Remembrance: Mary Ann's Story

For Mary Ann, Remembrance is about honouring the past while still embracing the community that keeps the spirit of service alive today. After years of loneliness, she has found that sense of belonging at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, surrounded by fellow veterans who understand what it means to serve. 

Mary Ann joined the Women’s Royal Army Corps in 1978, seeking. “A lot of my friends were leaving school, getting married and having children and I didn’t want that. I wanted something more,” she recalls. “While I was in the WRAC, I realised that a lot of people in there were like me. We shared the same sense of belonging, that we didn’t feel like we fitted into civilian life. The Army was for us.” 

She began her service as an officer’s mess stewardess and later worked in Northern Ireland. “We’d work about three or four days down in Belfast and we’d stay at the Grand Central Hotel. We mainly did the gates because male soldiers couldn’t search the women.” She recalls helping families during house searches, speaking with them while the men conducted their work. “I really enjoyed the work I did in Northern Ireland. I loved it. I was disappointed when the end of the eight months came, and I had to go back to England.” 

Mary Ann’s Army career ended when she married, and in the years that followed, she dedicated herself to raising four children and running kennels, breeding German Shepherds and Yorkshire terriers. She remembers periods of isolation and loneliness, particularly after separating from her husband. “I was on my own. A lot of my friends were married, or they had family commitments. I didn’t. Stevie the TV was my best friend.” 

The Royal Hospital Chelsea offered Mary Ann a chance to reconnect with the camaraderie and sense of purpose she had found in the Army. Mary Ann first discovered the Royal Hospital on television and then through a tour as part of the WRAC Association. “I thought, wow, this is where I belong. I felt at home here.” 

She applied at 66 and was welcomed as a Chelsea Pensioner. “I loved it. I loved the fact that it looked like re-joining all over again. And I really love history and there’s so much history and heritage here.” 

Life at the Royal Hospital has brought Mary Ann companionship, safety and joy. “There’s a great camaraderie here - I’ve made so many friends, and like I said, they asked me in my initial interview what I’d like to achieve by becoming a Chelsea Pensioner. I said, by the end of my first year, I’d like to make friends, but I would like by the end of the year to have family. And I already consider a lot of people like my family already.” 

The sense of community has also strengthened her pride in service. “I feel so proud to wear the scarlet uniform, not just to represent myself, but also to represent the veterans that aren’t as lucky as I am to be at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. I’m wearing scarlets on behalf of them and all other veterans, especially female veterans.” 

Speaking on Remembrance, Mary Ann said, “We should never forget what people who served went through. They gave their lives for us so we can enjoy the freedom we have today. Not just the people who served in the First World War and the Second World War, but all those who have served in conflicts since. Remembrance should always be cherished; they gave their tomorrow for our today.” 

Mary Ann’s story is a reminder that for thousands of UK veterans who may feel lonely or isolated, the Royal Hospital Chelsea offers care, camaraderie and connection. Through its community, veterans find not only a home, but a renewed sense of purpose, pride and belonging.