Betty Iris Marguerite Lawrence
General Information
First Name(s): Betty Iris Marguerite
Unmarried Surname: Lawrence
Date of Birth: 23.8.1922
Place of Birth: Brynmawr
Date Joined WLA: 20.1.1942
Date Left WLA: 14.1.1947
WLA Number: 62407
Previous occupation: “In service” at Moorend Court, Mathon. Owned by Mr Higgins who was Chairman of Metalbox.
Reasons for joining: Help the war effort.
Family’s reaction to joining: The family had no objection. I think they understood my dislike of city streets and the longing for the countryside.
Reactions of local people: By the time I joined, local people were very accustomed to the WLA girls, so no problems.
Employment
No pre-work training.
From January 1943, worked for Stephen Ballard at the Bank Farm, Mathon, Worcestershire. Then worked for the Burcott WLA Hostel in Hereford until January 1947.
Worked with Miss Jenkins who joined the WLA at the same time and Lilian Douch.
Accommodation
Lived at parent’s home: Old Mill House, Mathon, Nr Malvern, Worcestershire.
Life after the war
Reasons for leaving: Officially released
Post-war occupation: Home help/cleaner/fruit picker etc.
Stay on the land?: Only for seasonal jobs – hop and fruit picking for instance.
Outstanding events or achievements? Made deputy Warden of the Hostel, just a month before she was released!
Contributor Information
Name: John Lawrence, son.
