not actively serve in battle during WW2, but the A.T.S. and other women's voluntary services, took over many supporting tasks to aid the war effort.
ATS Recruitment poster
The military camp where Molly served was at Ramsden Heath near Charlbury. Her role as a store woman would have involved the responsibility for supplying and maintaining military equipment such as ammunition and weapons.
(© Loaned by family members) Molly is on the right. The original black and white image
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(© Loaned by family members) Molly is on the right of her two friends. An image showing the original uniform colour
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(© Loaned by family members) Original black and white image Molly is on the left
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(© Loaned by family members) Molly is on the left in her ATS uniform
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ATS cap badge
The Royal Army Ordinance Corps at Ramsden Heath was one of many at that time in Oxfordshire charged with supplying weapons, ammunition and equipment to the British Army. The camp was initially set up in the early part of the war for the British Army but by 1942, soon after the USA entered the war, a large section of the camp became a mobilisation camp for the American forces as part of Operation Bolero and the build up to the D-Day Landings and Operation Overlord in Normandy, France. This area was ideal for military exercises, particularly the nearby Holly Grove Woods, but by 1943 the British Army retained only a small section which was where Molly was assigned.
By the time Molly enlisted in February 1944 the site at Ramsden Heath would have been a hub for the American soldiers and personel coming and going. Local knowledge reveals this, as they brought with them many attractions including much sought after chocolate and other rationed items. In one of Molly's letters from a colleague in Watford whilst they were both home on leave, it appears Molly was very popular with 'boyfriends' as there is mention of a 'Yank', and in another a Jeep and several other enquiries from 'suitors'
By the time Molly enlisted in February 1944 the site at Ramsden Heath would have been a hub for the American soldiers and personel coming and going. Local knowledge reveals this, as they brought with them many attractions including much sought after chocolate and other rationed items. In one of Molly's letters from a colleague in Watford whilst they were both home on leave, it appears Molly was very popular with 'boyfriends' as there is mention of a 'Yank', and in another a Jeep and several other enquiries from 'suitors'
(© Loaned by family members) Envelope with Molly's address dated 26th February 1945 posted in Watford.
(© Loaned by family members) Letter to Molly side 1 of 4
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(© Loaned by family members) Letter to Molly side 2 of 4
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(© Loaned by family members) Letter to Molly side 3 of 4
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(© Loaned by family members) Letter to Molly side 4 of 4
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Transcript of the above letter - Watford Monday 26th
Dear Molly, What on earth has happened to you Betty received a letter from you this morning so we all stood up & cheered, and sang “The fleet is in the port again” By the way you didn’t run out of ink or injure your hand after you had written to Betty did you! I am only enquiring because it was really me that wrote to you not Betty so I don’t see why she should have a letter (jealous don’t you think) We had a really disturbing day last Friday that Yank called again & so did the civvy poor little devil. He said he was broke as he had spent his 4/6 on pictures etc but we couldn’t help him any as we were on the rocks too except Betty but she wont help us let alone your boy friend. How is Burnley looking Molly, still as horrible as ever. I told you it would rain whilst you were at home didn’t I? But you page 2 will never believe anything I say. the weather is glorious down here proper Watford weather cold & windy & we have had a we drop of rain. By the way Molly how are you managing for eats, if you are eating as well at home as you do when you are here. I expect they will all be glad when you are on your way back. Fancy two dinners and two teas every day. I really dont know where you put it still a little of what you fancy does you good occasionally doesn’t it. How is the tripe & cowherd looking & I really do like Lancashire Hot Pot, my mouth is watering while I’m writing this letter, it was liver Bacon and onions for breakfast this morning, how do you feel now. You want to know how the party went off well I didn’t go, but we have had four jolly good days Willie Mann & ‘Q’ just to celebrate our duty. You see Molly nearly all the ‘Q’ staff were on Stand to last Saturday night and what a ???? nearly all cripples but they managed to crawl around to the page 3 E.C.T.C. where we spent a most enjoyable night. I dont remember much about it myself. I’m in bed with Betty now, she is always shouting at me, worse than you do she is really getting out of hand, can you suggest anything we do to keep her quiet. Have a good time Molly but dont
you dare come back here with a stick of Rock for your ‘Q’ Bye Bye Molly Good wishes from all here ‘Q’ I hope the cramp in your right hand wont prevent you from writing. Did you get your sailors letter done people are awful putting things like that on the back of letters. I told Betty she ought not to do it. There were two little kiddies walking down the street the other day as Betty Willie & I were going for dinner & they were eating ice cream. What do your think Betty did. She went over to the smallest of
the two kiddies pinched his ice cream & ran off Sgt Horton & I were really surprised, & when we page 4 told Bert his remark was that some people would do anything, she really is getting awful, dont you think
Dear Molly, What on earth has happened to you Betty received a letter from you this morning so we all stood up & cheered, and sang “The fleet is in the port again” By the way you didn’t run out of ink or injure your hand after you had written to Betty did you! I am only enquiring because it was really me that wrote to you not Betty so I don’t see why she should have a letter (jealous don’t you think) We had a really disturbing day last Friday that Yank called again & so did the civvy poor little devil. He said he was broke as he had spent his 4/6 on pictures etc but we couldn’t help him any as we were on the rocks too except Betty but she wont help us let alone your boy friend. How is Burnley looking Molly, still as horrible as ever. I told you it would rain whilst you were at home didn’t I? But you page 2 will never believe anything I say. the weather is glorious down here proper Watford weather cold & windy & we have had a we drop of rain. By the way Molly how are you managing for eats, if you are eating as well at home as you do when you are here. I expect they will all be glad when you are on your way back. Fancy two dinners and two teas every day. I really dont know where you put it still a little of what you fancy does you good occasionally doesn’t it. How is the tripe & cowherd looking & I really do like Lancashire Hot Pot, my mouth is watering while I’m writing this letter, it was liver Bacon and onions for breakfast this morning, how do you feel now. You want to know how the party went off well I didn’t go, but we have had four jolly good days Willie Mann & ‘Q’ just to celebrate our duty. You see Molly nearly all the ‘Q’ staff were on Stand to last Saturday night and what a ???? nearly all cripples but they managed to crawl around to the page 3 E.C.T.C. where we spent a most enjoyable night. I dont remember much about it myself. I’m in bed with Betty now, she is always shouting at me, worse than you do she is really getting out of hand, can you suggest anything we do to keep her quiet. Have a good time Molly but dont
you dare come back here with a stick of Rock for your ‘Q’ Bye Bye Molly Good wishes from all here ‘Q’ I hope the cramp in your right hand wont prevent you from writing. Did you get your sailors letter done people are awful putting things like that on the back of letters. I told Betty she ought not to do it. There were two little kiddies walking down the street the other day as Betty Willie & I were going for dinner & they were eating ice cream. What do your think Betty did. She went over to the smallest of
the two kiddies pinched his ice cream & ran off Sgt Horton & I were really surprised, & when we page 4 told Bert his remark was that some people would do anything, she really is getting awful, dont you think
(© Loaned by family members) Original letter to Molly
Transcript of the above letter
Dear Molly, Dont be surprised at this letter, as I warned you I would write to you whilst you were on leave, anyway it is nice to receive a letter sometimes, even if it isn’t the one you want most of all. I had to make enquiries this morning as to whether you got away safely & who called you at such an unearthly time. I was surprised to learn that you even did without your breakfast knowing how well you like your eats, still I believe you had some sandwiches & a flask of tea. We have just decided to go to the dining hall & collect some bits & scraps to send along to you, but as it was only liver and bacon for breakfast we thought it wouldn’t keep. By the way Molly, there was a Jeep outside this morning but no gum, did you cancel it. Still we told him that you had been posted but if he had any mail for you we would forward it, but he said he would wait. No news of the sailor yet, or the Mental bloke yet but we’ll forward anything that comes for you. Dont go stopping out too late, hope the cycle is OK. You had better bring it back with you & by the way dont go waking your people up at 4 o clock in the morning. As you did the girls in your billet even if you are on leave. Betty Gladys is OK full of life this morning and happy for once but she said she misses her Molly. do you think she does, she doesn’t know by the why that I’m writing this letter to you so dont
blame her, there is more than one way of doing things. Cheerio Molly have a good time & bring me back a stick of Blackpool rock if you can. Good wishes from all of us here “Q” How about the clock what excuse did you make How about the civvy chap, what shall we say if he comes around here, we have run out of excuses for you now so we have had so many enquiries after you. The Pompey Chicken ?????? Davenport & your good friend Bud Fisher send their love.
Dear Molly, Dont be surprised at this letter, as I warned you I would write to you whilst you were on leave, anyway it is nice to receive a letter sometimes, even if it isn’t the one you want most of all. I had to make enquiries this morning as to whether you got away safely & who called you at such an unearthly time. I was surprised to learn that you even did without your breakfast knowing how well you like your eats, still I believe you had some sandwiches & a flask of tea. We have just decided to go to the dining hall & collect some bits & scraps to send along to you, but as it was only liver and bacon for breakfast we thought it wouldn’t keep. By the way Molly, there was a Jeep outside this morning but no gum, did you cancel it. Still we told him that you had been posted but if he had any mail for you we would forward it, but he said he would wait. No news of the sailor yet, or the Mental bloke yet but we’ll forward anything that comes for you. Dont go stopping out too late, hope the cycle is OK. You had better bring it back with you & by the way dont go waking your people up at 4 o clock in the morning. As you did the girls in your billet even if you are on leave. Betty Gladys is OK full of life this morning and happy for once but she said she misses her Molly. do you think she does, she doesn’t know by the why that I’m writing this letter to you so dont
blame her, there is more than one way of doing things. Cheerio Molly have a good time & bring me back a stick of Blackpool rock if you can. Good wishes from all of us here “Q” How about the clock what excuse did you make How about the civvy chap, what shall we say if he comes around here, we have run out of excuses for you now so we have had so many enquiries after you. The Pompey Chicken ?????? Davenport & your good friend Bud Fisher send their love.
The D-Day Landings Operation Overlord on 6th June 1944, led to many casualties and Ramsden Heath was converted to a hospital for returning American service men injured in the many battles along the French coastline.
Mention is also made of the soldiers’ injuries in a letter referring to a local dance, possibly on the camp site or at the village hall, and also of a 'sailor boy.' This reference is not Reg but, Molly did meet Reg prior to him travelling overseas, and possibly whilst on leave with her friend in Watford?
Reg sent Molly many gifts and trinkets back from the different ports/countries he visited when he was able to get ashore.
Mention is also made of the soldiers’ injuries in a letter referring to a local dance, possibly on the camp site or at the village hall, and also of a 'sailor boy.' This reference is not Reg but, Molly did meet Reg prior to him travelling overseas, and possibly whilst on leave with her friend in Watford?
Reg sent Molly many gifts and trinkets back from the different ports/countries he visited when he was able to get ashore.
(© Loaned by family members) Letter from Molly
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(© Loaned by family members) Letter from Molly
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(© Loaned by family members) Letter from Molly
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(© Loaned by family members) Letter from Molly
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Transcript of the above lettter - 300603 Pte M Brown
Dearest Mum, Dad the young ‘Un Many thanks for your letter received two days ago full of welcome news & advice With regard to spending my leave at my friends home I think that she has now altered her mind & is going elsewhere so I shall be home for a few days about the middle of February Your motherly advice Dear is unnecessary as I have decided to marry the man & alleviate the poor fellows suffering after all he is a brave wee lad not much cash & is only a G I in the American page two Army & his prospects, will, at the present moment he is expecting his first ? which means 6d a day more but we get plenty of Gum. Again Mum, if the Yank fails me I.ve always got the Sailor Boy or the Mental Corps bloke to fall back upon but the former is out at Sea & I’ve not heard from him for a month. The other is on his way to India & at present on the Sea too & I’ve got to wait until the poor little seasick Devil lands before I can get a letter from him. I dont think there will be any hopes of marrying either of those do you Mum. By the way I’ve tacked on to a young civvy chap now but he has only just left school his page 3 mother was around seeing me the other day asking what my intentions It is terribly cold down this part of the world & we have to take our shoes & socks off to dry them & run around in Gym shoes at work. What do you think of your
little A T S Daughter the person who is writing this could tell you she is a perfect little Devil leading all the young soldiers astray & there are lots of complaints about it all There isn’t a great deal more to say Mum, but you page 4 can guess what a life I’m leading well fed well clothed £1 per week & all the Yanks are after me so what can I do except go out with them Cheerio for now Mum Love to Dad & all at ?? Lots of Love from Your Loving Daughter Molly X X X X X X PS Please send me £1 so that I can take the civvy lad to the Pictures one night.
Dearest Mum, Dad the young ‘Un Many thanks for your letter received two days ago full of welcome news & advice With regard to spending my leave at my friends home I think that she has now altered her mind & is going elsewhere so I shall be home for a few days about the middle of February Your motherly advice Dear is unnecessary as I have decided to marry the man & alleviate the poor fellows suffering after all he is a brave wee lad not much cash & is only a G I in the American page two Army & his prospects, will, at the present moment he is expecting his first ? which means 6d a day more but we get plenty of Gum. Again Mum, if the Yank fails me I.ve always got the Sailor Boy or the Mental Corps bloke to fall back upon but the former is out at Sea & I’ve not heard from him for a month. The other is on his way to India & at present on the Sea too & I’ve got to wait until the poor little seasick Devil lands before I can get a letter from him. I dont think there will be any hopes of marrying either of those do you Mum. By the way I’ve tacked on to a young civvy chap now but he has only just left school his page 3 mother was around seeing me the other day asking what my intentions It is terribly cold down this part of the world & we have to take our shoes & socks off to dry them & run around in Gym shoes at work. What do you think of your
little A T S Daughter the person who is writing this could tell you she is a perfect little Devil leading all the young soldiers astray & there are lots of complaints about it all There isn’t a great deal more to say Mum, but you page 4 can guess what a life I’m leading well fed well clothed £1 per week & all the Yanks are after me so what can I do except go out with them Cheerio for now Mum Love to Dad & all at ?? Lots of Love from Your Loving Daughter Molly X X X X X X PS Please send me £1 so that I can take the civvy lad to the Pictures one night.
Molly spent two years and eleven months at Ramsden Heath until she was released on 6th January 1947 as Lance Corporal. Her release document records that she was exemplary, trustworthy and hard working .
(© Loaned by family members) Loaned by family members A.T.S Release Book front cover
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(© Loaned by family members) A.T.S Release Book page 4
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(© Loaned by family members) A.T.S Release Book - Release Leave Certificate
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(© Loaned by family members) A.T.S Release Book page 12
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(© Loaned by family members) The medals Molly would have received for her wartime service. The far left is the Battle of Britain or Bomber Command Star. The centre one is the reverse side of the Campaign Medal she received. The one on the right is her husband Reg's medal to show the head side of the medal
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It is known that Molly was introduced to her future husband Reg in a café, possibly whilst she was visiting her wartime friend in Watford. Reginald Beckley and Molly Brown were married in 1948 at St Mary's Church in Rickmansworth. After their marriage, they lived in Grove Crescent, Croxley Green, following the demolition of the temporary prefabs that had been built to house people who had lost their home during the war. Their first home was Flat 2A and then 89 Grove Crescent.
(See Reginald (Reg) Bernard Beckley 1922 – 2018)
Both Molly and Reg enjoyed the outdoors. They particularly enjoyed walking around Croxley Green and often ventured into the nearby countryside to Sarratt. Many local footpaths would have taken them on a gentle stroll to nearby villages. They were also keen gardeners but they had no access to a private garden. Croxley Green was fortunate to have several areas allocated for allotments and they chose one just off Lavrock Lane, Scots Hill, growing vegetables and flowers.
(See Reginald (Reg) Bernard Beckley 1922 – 2018)
Both Molly and Reg enjoyed the outdoors. They particularly enjoyed walking around Croxley Green and often ventured into the nearby countryside to Sarratt. Many local footpaths would have taken them on a gentle stroll to nearby villages. They were also keen gardeners but they had no access to a private garden. Croxley Green was fortunate to have several areas allocated for allotments and they chose one just off Lavrock Lane, Scots Hill, growing vegetables and flowers.
(© Loaned by family members) Reg and Molly taken following many years together.
(© Loaned by family members) Molly and Reg with James Cecil Dumbarton
(right) Known as Cecil he was Reg's cousin by marriage and also served in WW2 as a Private in the Far East, Burma and Japan.
They continued to live at 89 Grove Crescent, and were married for almost 70 years. Reg died just one day prior to their anniversary in 2018 and Molly the following year.
Acknowledgements
Personal information and documents regarding Molly provided by family members.
Information regarding the Ramsden Heath Military Base kindly supplied by members of the Finstock Historical Society including:
Joy Murphy, archivist and Finstock News editor
Dr Shaun Morley, archivist
Michael Woodfield, archivist
Stanley C Jenkins, writer and historian
Personal information and documents regarding Molly provided by family members.
Information regarding the Ramsden Heath Military Base kindly supplied by members of the Finstock Historical Society including:
Joy Murphy, archivist and Finstock News editor
Dr Shaun Morley, archivist
Michael Woodfield, archivist
Stanley C Jenkins, writer and historian
