The Albums of Miss Margaret Mitchell, MBE, WAAC, QMAAC

Unit Administrator No 3 Rest Camp Folkestone during WW1

These albums were sold on a well known online auction site in 2012. We took the opportunity to download some of the images and feature them below. We do not intend to breach copyright, but to make fair use for non commercial purposes. If the owner of the albums would like to contact us, please email admin@stepshort.co.uk

These albums represent a unique and significant part of the story of Folkestone during the First World War. As we approach the Centenary of that war, it is remarkable to reflect on the fact that such documents are only now being discovered.

No 3 Rest Camp was one of several such camps set up in the town to accommodate soldiers who had to wait for cross channel troop ships to take them back to the Western front after leave or recuperation. No 3 Rest Camp was situated on The Leas and took in the houses and frontage of Clifton Crescent. It was able to cater for several thousand soldiers at a time.

The Mitchell Album also portrays something of the life in Folkestone for her and her colleagues; there are pictures of a party at the golf links and tennis, as well as photos of the workings of the camp and its personnel.

Please send us an email if you can shed light on any of the people in these albums.

Photos, letters and the MBE medal awarded to Miss Mitchell in 1919

The MBE and miniature

A letter dated 6 September 1919 wishing Miss Mitchell well for the future, and a photo of her

Officers and colleagues of Miss Mitchell who worked at No 3 Rest Camp

Invitation to Buckingham Palace to receive her MBE, and a photo of her in ‘mufti’

Group photos and invitation to QMAAC staff to the 1918 Christmas Day dinner at No 3 Rest Camp

photos of parade through Folkestone on Peace Day 19 July 1919. Note error on envelope: Folkestone is in Kent, not Sussex!

Captions: Cannon with the Fat; Tanner an his assistant; The Tea House;

Messing Staff;

Beth & Wint; Capt Margetts, Beth, Wint Capt Hind; Inspection!

Captions: Beth and Beech; Just a gang on the Links; Capt Slade and Barnie;

Heading: Embarkations Folkestone 1919

Captions: Troops & Overseas WAACs;

Troops from No 3 Rest Camp; Sir William Robertson; More troops from No 3 Rest Camp;

Winston Churchill

Churchill was a frequent traveler from Folkestone to France

Captions: Embarking for France; View of Harbour;

Folkestone Harbour;

Old Folkestone; Troops from No 3 Rest Camp

Heading: Rest Camp Staff

Captions: Eva Archie Reggie 1917; Two As in a boat Folkestone 19..;

Phyl; Eva and the dog;

Three Grins

Captions: Types; Some of 'Them'; Same again and Dog;

OF:-

‘Slade’ with Beth, Eva

Margaret Mitchell sitting. Who are the others?