Lillian was born in 1921 in Veracruz Mexico, to Henry and Annie Payne. The family returned to England in 1932, eventually settling in Exmouth. Without her parents’ permission, before she turned 21, Lillian joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS). She started at the ATS in February 1941 and was initially based in Honiton, Devon. Her brother Harry also joined the Army.
In the ATS Lillian trained and worked as a mechanic, then driver and finally driving instructor. On the whole she had a wonderful time, making several life long friends. She experienced great sadness when her brother Harry died in Burma in 1944. Lillian’s brother in-law also died in the war, just days after the birth of his daughter.[1]
Lillian was demobbed in 1946, and returned home to Exmouth, where she went into clerical work. In June 1949 Lillian married Ken Green. They had met at the Exeter office of The Halifax Building Society. Soon after they moved to Shiphay, Torquay, where Ken was manager of the local Halifax. Lillian became a full-time housewife and looked after her elderly parents in-law.
Lillian was born in 1921 in Veracruz Mexico, to Henry and Annie Payne. The family returned to England in 1932, eventually settling in Exmouth. Without her parents’ permission, before she turned 21, Lillian joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS). She started at the ATS in February 1941 and was initially based in Honiton, Devon. Her brother Harry also joined the Army.
In the ATS Lillian trained and worked as a mechanic, then driver and finally driving instructor. On the whole she had a wonderful time, making several life long friends. She experienced great sadness when her brother Harry died in Burma in 1944. Lillian’s brother in-law also died in the war, just days after the birth of his daughter.[1]
Lillian was demobbed in 1946, and returned home to Exmouth, where she went into clerical work. In June 1949 Lillian married Ken Green. They had met at the Exeter office of The Halifax Building Society. Soon after they moved to Shiphay, Torquay, where Ken was manager of the local Halifax. Lillian became a full-time housewife and looked after her elderly parents in-law.
In 1983, the couple moved to St Johns Close in Bishopsteignton, and were soon active in village life. They became members of St Johns church, and helped with many fetes. Lillian was also a member of the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) association, and their very capable secretary, attending meetings in London and locally for many years.
After Ken’s death in 2007, Lillian rediscovered her love of travelling. Joined by her niece Patricia, her travels included a coach tour round Mexico and in 2013, a cruise to Lillian’s home town of Veracruz. Patricia said that her Aunt “was fun to be with”, “always interested in life and the world about her” and that “she had the most welcoming smile”.[2]
Lillian’ s last two years were spent at Bishopsteignton House, where she was able to celebrate her 100th birthday.
Lillian died on 21st June 2021.
