1921 - 1941 Early Life

Here at the beginning of our timeline, we use Mary’s words and images to tell a little of her family history, her early childhood, her school days, her athletic prowess and family holidays, at home and abroad.

A naturalist is born

26 November 1921

Mary was born on 26 November 1921 in Ealing, west London.

Mary’s childhood years

June 1925

Growing up in the 1920s and 1930s.

Mary the schoolgirl and athlete

1 June 1932

Schoolgirl memories and lifetime athlete ...

Mary the Girl Guide

1 February 1936

Mary was an active member of the Girl Guide movement, as a guide in her teens and a Commissioner later in life.

Mary starts work

1 May 1938

‘At the age of 16, after matriculating, I found myself going off to work in a London office, like most of my schoolmates.’

Swiss family holiday

26 July 1939

A family holiday in Switzerland just a few weeks before the beginning of World War Two

Find out what happens next during the Women’s Land Army years!

September 1939 Read more