WOMEN AT WAR The War Years of Nancy Dora Dinnis – part four

In this post we will look at what happened to Nancy as she left the war behind and returned home to Blaker Street, Brighton.

Lance Corporal Nancy Dora Dinnis

Release certificate

Release documents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The letters above inform Nancy of her Release in August 1946.

Release Certificate, Officers of the Women’s Forces (Class “A” Release in UK)

Troop Junior Commander. N.D. DINNIS. Auxiliary Territorial Service.

The above named has been granted 56 days leave commencing 5 June 1946 and is, with effect from 31 July 1946 released from actual duty under Regulations for Release from the Army, 1945.

Madam, now that the time has come for your release from active duty, I am commanded by the Army council to express to you their thanks for the valuable services which you have rendered in the service of your country at a time of grave national emergency. At the end of the emergency you will relinquish your commission, and at that time a notification will appear in the London Gazette, [see below] granting you also the honorary rank of Junior Commander. Meanwhile, you have permission to use that rank with effect from the date of your release.

13 April 1943
Supplement to the London Gazette, page 1696

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/35977/supplement/1696

 

MESSAGE FROM CHIEF CONTROLLER, L.E. WHATELEY, C.B.E. DIRECTOR AUXILIARY TERRITORIAL SERVICE, TO ALL RANKS A.T.S. ON RELEASE

Your task with the Army is completed. In the name of the Auxiliary Territorial Service I thank you. You have served your King and Country in such a way as to uphold the highest traditions of British womanhood.

I have, therefore, no hesitation in reminding you that, to secure a Lasting Peace, we must one and all continue not only to make sacrifices but a definite contribution, according to our circumstances, to our Country.

You have already proved that you know the true meaning of Service, “An act performed for the benefit of a cause and not necessarily to the benefit of an individual.”

Let us then pledge ourselves to be true to those who have given their lives, that their sacrifice may not be in vain. Good luck and God speed.

Everyone back home was eager to welcome the returned servicemen and women. Dorset Gardens Methodist Church and The Dome Mission, Brighton held a “Welcome Home” Supper and Social on 28 October 1946.

Welcome Home Supper and Social

Welcome Home Menu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Menu: Cold Meat and Salad, Potato, Pickles, Beetroot; Fruit Tart, Custard, Trifles; Tea, Coffee; minerals.

TOAST LIST

THE KING

Greetings from THE REV GEORGE E. TARR Superintendent Minister of the Dome Misson

THE DOME MISSION. BRIGHTON

To Propose: Mr. D. L. Murray (Author and essayist)

To Respond: Mr. E.A.E. Ovenden (Dome Mission Steward)

RETURNED SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN

To Propose: Mr. W.T. Thorns (Dome Mission Publicity Secretary)

To Respond: Mr. Dudley Baker M.B.E. (One of the Returned S.M.&W)

ABSENT FRIENDS

To Propose: The Rev. G.E. Tarr