Elsie was married to Major Glyndwr Rosser "Glyn" Rees, Indian Army, who was Quartermaster with the Guides Cavalry (previously the 10th Queen Victoria's Own Corps of Guides), which had been mechanised as a Light Reconnaissance Regiment and was serving in Iraq and North Africa. He had been a teacher on the Isle of Wight before the war. After joining the Army they married in March 1942. He was commissioned from Lance Corporal into the Indian Army in October 1942.
Elsie lived with Mr Ceiriog and Mrs Ethel Smith, her brother-in-law and sister, while her own husband was serving overseas. She was described as a very intelligent and astute lady.
She worked for Colonel K.D Treasure, a local solicitor, who also appears to have signed the request to return her papers. It is thought that he was perhaps the local organiser for Special Duties.
| Unit or location | Role | Posted from | until |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhydri is-allan-orsaf | Observer | Unknown | 20 Jul 1944 |
| Rudry Suboutstation | Observer | Unknown | 20 Jul 1944 |
Solicitor's clerk
Elise Rees' part in the Special Duties organisation is only known from 3 papers that were found in her belongings after her death. These were the two normal Stand Down letters sent to all involved, and a third letter asking her to return all papers and maps relating to her work as well as a signed declaration that nothing had been retained. She never spoke about her wartime role.
Phil Smith, great nephew
London Gazette 30 April 1943 p1960-1
1939 Register
Ancestry.com