102-Year-Old Tank Factory Veteran Expresses Pride in World War Two Service

Christina Hartnell, a 102-year-old woman who contributed to the war effort by working in a tank factory during World War Two, has stated she is “proud” of her involvement. Originally from Ponteland, Northumberland, Mrs. Hartnell enlisted in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) in 1940 at the age of 18 and was subsequently assigned to Catterick Camp in North Yorkshire. She was among millions of women who performed vital wartime duties across hundreds of diverse roles, encompassing both military and civilian capacities. Her grandson, Chris Hartnell, remarked: “All our family is really proud of her and we think it’s important to remember the service of women in wartime too”. Mrs. Hartnell described her factory responsibilities as involving “cleaning the parts and doing the screws.” She further explained, “Any jobs that were needed really,” adding, “I just got on with it and I think I settled in okay.” She also recounted an instance where she was “smuggled into one tank so she could have a ride,” noting, “I was told to keep my head down.” During her tenure at Catterick, she met her husband, Roy Hartnell, who was serving in a military band. By 1943, approximately 90% of single women and 80% of married women were engaged in essential war work, including roles in munitions factories, aircraft and tank factories, or shipbuilding. They also took on duties on farms and in forestry, filling positions vacated by men fighting in the war. Mrs. Hartnell continues to live independently in her own home, receiving assistance from carers. Before her health prevented travel, she regularly attended the Remembrance Day parade in Rothbury, Northumberland, with her son Keith. “It is important for her to remember the service of her generation,” Mr. Hartnell commented. He added, “I feel very proud of my gran for her resilience. She is a real tough old cookie.” Mrs. Hartnell attributes her long life to “plenty of broccoli and drinking cabbage water.”