World War Two Veteran Receives Medal Decades After Conflict Concluded

Mary Cliff, a veteran from Crewe who volunteered for service during World War Two at the age of 17, has been presented with a medal 79 years following the conflict’s conclusion. In August 1943, she joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), serving with 36 Company Royal Army Pay Corps. The 98-year-old initially stated she “wasn’t interested” in seeking The War Medal 1939-1945, but was prompted to apply by Blind Veterans UK. Upon receiving the recognition, Mrs Cliff expressed that she was “very proud.” While serving as an administrative worker during World War Two, she was stationed in north Devon and experienced the impact of air raids targeting the south coast and Wales. She recounted, “We were 60 miles away from Plymouth but could see it being burnt to the ground during the raids. The sky was completely red. It was a terrible sight.” Mrs Cliff, whose sight was largely lost in the 1990s due to a sudden brain haemorrhage, was discharged from service in December 1946, coinciding with her 21st birthday. She explained, “After the war you had to claim your medal but I wasn’t really interested at that time. It was only when I went to Blind Veterans UK’s rehabilitation centre and I saw all the other veterans wearing their medals that I thought I should apply.” Describing the presentation, she stated, “The next time I was at the centre I went down to the mess for the evening meal, and the staff had put a huge photo of 18-year-old me on the wall and presented me with the medal. I couldn’t believe it. I was a little bit embarrassed but also very proud. It felt super to get it.” The War Medal 1939-1945 is an honour bestowed upon British Commonwealth citizens who served in either the Armed Forces or the Merchant Navy throughout World War Two.