Letter from Maud Emsley to her parents from France, Easter 1918

Emsley enrolled in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps at Aldershot on 24 July 1917 and went on to serve in France. She was discharged in London in 1919. During her time on the continent she wrote several letters to her father describing her experiences and work at a motor transport depot.

This one states: 'You will be pleased to learn that I have arrived at this camp quite safe and sound but very tired. I have received letters from Anna, Claire and Harold but they must excuse me if I don't answer them separately this time. I will try and tell you as much as possible about the events of the previous weeks. Last Tuesday, Alice and I had been down town and as we came back we were told to go into the depot and collect our things. I stayed there, working, not on my own work but helping someone else until after 9pm. On getting back to camp I partly packed my case ready for going. On Monday we were confined to camp all day except when going on a route march in the afternoon. At night I helped to get the YWCA ready for some girls who were coming to spend the night. Next day Thursday, we all paraded at 8.45 am ready for off but we had to go back as the lorries didn't come so we were not allowed out.

On Friday we had to leave our own huts to make room for the other girls. In the afternoon I helped move our beds which were being sent to the hospital. We each parted with two of our four blankets for the same purpose. We slept eleven in a hut that night. I went down to the army Post Office and addressed my letters to the usual name and numbers, WAAC. AMTD APO4. Yesterday morning we got ready and I had breakfast, after which we had to move all camp equipment an then parade in sections at 9 am. Each girl had her haversack and two blankets, one of which we had to give in. Our luggage went away on Thursday night, I don't know where it is at present but I expect it will turn up. I forgot to tell you that on Thursday night we had all got nicely off to sleep about 9.30 pm when we had to take our luggage up to the parade ground. Continuing the tale about yesterday, well, on getting into the charabancs we had to get settled and then at 10.15 am we set off. There were eight motors in the convoy, in the charge of two men officers of the depot and two of our lady officials. The charabancs were covered on top and open at the sides and held about twenty. During the journey it came on to rain and in the evening we were caught in two thick mists.

We stopped at 12 am for lunch of bread bully and cheese and it tasted ever so good. We stopped again at 3 pm for tea and then went on, arriving at our destination at 2.30 am this morning. Something went wrong with our car and the driver so the officer took charge and we got here quite alright. It was a real blessing that we had those four officers, they did everything possible for our comfort. I am expecting Uncle Clough to see me any time now and shall be glad. I hope I haven't put anything that I oughtn't to but I thought you would be interested to know how I got on. Let Anna have the costume, I should like her to have it. Best love to all from Your loving daughter Maud'.

From a collection of papers of Miss Maud Lilian Emsley, Women's Army Auxiliary Corps and Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps, 1917-1932.