Doris

We portray a Sergeant in the Army. Immaculately turned out.  Always punctual.  You know the type; capable of stopping Hitler in his tracks just with a very hard stare.   But we call her Doris.  Whether Hitler liked it or not, he would have had to address her as Sergeant D. Bateman of the A.T.S. and stand to attention, as he was still a Corporal.  Doris is a popular member of our Branch and, of course, the beloved wife of George.

Doris was born in the heart of Manchester and left school at 14 years of age to work at Tootal Broadhurst Lee. This firm made the famous Tootal ties, along with shirts and such like. She spent some time in the pattern room before training on the switch-board. Here she stayed until 1941 when she was required to decide whether to serve her country working on munitions or whether to choose to serve in the forces. Doris chose the A.T.S. and was called to the Royal Welsh Fusiliers Barracks at Wrexham. Just before this Doris got engaged to George, who then went to the Middle East, not yet knowing that his girl was now also in the forces.

The girls did three weeks training at Wrexham including square bashing and lectures. Doris was then posted to Signals Training School at Queensbury where she qualified as a Switchboard Operator 2nd Class, and was offered a stripe to remain as an instructor. However, she declined the offer, preferring to take a chance with her next posting. The accommodation at Queensbury was of a very low standard and Doris is a woman of some discernment.

This next posting was to York Northern Command Signals. Doris arrived at Whitby attached to a North Riding Sub Area and the Apple was the sign worn on the tunic sleeve. The Headquarters of the area was located in a very large Hotel on the cliff edge, while Doris's billets were a requisitioned Hotel on the sea front, more to her liking. But, Doris was working very hard, doing day and night work. On one occasion she was called upon to decipher a very important long message. She successfully completed the job and received a commendation for her efforts from the C.O.    This resulted in her receiving her third stripe and a further posting to Catterick. Doris was now in charge of a small signals office, staffed with Despatch Riders, Teleprinters and in her words 'the lot'.

In 1945 George returned from the Middle East and they were married in August of that year. Doris was demobbed at Ashton-under Lyne Barracks and settled down to civilian life as a housewife and mum to two sons. She now boasts of five grand-children, all of them boys.  

Doris still serves her countrymen and women, as a member of the W.R.V.S. and serving in the tea bars at both the Royal Eye Hospital and the Manchester Royal Infirmary. She received the distinction of a Long Service Medal, presented with flowers at a special buffet at Wythenshawe Hospital on 12th August. 

Many of us have reason to be grateful to the WVS as we knew it during the war (before it became the Women's Royal Voluntary Service). One of their mobile canteens could be seen doling out tea and sandwiches in the streets to police, troops, fire and rescue services personnel etc. within minutes of an air raid. For some of our members, the WVS were the first sign of civilization after release from long years of captivity.  In post war service they continue their good work. They still serve piping hot tea with unlimited sugar and advice on affairs of the heart at no extra charge.  

 Doris can look back on her life with pride. She doesn't get saluted as often nowadays but we make sure that we've shined our shoes for meetings.