Having grown up in Ireland during ‘The Troubles’, Marion joined the army to escape and begin life somewhere different. However soon after arriving at Guildford, she was injured in the bombing of the Horse and Groom pub in 1974.

Marion recalls being aware that something was wrong but before she had time to react the bomb had exploded and she was left injured among the chaos. She describes how following this incident she was held back from completing her trade training and interrogated by army officers on suspicions of her being involved in the attack. In her interview she states that her treatment by the army during this time is something she held resentment towards for many years.

She went on to complete her clerical training and was subsequently posted to Blackdown, Bicester, then Rheindahlen. In Germany an opportunity arose for Marion to become an army welfare assistant, where her role consisted of mostly dealing with war-affected and bereaved families. Although this position was extremely difficult, Marion found it rewarding but knew that it was soon time to leave.

Reflecting on her time with the WRAC, Marion felt proud to be a veteran and values her connection to the female corps.