Margaret Mary Murphy

Private Margaret Mary Murphy – Auxiliary Territorial Service

Early Life

Margaret Mary Murphy was the daughter of Thomas and May Murphy. She grew up in Britain during a time of great upheaval as the Second World War was underway.

Military Service

As a young woman, Margaret volunteered for duty in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (A.T.S.), the women’s branch of the British Army. She was stationed at a camp in North Wales, where A.T.S. personnel supported the war effort through administrative, technical, and logistical roles.

Death

Caernarvon and Denbigh Herald

South Wales Daily Post 

On 6^th February 1942, at just 18 years of age, Margaret’s life was tragically cut short. While serving in North Wales, she was struck by a car on the Abergele road and killed.

The Caernarvon and Denbigh Herald reported on the accident, while the South Wales Daily Post later covered the details of her funeral.

Burial

Margaret Mary Murphy
Danygraig Cemetery
credit - findagrave

Margaret was laid to rest at Danygraig Cemetery, where she is the only servicewoman to be buried during the Second World War. Despite her service in the A.T.S., she was not given a military headstone.

Legacy

Although her life and military service were brief, Margaret represents the many young women who contributed to Britain’s wartime effort through the Auxiliary Territorial Service. Her grave at Danygraig Cemetery stands as both a personal loss and a symbol of the role women played in the struggle for victory.