Love and War in the WRNS

During World War II, Sheila Mills joined the WRNS and served in various locations, including Scotland, Egypt, and Germany. Her experiences and observations, including encounters with notable figures such as Admiral Ramsay and the sinking of the Medway, are documented in her letters and scrapbooks, providing a unique perspective on the war from a woman's perspective.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 420 pages
Publication date: 29 September 2022
Publisher: The History Press Ltd

Sheila Mills' story is a captivating and unique perspective on the Second World War. Born into a middle-class family in Norfolk, she yearned for adventure and sought solace from an unhappy childhood and her social-climbing mother by joining the WRNS in 1940. Her journey began with a first posting in Scotland in 1940, where she quickly progressed through the ranks, serving in Egypt and eventually reaching a defeated Germany. Through the eyes of a young Wren officer, Sheila witnessed extraordinary and fascinating encounters and personalities, including Admiral Ramsay, the Invasion of Sicily, Operation Mincemeat, The Flap, the sinking of the Medway, the surrender of the Italian fleet, and the Belsen Trials.

Amidst these historical events, Sheila also provided humorous insights into the everyday concerns of a typical Wren officer, such as her fascination with boys, her obsession with appearance, and her desire to have fun while worrying about her home and family. This remarkable collection of hundreds of letters, scrapbooks, and memorabilia, some of which are reproduced here, was discovered in bin liners shortly after Sheila's passing. Her daughter, Vicky, has painstakingly pieced together a fascinating and unusual record of the Second World War from a woman's perspective, shedding light on the experiences and sacrifices of women during this tumultuous period.

Sheila Mills' story is a testament to the resilience and determination of women in the face of adversity, and her daughter's dedication to preserving her memory is a valuable contribution to our understanding of the Second World War.

Weight: 468g
Dimension: 151 x 432 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803990590