Mechanised Transport Training Corps
GENERAL HEADQUARTERS: 33, LEINSTER GARDENS, W.2
APPLICATION FORM
Instructions to the Applicant: Please fill in this form and return it to the address above. By signing this form the applicant certifies that all information set forth below is true to the best of her knowledge and that she is aware that all M.T.T.C. personnel must pay their own expenses. Any applicant who is not yet 21 years of age and is not presently or previously married is reminded that this form must be signed by her father, mother (if father is deceased or absent) or legal guardian as well as by herself.
I hereby forward my application for enrollment as a member of the MECHANISED TRANSPORT TRAINING CORPS.
For: Whole time / Part time enlistment
1. Name (Block letters): SAMANTHA ÆMELIA STEWART
2. State (married or single): Single
3. Address – Tel. no: The Vicarage, Lyminster, West Sussex – Arun 289
4. Date of birth: 31st August 1919
5. Place of birth: Lyminster
6. National status (if British by naturalisation or marriage, state nationality at birth as well): British
7. Next of kin (with address): The Rev. & Mrs Iain Stewart, The Vicarage, Lyminster
8. How long have you held a driving license? Two years
9. Has it been endorsed? No
10. Occupation: None
Qualifications:
a) Have you a car available for service? No
b) Make of car:
c) Shorthand and/or Typing: Yes
d) Cooking and/or Camp cooking: Cooking
e) Book-keeping: No
f) Any other qualifications: Country driving, can drive tractor, home nursing, chancery script, can ride astride
g) Are you to be considered mobile in the event that M.T.T.C. establishes Commands outside London? Yes – for service in Sussex or elsewhere along the South Coast
Names and addresses of two responsible persons as references (who are not relatives):
I. Mrs G. Prendergast, Victoria Cottage, Clay Lane, Crossbush, W. Sussex
II. Mrs B. Ramsey-Jones, Broomhurst, Lyminster, W. Sussex
Signature of Applicant: Samantha Stewart Date signed: 17th October 1939
For single applicants not yet 21 years of age:
Signature of Applicant's father, mother or legal guardian (please specify):
Iain Stewart
Full name (block letters): IAIN STEWART
Date signed: 17 October 1939
Wednesday, 18 October 1939
Dad signed M.T.T.C. enrollment application yesterday. Now in hands of Royal Mail. Mother persuaded him that it's a good idea – suspect that he really thinks that it's the least of all possible evils, but still consider this as miraculous. Must write to Aunt A & Uncle M, Uncle A, etc.
Much news in Times, including large number of air raid warnings given yesterday along East Coast though no bombs dropped and no shots fired. As well, four civilians were injured in attack on Firth of Forth, not seriously but including two women. Am hoping that Dad will not notice this.
Thursday 19 October 1939
Times reports 1,130 persons in G.B. died in Sept. as result of road accidents – only 617 in Aug. Mostly pedestrians, but drivers must learn to drive in blackout. Shall have to remember this.
MECHANISED TRANSPORT TRAINING CORPS
GENERAL HEADQUARTERS
33, Leinster Gardens
London, W.2
19 October 1939
Miss Samantha Stewart
The Vicarage
Lyminster
West Sussex
Dear Miss Stewart:
It was a pleasure to have met you and your mother during my tour of the South Coast last week. Your application for enrollment in the Mechanised Transport Training Corps has been received here and will be acted upon shortly. It is the prerogative of Mrs G.M. Cook, Corps Commandant, to do this; just as I spent last week seeking recruits along the South Coast, she is doing the same this week in the North, and is expected back at GHQ on Monday morning. I have spoken with her by telephone today, and she has agreed to allow my conversation with you last week to serve in place of the interview that is normally required.
Yours sincerely,
Resy Peake
Mrs Resy Peake
Personal Staff Officer to the Corps Commandant
RP:pb
The Vicarage
Lyminster, West Sussex
20th October 1939
Dear Aunt Amy and Uncle Michael,
I am writing to tell you that Dad signed my M.T.T.C. application and I have sent it to their headquarters. I can't even begin to tell you how grateful I am for your kindness.
You were quite right that the key was to persuade Mother that this would be a good thing! We spent an afternoon in Littlehampton last week while Dad was at his Rural Deanery meeting. While we were there she and I met a lady called Mrs Peake who is apparently some sort of assistant to Mrs Cooke. She was handing out recruitment brochures, and I'm not quite sure what happened, but Mother now seems to have decided that it would be all right for me to join them. I suppose that after that she began working on Dad. She says that she will care for herself when she feels unwell! In any case I heard from Mrs Peake today and she seems to think that I will be joining them very soon.
But I am quite sure that none of this would have happened without you! Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart. I was wondering if either of you might have any advice to offer, as this will be my first time away from home without either Dad or Mother.
Best love always,
Sam
•••••
The Vicarage
Lyminster, West Sussex
20th October 1939
Dear Uncle Aubrey,
You may already have heard by the time that you read this that Dad has agreed that I should join the Mechanised Transport Training Corps for the duration, or at least through next summer (and after that we'll see). I know that you helped to persuade him that I ought to do this, especially with regard to certain practical matters, and I am writing to tell you how grateful I am. I haven't yet heard definitely from M.T.T.C. General Headquarters, but whatever happens I will try to make the whole family proud.
Please remember me to everyone at Leavenham.
Your affectionate and dutiful niece,
Samantha Stewart
•••••
Friday, 20 October 1939
Wrote to Aunt A & Uncle M & Uncle A. Littlehampton Gazette reports man accused in murder last week was in court yesterday but no evidence taken, remanded until next Thursday. No more than that. Also reports on fixed prices for various foods, because they are expected to be in short supply – how awful.
Remand, v.t.: to send something back to a place.
Can't think of anything else to write. Am feeling rather as though am standing on edge of ravine, can see clearly to other side but must wait for signal to jump across.
MECHANISED TRANSPORT TRAINING CORPS
GENRAL HEADQUARTERS
33, Leinster Gardens
London, W.2
23 October 1939
Miss Samantha Stewart
The Vicarage
Lyminster
West Sussex
Dear Miss Stewart:
This letter will serve to inform you that you are hereby enrolled in the Mechanised Transport Training Corps, effective Monday, 30 October 1939, at the rank of Driver. You are to report to the above address no later than 10.00 on the aforementioned date, and must be prepared to pay your annual subscription of 10s 6d at that time. Once administrative matters are attended to you will report to Captain Miss Waite, who will oversee your training, at no. 28, Lambeth High Street, S.E.11.
You will be billeted on Mrs. Gladys Cox, no. 8, Walcot Mansions, 136 Kennington-road, S.E.11, at a rental of 7s 6d per week. Daily breakfast and all catering on Sundays is included in your rental, with supper on other days to be provided by pre-arrangement for an additional fee of 10d in each instance. Mrs Cox will be prepared to receive you at 11.00 on 28 October. She does not have a telephone, so if you expect to arrive much later than noon you are advised to send her a telegram. Your first week's rental will be due upon arrival.
As you are currently enrolled in the Women's Legion, there will be no need for you to replace any of your current kit; however, you will be required to change the badges and other insignia of the Women's Legion for those of the M.T.T.C. as soon as possible. These can be purchased at General Headquarters; the cost is 10s for the complete set. Please take note that service dress uniform is to be worn with polished brown Oxford shoes with flat heels and khaki wool, silk or lisle stockings of not too thin a texture.
You are to report to Captain Miss Waite attired in a trouser overall, or work trousers and blouse, with kerchief, in khaki or drab.
A complete list of kit items is enclosed.
I congratulate you on your desire to serve our nation's cause in this difficult hour, and am happy to welcome you as you join us in our mission.
Sincerely,
G. M. Cook
Mrs G.M. Cook
Corps Commandant
enclosure
GMC:pb
•
MECHANISED TRANSPORT TRAINING CORPS
KIT LIST
The following retailers have undertaken to provide all kit items (excepting those needed for mechanic duty) to members of the Mechanised Transport Training Corps:
Austin Reed, 103-113, Regent St, W.1
Hector Powe, 165, Regent St, W.1
Lillywhites, Piccadilly Circus, S.W.1
It may be possible for other retailers to provide some or all kit as well.
Required items:
- Service dress uniform (British officer tunic, khaki wool; skirt of the same fabric, wide enough to enable drivers to get out of cars easily, hem to be no more than 15 inches from the ground.)
- Shirt (Khaki cotton, long sleeves with button cuffs, detachable point collar. It is strongly recommended that whole-time members equip themselves with a minimum of two shirts.)
- Tie (Khaki cotton or fine wool.)
- Peaked cap of approved pattern (Khaki wool.)
- Stockings (Khaki wool, silk or lisle of not too fine a texture.)
- Great coat, double-breasted with epaulets (Khaki wool, regulation M.T.T.C. buttons. British warm in khaki may be substituted but is not to be worn on parades. Hem to be no more than 14 inches from the ground.)
- Brown leather Oxford shoes, flat heels, to be kept polished at all times
- Brown leather belt, two inches wide, with plain rectangular brass buckle (Sam Browne may be worn if desired, but is not to be worn by other ranks on parades.)
- Brown leather buttoned gloves (for officers) or driving gantlets for other ranks
- Trouser overall or shirt and trousers of sturdy material, khaki or drab
Optional items:
- Forage cap (Khaki wool, regulation M.T.T.C. buttons. Not to be worn on parades.)
- Overall dress in khaki cotton (With epaulets and four patch pockets, wide enough to enable drivers to get out of cars easily, hem to be no more than 15 inches from the ground. May be worn in warm weather with cap, tie, belt, and stockings from service uniform. Not to be worn on parades.)
- Trench coat in khaki with epaulets (To be worn in wet weather. Inter-lining recommended.)
- Small brown leather coin purse, to be affixed to belt
- Sheath knife, to be worn affixed to belt
- Small despatch case or haversack, brown, khaki or drab (Please note that handbags or umbrellas may not be carried while on duty.)
- Sleeveless pullover (Khaki)
- Cardigan (Khaki)
- Ankle socks (Khaki, to be worn in winter)
Each member is responsible for providing and maintaining her own steel helmet and gas mask with carrier.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Hair must be worn neatly and not hang over the collar. Eton crops are not allowed.
- Make-up, if worn, must be discreet. No eye make-up may be used. Trimming of eyebrows should not be carried to excess. Only colourless nail varnish may be used.
- The only jewellery allowed with uniform is a wedding or engagement ring but not both; signet rings; plain wrist watches; identity bracelets.
- Bereaved members of the Corps are permitted to wear a black band two inches in width on the left arm mid-way between the shoulder and elbow for a period of six weeks.
Tuesday 24 October 1939
Letter arrived today from M.T.T.C. headquarters – I am enlisted as a Driver & have been given instructions and am billeted! Must be in London by Monday at latest! Mother making lists of things for me to pack – think that I have persuaded her that I won't need absolutely everything that I possess, but not entirely sure.
Rental & other expenses rather higher than expected, w/ quite long list of things to be bought. Annual subscription is 10/6 & must be paid at once. Will have to find a way to make do.
Later – Driver is lowest rank – was expecting this but think that D & M are a bit disappointed.
•••••
The Vicarage
Leavenham, Hampshire
24th October 1939
My dear Samantha,
Your letter arrived in this morning's post. (Two months ago, it would have been here yesterday!) There is no need at all to thank me. The process of working out my views on the part you might play in the war effort proved to be quite edifying. I am very glad that you and your dear parents have been able to come to an accommodation regarding your immediate future and am hopeful that the adventure you are about to begin will prove satisfactory. I am not too worried about you, as I know how well you have been brought up, and of course the prayers of our entire family will support you wherever you go.
Your affectionate uncle,
Aubrey Stewart
•••••
Braithfield Farm
Fullerton Road
Red Rice, Andover, Hampshire
24th October 1939
My dear Sam,
It was most gratifying to receive your letter. Please don't be too quick to assign the responsibility for this accomplishment to me or to anyone else. It was your determination, perseverance and patience that brought this about.
I fear that I haven't much advice to offer. Like you, I have never lived independently. In my day being the black sheep of the family didn't extend quite that far, certainly not for a bishop's daughter, and in any event Army nurses lived in the quarters prepared for us. The only advice that I can think of is that if any person you encounter makes you feel uneasy, you should avoid his company as much as possible — or her company, for that matter. If the source of your unease should refuse to be avoided, alert the police at once. That said, I feel certain that the adventure that you are about to begin will bring you the opportunity to forge bonds that will last for the rest of your life — so don't be shy around the people you will meet in the coming months! Of course I know that you'll have no trouble at all with either of those suggestions.
Do please keep in touch, and let us know how you progress.
With every good wish, I am, your doting aunt,
Amy Braithwaite
My dear young Sam,
Your aunt has graciously left some space open for me to join her in wishing you Godspeed. We are both enormously proud of you, and have no doubt that you will do yourself proud as well.
I have three pieces of advice for you, in no particular order of importance:
1. Never accept a billet without inspecting it first. If it includes board, try to get a look at the kitchen as well.
2. When you meet your commanding officer, begin with the assumption that he she is not an idiot. If she does prove to be an idiot, the best thing to do is to keep your nose down, do your bit without calling unwelcome attention to yourself, and keep an eye out for an opportunity to get a new posting.
3. As a good general rule, try to avoid the company of officers, who tend to be a pretty creepy bunch when one comes right down to it. (I speak from experience, of course, having been one myself for 25 years!)
Like Amy, I hope that you'll keep us informed of your exploits.
Your fond uncle,
Michael Braithwaite
Sam, dear — I couldn't help seeing what your uncle has written above. His third point is surely meant in jest. If I'd followed that rule I'd have found neither first husband nor second! I think that I had better seal this in its envelope at once, before any other mischief-maker gets hold of it. All best, A.B.
Author's notes:
The list of items that made up the MTC uniform and the rules surrounding grooming and related matters are based on information gleaned from a number of newspaper advertisements placed by retailers offering to be of service to members and from Jon Mills' book.
Roughly half of what I've been able to learn about Mrs. Grace Muriel Cook is included in this story. In 1912 she – or someone with the same name, conceivably – was jailed for a time at Winson Green, Birmingham, for activities in connection with the women's suffrage movement, but was released in June "owing to ill-health due to the hunger strike," according to the Shields Daily News for June 27th. In July 1913 she accepted an apology at Marlborough Street Police Court, London (I assume), from a Detective Sergeant Cox for having struck her with a stick that he had in his hand during a "struggle in the dark," part of "a scene of great disorder at the Pavilion on the 21st inst.," according to the August 1st issue of The Suffragist. "She was so injured that she had to go home, where she was attended by a doctor." Cox received a summons accordingly; "As, however, Sergeant Cox had apologised she did not wish to be vindictive, and would not press the matter."
I also know that Mrs. Cook died on November 1st, 1970 – "in her 90th year," according to a paid obituary that appeared in The Times two days later, which implies that she was born in 1879 or 1880. Indeed, the England and Wales Civil Registration Death Index gives her date of birth as February 28th, 1879 – meaning that she was in fact 91 years old at the time of her death. She seems to have had a long-standing habit of lying about her age. Newspaper coverage of her decision to step down as M.T.C. Corps Commandant in April 1942 gives her age as 60, and the 1939 Register gives her birthday as February 27th, 1881! The Register also states that she was married at the time registration was taken, but who her husband was, her maiden name, and indeed anything about her background remain unknown, at least to me.