Wetherby Manor’s May Farrell shares her story of serving in the Armed Forces

This VE Day, May Farrell speaks about how an unexpected turn of events led her to joining the Army.

Wetherby Manor near Leeds is home to seven of the many veterans that live in our care homes. Resident May Farrell (age 100) volunteered for the army at the outbreak of World War II (WWII). Her aspirations initially leaned toward joining the RAF; however, when she was deemed too short, the Army welcomed her instead, jokingly suggesting they would “stretch her” to fit. Though her path took an unexpected turn, May embraced her service wholeheartedly; she trained to drive military vehicles, including a seven-ton Albion and a three-ton Fordson.

She stood out as one of just 30 women among 600 men. While she was not allowed to keep her uniform after leaving, May shared her story with the Royal British Legion, who helped replace her lost beret – a gesture that brought her great joy, and one that she treasures to this day.

Despite a strict environment, she valued her time in service where she met and married her husband William in 1944, building a life rich with memories and lifelong friendships.