THE WREN Summer 2018 No. 392 Summer 2018 The Association of Wrens (Women of The Royal Naval Services) PATRON: Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal PRESIDENT: Cmdt. Anthea Larken CBE

VICE PRESIDENTS: Mrs Marion Greenway Mrs Janet Crabtree Mrs Anne Trigg Mrs Pat Farrington Mrs Elsie Baring RD Mrs Beryl Watt Mrs Patricia Wall Mrs Julia Clark Mrs Marjorie Imlah OBE JP Miss Rosie Wilson OBE Miss Julia Simpson BSc CEng MBCS Mrs Mary Hawthornthwaite Miss Eleanor Patrick Mrs Carol Gibbon CHAIRMAN: Miss Jill Stellingworth VICE-CHAIRMAN: Mrs Linda Mitchell HON. TREASURER: Mrs Rita Hoddinott EDITORIAL TEAM OF THE WREN: Mrs Georgina Tuckett Mrs Rita Hoddinott PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER: Mrs Celia Saywell MBE ADMINISTRATORS: Mrs Katharine Lovegrove Mrs Lin Burton TRUSTEES: Mrs Janice Abbots Mrs Lisa Snowden Mrs Kathy Carter Mrs Vicki Taylor Mrs Sue Dunster Mrs Georgina Tuckett Mrs Karen Elliot Mrs Fay Watson Mrs Barbara McGregor Subscriptions: Membership renewal for 2019/20 payable by 1 April 2019 Annual membership for UK members £12.50 or 10 years for £100 Annual membership for overseas members £15.50 or 10 years for £120

All correspondence for the Association of Wrens should be sent to: Association of Wrens, Room 215, Semaphore Tower (PP 70) HM Naval Base, Portsmouth PO1 3LT Tel: 02392 725141 email: [email protected] If a reply is required, please enclose a stamped addressed envelope

The contents of THE WREN are strictly copyright and all rights are expressly reserved. The views expressed herein are not necessarily the views of the Editorial Team or the Association and accordingly no responsibility for these will be accepted. Whilst the Editorial Team has high regard for all advertisers, readers are recommended to seek appropriate financial or legal advice before entering into any binding agreement.

VERY IMPORTANT Changes To Data Protection Act – Members Consent Under the new General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), which came into effect on 25 May 2018, all members are informed that any item submitted to The Wren magazine or to the AOW website (www.wrens.org.uk) CANNOT be posted on the AOW Website and the AOW Facebook page (not the Wrens Facebook Group) without your specific consent. Personal information (ie addresses, email addresses or telephone numbers) WILL NOT BE INCLUDED in the magazine, on the AOW website or on the AOW Facebook page unless members give WRITTEN instruction that their personal details CAN be included. For example, include with your submitted article the following statement: ‘I give my written consent for my personal details to be included in The Wren magazine*/on the AOW Website*/Facebook page* (*delete any area where you do not wish your details to appear).

Registered under the Charities Act 2011 — Registration No. 257040 The Wren 1 FROM THE EDITORIAL TEAM Enclosed inside your Summer Magazine: AOW Sales Catalogue and Order Form 2018 Christmas Dinner l to r: Katharine Lovegrove (Administrator), Rita Hoddinott Application Form (Hon Treasurer), Lin Burton (Administrator) and Georgina Tuckett (Trustee/Editor) GDPR Information With Preference Return Form Editorial Report Trustee Ballot Form WRNS100 presented some challenges which judging (to be returned by 5 September 2018) from the comments and compliments paid to the team we succeeded in overcoming. The two major challenges were the sheer quantity of items sent in and the other was trying to meet publishing schedules while ensuring that the different events were fully covered. The problem of volume was overcome by CONTENTS Rita Hoddinott in her role as Treasurer allowing us to have extra pages. Thank you Rita. Extra pages cost 2 Chairman’s Letter extra money partly because of the cost of paper but more importantly the cost of the postage goes up by 3 Important Information weight. 6 Trustee’s Corner One of the questions raised at the OOT in May was why don’t we stop publishing a paper magazine and 7 PRO Report put it on the internet. This option is always under consideration because of the cost but there are still 8 Branch and IG Reports hundreds of members who are not on the internet and many of those who are enjoy receiving their 11 2020 Scuttlebutt magazine through the post. With the advent of GDPR the question of putting the magazine on line creates 23 National Armed Forces Day more problems. As it is a magazine for members only it would involve having to have security password 33 Forthcoming Events access to the website for each individual member so that it was not accessible to all and if anyone ill- 34 Letters intentioned hacked into or distributed the magazine to non-members or the wider media it could cause 36 Where Are You Now? real trouble - so for the time being we are sticking to paper! 38 Book Reviews

Finally may I remind you that The Wren is the magazine 39 Anniversaries of the Association of Wrens and Women of the Royal Naval Services. We do not pay professional reporters 40 Deaths to write for us, we can only include material sent by you the members to us and thus we frequently ask, 44 Obituaries plead and pester you to write items because without your contributions there would be no magazine! Front cover photo: AOW member Irene Maclean enjoys a Thank you for all your hard work and the many items Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. you send in. Back cover photo: Trustee Lisa Snowden Avionics Eng Georgina Tuckett DE&S with l-r: AET Tia Shoemaker, POAET Sally Higgins and AET Georgina Shaw 825 Squadron Wildcat HMA2. (Phot credit Guy Pool VL) 2 The Wren CHAIRMAN’S LETTER We are now halfway to share an afternoon tea with Swindon Branch at a through 2018 – the Year beautiful country hotel (the Ritz had better up their of Recruitment – have you stakes!) Recently I joined the Derbyshire Dale enrolled a new member? members for their meeting to celebrate the birthday At the Out of Town (OOT) of their 94 year old member – she made me feel meeting in Stockton-on-Tees old! Also it was exciting to meet with members who in May there was a guest in have taken up such interesting hobbies on which the hotel who, on asking what I may talk about in a later issue. In June I had the our event was, said that she pleasure of presenting the Cheltenham Branch was an ex-Wren. In no time with their 70 year pennant and certificate as well at all she had a membership as enjoying strawberries and cream. At some of Jill Stellingworth application form and biro these events often someone will come up to say Chairman placed in front of her – and ‘I remember when you …’ That is when I wish the she joined! ground would open up – but we all have memories, The OOT meeting was well attended and it was and it is good to have them, and that is what makes good to see so many new and younger members. this Association and its members such a great My thanks have to go to Georgina Tuckett and camaraderie of like-minded and good-humoured her Cleveland Branch members for their excellent people. organisation both for the meeting and the most Going back to the beginning – please wear your enjoyable (and noisy) dinner in the evening. Association Badge with pride – let everyone know I stayed up an extra few days to explore the beautiful you belong to the AOW – and spread the message surrounding countryside – travelling west across that everyone who has served whether in the WRNS, to Richmond and Leyburn, north to Gibside – and or RN are welcome. Who can you recruit this year? south to Castle Howard. The journey back to the Why not carry a few membership application forms hotel from the latter across the North York Moors with you wherever you go? If you don’t wear your was as though I was stuck in a cobweb – the SatNav badge then nobody knows. lost its bearings, the petrol gauge was heading Jill Stellingworth downwards, and all roads were headed ‘The Lane’ or ‘High Street’ with no habitation in sight! Glad to say I made it back with thanks to the old fashioned road map! The WRNS100 Commemorative Stone has had a spring clean, thanks to Portsmouth Branch and in particular to Val and Bronwyn and their workforce, all is looking shipshape and sparkling, Since the start of this year much of the time has been taken up with the new General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) – a new EU/UK Law which came into being on 25 May 2018 and one that we are required to comply with. Some of you in branches will have already seen the e-mail I sent out last month setting out what the Association requires from you for us to be able to keep in touch. All of you will continue to receive The Wren magazine, but in the event we need to contact you with other information, we do need your consent for us to do so. You will find an insert in this magazine which I encourage you all to complete and return to the Association so that we can keep you informed. We want to keep you involved. Other dates in the diary have been my attendance at a good number of other Service Charities – the hot topic being again the GDPR. It is always interesting to mix with others who have the same aim of looking after serving and ex-serving members and searching the best way forward for our Associations. All suggestions are welcome on a postcard please! Besides meetings it has been my pleasure to meet with members socially. Back in April I was delighted The Wren 3 IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM HQ Association of Wrens - Room 215, Semaphore Tower (PP 70), HM Naval Base, Portsmouth P01 3LT Telephone number: 02392 725141 HQ email address: [email protected] Editor’s address: [email protected] Public Relations Officer’s address: [email protected] Website: www.wrens.org.uk Office opening hours: Monday to Thursday 0900 – 1700 and Friday 0900 – 1230 In order to avoid a wasted journey, please contact HQ before arranging to visit because security passes will need to be obtained beforehand.

CORRESPONDENCE & PAYMENTS All communications for the Association should be sent to HQ with a SAE if a reply is required. All cheques and postal orders must be made payable to the ASSOCIATION OF WRENS. Overseas members are requested to send sterling money orders or pay by credit/debit card. Payments may also be made using debit or credit cards via the website or by telephoning HQ. Please do not send cash through the post. There is also no need to send separate cheques for a donation, member’s subscriptions and insurance etc. As long as the individual amounts are clearly stated it can all be on one cheque.

DEATHS YOUR MEMBERSHIP NUMBER It is most important to inform the Administrator of a Your membership number can be found on your member’s death. Records have to be amended and membership card or on the address sheet which delivery of the magazine stopped. Failure to inform HQ comes with The Wren magazine. can easily result in unnecessary distress to surviving If your membership number starts with an A – you relatives and friends. There is no charge for a death are an annual member and need to make a payment announcement or an obituary entry in The Wren. The on or before 1 April annually. informant will be sent a notification containing the If your membership number starts with an L - you death announcement. Email notification of deaths are a life member and do not need to make a payment should be sent to: [email protected]. unless you wish to make a donation. A copy of the issue containing the death notification If your membership number starts with a T - you and/or the obituary is available to the deceased have paid a ten year subscription. You do not need to member’s next of kin on request. Further copies can make a payment unless you wish to make a donation. be obtained for a donation of £3 each to cover postage. We will remind you when your ten year subscription expires. CHANGE OF ADDRESS Notification should be sent to the Administrator at: [email protected] or by post. ANNUAL RENEWAL BY BANK PAYMENT The current membership fees are £12.50 for UK MEMBERSHIP CARDS residents and £15.50 for overseas members. Please Replacement cards are available from either the ensure you renew your membership on time each Administrator or via the website at £1.00 each. (Please year. Reminders and individually posted magazines note it is not necessary to send in your card when cost the Association a great deal of money and renewing your subscription). unnecessary administration time. If paying annually by standing order please ensure you have notified MEMBERSHIP YEAR your bank of the correct amount and the payment The membership year runs from 1 April to 31 March. date (on or before 1 April). Please ask your bank to The membership year will apply to all members who include your name and membership number as an join between 1 April and 31 December. With their identifying reference. If you have a standing order membership enrolment letter they will also receive set up to make this payment, please check your bank a copy of a previous edition of The Wren magazine statement to verify that the subscription has been paid. (subject to availability). Members who join between If renewing by a credit/debit card please ensure that 1 January and 31 March will have their membership the details of the card are written clearly. Payment expiry date extended to 31 March of the following year may also be made by bank transfer. Please contact to allow them to be allocated a full year. They will also HQ for details if you wish to pay by this method. receive a copy of a previous magazine (subject to availability). 4 The Wren BRANCHES & GROUPS INVITATIONS TO EVENTS If you are finding it hard to recruit for your Branch, please The AOW is fortunate to receive invitations for members contact the Administrators who will be very happy to to attend some very exciting events (Buckingham contact non-Branch members in your area to see if they Palace Garden Parties, visits to Highgrove House, would like to join you. There may be a charge for this to canal trips, Founders Day at the Royal Chelsea Hospital cover postage costs. and Christmas parties in various locations to name a Some members who do not belong to a Branch, or did few). Details of events are forwarded to all Branches belong to one which has since closed, continue to meet and Informal Groups. If you don’t belong to a Branch up with others on an informal basis. In this case the or Group but would like to be made aware of these Association would like to formally adopt such Informal opportunities please contact HQ to ask for your name Groups and thereby offer them the benefits of being to be added to the list. Some events are exclusively for included on our website; have their own Association members who are in receipt of a War Pension or an email address, write a report for the magazine and award from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme receive information and invitations. If you would like so if you are in receipt of either of these please let us your group to be adopted in this way please contact know. (Please note that preference will, on occasion, be HQ. Not all members of an informal group need to given to War Veterans). be Association members but we will require a named contact who is a current member, the name of the group, the number of members (both AOW and non- WIMBLEDON TICKETS AOW) and frequency of meetings. These details will A number of tickets are available to members for this then be presented to the Trustees for formal adoption. event each year courtesy of the Lest We Forget and The Not Forgotten Associations. If you are interested DISSOLUTION OF BRANCHES & GROUPS in attending please contact HQ. Tickets are available to Branches who become Informal Groups are, under the current Association members only. Only one ticket can Constitution of the Association, in effect dissolved and be allocated per member. Due to the popularity of this should therefore take action in accordance with Section event, tickets are allocated via a lottery type draw. 9j of the Constitution which states: ‘In the event of the dissolution of a Branch, all assets of the Branch shall be realised and all debts and liabilities discharged, any AOW MEMBERSHIP OF THE ROYAL MARITIME remaining funds shall be disposed of as agreed by the CLUB (Formerly the Home Club). Branch membership’. The advice of the Association The AOW has an Annual Membership of the Royal Headquarters should be sought regarding the ultimate Maritime Club; mention it when you book and you disposal of relevant archives and women’s service will get a discount. The current discounted rates are memorabilia (WRNS/RN). £94.00 per night for a standard room and £104.00 for a superior room (double or twin). The cost of a single BRANCH INSURANCE room is £51.00 per night. (Children aged 3 -15 at Branches are required to pay £13.00 annually to £14.00). All rates include breakfast. Prices quoted are provide Public Liability insurance for Branch business correct up to and including 2 December 2018. and social activities wherever held - Limit of Liability For further details please contact the Club direct on £5,000,000. Where appropriate this includes parading 02392 824231. the Standard but not the Standard itself, see below. Informal Groups requiring Public Liability Insurance should contact the Treasurer for entitlement on PORTSMOUTH HISTORIC DOCKYARD payment of the required premium. The Association has arranged for a discounted ticket for members. If you show your AOW membership card INSURANCE OF BRANCH STANDARDS (credit card type) at the ticket office you can buy aDAY Insurance for Branch Standards is available from ticket, giving entrance to the Museum of the Royal HQ, through the RNA, at a cost of £8.00 per annum Navy, all historic ships (excluding the Mary Rose*) and (running 18 March to 17 March inclusive). This covers Harbour Tours, for £10 each for yourself and up to a fire/ loss/damage anywhere in the world whilst in transit further 4 friends. You must visit together. For example, and includes both the Standard and the ceremonial you and 2 friends would pay £30.00 in total, i.e. £10.00 equipment. An excess of £100 will apply to any claims each. Day tickets are not usually sold to the general made. public. (*A separate ticket must be purchased if wishing Please apply by completing the relevant section on to visit the Mary Rose.) There is no discount on yearly your Branch Return or contact HQ. tickets which are sold to the general public.

CENOTAPH CEREMONY 11 NOVEMBER 2018 Tickets are essential for those taking part (but not for spectators) and are available for current Association members only. Please note tickets are not transferable. The list for members to request a ticket for 2018 has now closed. If you have applied for a ticket you will be notified of the outcome by email by 31 August. If you have not provided an email address please contact HQ after this date to find out if you have been allocated a ticket. The Wren 5

THE WREN DONATIONS All items for consideration for the next edition (due Heartfelt thanks for your kind donations to the out in December) must be with the Editor no later Association. Each one is greatly appreciated and helps than 1 October 2018. All items submitted for The the Association work for the benefit of all the members. Wren magazine are considered by the Editorial Team Please accept this acknowledgment in appreciation of and inclusion in the magazine is at their discretion. It your generosity. Individual letters of appreciation will is regretted that no personal communication will be only be sent for donations over £25.00 due to the rising entered into. Submissions can only be returned if a cost of postage. SAE is enclosed. All donations can be gift-aided if you are a UK tax payer, Please send to [email protected]. thus increasing the amount donated.

BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY NOTICES LEGACIES Notices are charged at £5.00 per entry. Like the life-blood of any charitable organisation, the Association of Wrens relies heavily on subscriptions ADVERTISING RATES and donations to fulfil its role of celebrating past Adverts are charged at 15p per word. There is achievements, preserving history and traditions, no charge for ‘Where Are You Now’ requests or fostering esprit-de-corps, supporting the work of the Obituaries. WRNS Benevolent Trust, and assisting with the relief of necessity and distress amongst both serving and TALKING WREN retired female members of the WRNS/WRNR and A recorded version of The Wren magazine is available RN/RNR by referring them to the appropriate Service free of charge to members who are registered blind. charity. Please apply to HQ if you would like to receive it in The Association’s main expenditure arises from this format. It is produced on a memory stick by the costs in relation to the above objectives – these are Portsmouth Area Talking News (PATN), therefore, the primarily HQ staff costs, meeting costs, and costs appropriate equipment is required e.g. a computer, associated with the production and despatch of The laptop, or a speaker (which is available from PATN Wren magazine. costing £15 or £25). Please contact the Administrator While costs are constantly monitored and controlled in for further details. Memory sticks are returned to order to minimise any annual losses to the Association, PATN post-free by reversing the address label on the it is also true that unfortunately each year subscription wallet. income is decreasing and we become more reliant on fundraising donations and legacies to continue our THE WREN MAGAZINE & AOW WEBSITE work. Please be aware that photographs and news By remembering the Association in your will you can submitted for publication to The Wren magazine ensure that it will continue to thrive and benefit those will not be posted on the AOW website (www.wrens. who follow in your footsteps in the Naval Service. org.uk) and the AOW Facebook page (not the ‘Wrens A legacy will also mean that you can take advantage of Facebook Group’) without the express permission the tax privileges that are available to encourage such of the member submitting the item. Personal support, namely the reduction or even elimination of information i.e. addresses, e-mail addresses or the tax payable on the balance of any estate and are telephone numbers WILL NOT BE INCLUDED in themselves totally exempt from inheritance tax. the magazine, on the AOW website or on the AOW A legacy is a specific sum of money left in your will. You Facebook page unless members give specific do not need to let the Association know your intentions instruction that they wish their personal details to be as it is understood that the business of making a will included. can be a very sensitive matter. For information a will Items offered for inclusion on the website should can be made by yourself, however, we would advise be made initially via HQ at [email protected] or that you consult a solicitor or use a will service to 02392 725141. ensure your will is valid. Please consider leaving a legacy to the Association – DATA PROTECTION we do rely on and need your support. The Association database exists to maintain membership details only. Member’s details are those that have been supplied by the individual member when joining the Association and from subsequent Submissions to The Wren information provided by them to HQ. This information is not used for any other purpose and the database Magazine and Website is protected by password access. Any member may request a copy of their data by writing to HQ enclosing a SAE. See the very important notice on the inside of the front cover 6 The Wren Calling Notice TRUSTEES CORNER Annual General Meeting 29 September 2018 Trustee Ballot The agenda will include adoption of the Association’s You will find enclosed with the magazine a ballot form revised Constitution. The proposed document can be to elect 5 trustees. PLEASE consider the nominees viewed on the website www.wrens.org.uk or a hard carefully and cast your vote for those you feel offer copy available from HQ. the experience and qualities required to manage our Branch Chairman have been emailed a copy. charity. YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT TO US. Any comments from members should be sent to The Association Chairman c/o HQ by 21 September 2018 Thank You, from WRNS100 WRNS100 accounts have now been finalised and all Fundraising Christmas Dinner expenses met. The “£pound for the Stone” appeal Saturday 8 December 2018 raised £36,000 which enabled us to pay for the Stone, the Book of Donors, the Service and the Guildhall It has been necessary to increase the cost of the ticket costs and we would like to give a huge thank you to all this year from £35 to £42 per head due to increases who gave so generously to the appeal. A small surplus levied by the UJC. This event is a very special one for from the Stone appeal combined with all the other the Association and the WRNSBT and we look forward funds raised from events, merchandising and other to your continued support. The application form can donations throughout the year enabled us to give the be found enclosed with the magazine. (Please note remaining balance to our charities. At the WRNSBT the dinner time is 1830 for 1900). AGM in May, our Patron, HRH The Princess Royal presented cheques from WRNS100 to the WRNS St Mary le Strand Benevolent Trust (£15,000), the Association of Wrens (£15,000) and the RNRMC (£8,000). Westminster City Rosie Wilson, Chairman WRNS100 Council are pursuing and Janet Crabtree, Hon Treasurer WRNS100 plans to pedestrianise the area of the Strand around St Mary le Strand The Queen’s Birthday Honours and Somerset House. This will make the church The Association of Wrens would like to offer far more accessible and congratulations to attract more visitors. Cdr Heather Rimmer and Lt Cdr Fiona Haynes Currently the church is on their award of the MBE in the locked other than when Birthday Honours List. services are taking place and so the Priest-in- Stop Press - Facebook Charge together with the St Mary le Strand, London Archdeacon of London Recently an Association Member, having gained and the PCC are looking at ways to have the church through the AOW a complimentary Wimbledon Ticket open more regularly. One option they are pursuing is (courtesy of the Lest We Forget Association (LWFA), temporary exhibitions at the rear of the church. This placed a photograph of her ticket together with an will be to our advantage as it will enable easier access information sheet on her own Facebook page. This to the WRNS Book of Remembrance and the other was picked up by the All England Lawn Tennis Club memorials within the church. (AELTC) solicitors who sent a severe warning to The Archdeacon is very aware of the WRNS connection the LWFA for a breach of the security rules - these with the church and very much wants to maintain are written on the ticket wallet. The LWFA traced the links. In return we must show that we want to the ticket to the AOW and to the recipient who has maintain the links too, and so if you are in London for now been asked to return her ticket. The LWFA are the weekend please try to attend the Sunday morning concerned that the AELTC may not grant them any service at 1100 (1050 on Remembrance Sunday) – future complimentary tickets and I am having to do a you will always be given a warm welcome. Remember damage-limitation exercise with both the AELTC and it is OUR church and not just for the Christmas Carol the LWFA to absolve the LWFA of any blame. Please Service! Janet Crabtree take this as a salutary lesson that, however, excited you might be in receiving a prize or present you may Promotion Congratulations embarrass the donor if you go public with details. Thank you. The Asssociation of Wrens offer their Chairman, Association of Wrens congratulations to Captain Ellie Ablett MBE RN on her promotion to Commodore to date 28 August. The Wren 7 PRO REPORT The Year of Recruitment 2018 is underway. I’m very pleased to say that Lin Burton, one half of the administration team at Semaphore Tower is now working specific hours per week to assist with PR work. Her excellent IT skills enable us to provide a clear well- presented image online and at events. Both Lin and Katharine provide a steady timely back-up for the queries which continue to be sent to AOW. To date this year AOW has been booked for at least 30 events and we expect more! We are investing in new display boards, a feather banner stand and will share a new gazebo bought by WRNS BT, (thank you) showing updated lettering reflecting our name. The tried and tested Portsmouth area members and BT volunteers will again support local area events, and elsewhere in Wales, England and Scotland stalls will be set up, goods sold and photos displayed, all supported by Branches, informal groups and individual members. How do you find out about volunteering for our showcase recruiting opportunities? Celia Saywell MBE Keep us informed of any events which may offer a chance to have a stall. Messages posted on Wrens Facebook have been the most effective way to find volunteers for events we have been invited to support. Perhaps we can list all the fixtures being attended this season, in the next magazine. Too many people to name and thank! I hope you enjoy the RN news page. We’re so grateful to Trish Chatfield (Lt ATC) for arranging to have photos taken of the two ‘stars’ Emma and Dani, together with WO1 Jenny Scrivener, from the recent documentary ‘Britain’s Biggest Warship’. I understand that there may be a family WRNS link to follow up? Continuing with links, we have bought two ‘silhouette’ paintings to present to the Junior Ratings’ Messes and once the Football Tournament begins, we intend to provide a trophy for the Best Player, suitably inscribed from AOW. If any serving members are beginning to feel left out, please get in touch, we would love to make more contacts within Ships, big and small, establishments and Air Stations. By the same token we had a lot of interest at the stall staffed by Carol Gibbon and Lisa Snowden for the Naval Service Women’s Network Conference at HMS Collingwood, including being mentioned by both 1SL and Capt Ellie Ablett in their speeches. We have a steady stream of requests from researchers, film producers, university students, authors, and relatives of those who have sadly passed away sent in to HQ which are extremely interesting but can be quite time consuming. I am now in touch with Dame Katharine’s great grandson, Paul Furse, with the help of Janet Potter (AOW) who has a grandson living near him in Australia. Paul has been very happy to be made aware of all the WRNS100 happenings including the recent ‘Better Bristol’ publication featuring the Blue Plaque unveiling. One of our more prolific and energetic members is WWII Veteran Patricia Davies who is always willing to promote the Association. You may also see another Veteran Jean Aitchison if you watch ‘Floggit’ – thanks to both from us all. Lastly, please help to spread the word. Use the little cards which were part of the insert in the Spring magazine. You never know when one might be handy – I gave one out at Buckingham Palace! Margaret Wall (ex Bowring Park Branch, Liverpool) can top that, she gave me a little ‘dit’ entitled ‘How to recruit in one’s back kitchen’. She says “ I was chosen at random to have my water checked by the local authority and a man arrived with a case full of bottles. We got talking, RN was mentioned, and that was it! I discovered that ‘the Missus’ was a Wren Cook at Furse House and he didn’t think she knew about the Association. So after a while he went with some AOW leaflets saying that she’d be delighted to join. And the result? Well, we’re still waiting, but if you’re interested Margaret says her water is 74%! Celia Saywell MBE Public Relations Officer 01792 641747 mobile 07794 800272 STANDARD BEARERS REPORT I have the honour once again of being your National Standard Bearer for the next 2 years. It was great to see so many Wrens at HMS Collingwood to encourage us Wren Standard Bearers and the RNA at the competition. I think they all enjoyed themselves. All the Standard Bearers enjoyed having them there. Please come back in 2020. I am now looking forward to taking part in National Armed Forces Day on 30 June, in Llandudno. In August I am attending the Royal British Legion GP90 parade at Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium. It should be warm and I must remember to drink plenty (water). I have now moved and settled into our new house so I am keen to get out and about with the National or Branch Standards, wherever I am given approval to go. Should the occasion arise that the National or a Branch Standard is required for an event, please contact the office. Chris Walker National Standard Bearer for 2018/20 Chris Walker 8 The Wren Branch reports should consist of no more than 120 – 130 words not including details of meeting Branch ReportS arrangements. Belfast Stafford and District

Our year began with a lunch to celebrate WRNS100. It was held in the Mission to Seafarers where we meet We moved from Asda Community Room to The Bird and was prepared by an ex-RN chef. We had Lady In Hand Public House in October as the room is more Sylvia Herman MP and Cdr Rob Milligan (SNONI) as easily accessible for our members. We had a talk our guests. It was enjoyed by all. and video presentation by SSAFA in October and SNONI invited us to afternoon tea on HMS Caroline. attended the WRNS100 Service and afternoon tea The Lord Mayor of Belfast was there as was the at the NMA in November, also Remembrance Day Deputy Lord Lieutenant. (Both women) Parade in Stafford. Unfortunately we had to cancel It has otherwise been a quiet year. Our meetings tend our Christmas Party in December due to the bad to be tea, cake and a catch-up. weather and illness. Hopefully we will have better luck Sadly we lost one of our members, Ivy Cameron in next Christmas. Our annual Bring & Buy was held in March. She had been our Chairman until she took ill. April and we enjoyed a light picnic in the local park We will all miss her. in May. Two members were on parade for the annual Finally some good news. We have two new younger Mayor-making event in May. Sadly we lost one of our members, and possibly a couple more. Our average members, Sheila Martin in April – she will be missed. age has now fallen!! Our meetings are held in the Bird in Hand, September We still meet in the Mission to Seafarers on the first to May on the third Tuesday of the month with outside Saturday at 1500. activities in June and July from 1300 – 1500. Contact Ann Blachford [email protected] or Sue Johnson (Chair & Secretary) 01785 220891 02891 468613 Exeter Wellingborough, Kettering

We continue to meet monthly with a membership of and District 21. This past year we have been involved in Armed Forces Day, Trafalgar Day and various other events Another eventful year has passed for our small branch in the Exeter area. The Lord Mayor of Exeter and of dedicated members. We have enjoyed cream teas, the Chairman of the White Ensign Club joined us at coffee mornings, lunches out, a BBQ, a visit with lunch our Christmas party when we celebrated WRNS100. to our Chairman’s boat club, to name but a few outings! In April we formed a new committee, and we look We enjoyed Christmas lunch at Knuston Hall together forward to celebrating 70 years as a Branch in May with our friends from Bedford. We laid a wreath in 2019. New and visiting members are assured of a Wellingborough to remember all those Wrens lost in very warm Exeter Branch welcome. Sylvia Lodge war. One of the highlights of the year was a visit to JFC Chicksands to celebrate the WRNS100 where we enjoyed to afternoon tea and were treated like queens South Dorset for the day! Sadly we lost one of our members this year, our Branch Secretary; she will be sorely missed. 2017 proved a busy year for the Branch with We would be pleased to welcome new members; numerous members attending various WRNS100 please ring Kay Sandell 07801 457516 or email at events. Local exposure of the Branch has helped [email protected] us attract 5 new members. We continue to enjoy Kay Sandell Secretary monthly coffee mornings and luncheon clubs and have heard talks about the Royal Yacht, the Antiques Roadshow, Handbags, SSAFA, RNAS Yeovilton and being a Weymouth war baby. We also passed our 800th meeting. Some members visited the destroyer HMS Duncan when she visited Portland. The start of 2018 has been challenging. Two members’ husbands died on the same day and we have lost a much loved member, Jean Rawson aged 94. However, Jean can still be remembered at Portland D-Day Centre where she features on a rolling video. We meet on the third Wednesday of the month (except August and December) 1400-1600 at Hotel Rembrandt, Weymouth. Secretary Jean Glover [email protected] Wellingborough, Kettering and District Branch members Elaine Smith 01305 785023 The Wren 9 INFORMAL GROUPS Rhyl Fareham A busy year especially with the WRNS100 celebrations. Coffee mornings attract an average of 40 - 50 ladies We attended the following WRNS100 events - a canal on a monthly informal basis. We have had several cruise and tea with Chester Branch, Thanksgiving activities during the year including an afternoon tea Service at Portsmouth Cathedral followed by tea at attended by 63 ladies for our WRNS100 celebration, the Guildhall, Dinner in the State Dining Room on the an outing to Bashley Holiday Park in the New Forest Royal Yacht Britannia organised by the Scottish Wrens for lunch and entertainment, with everyone joining in - what a fantastic night(!) and a service at Canongate the singing of 50s and 60s hits. We had a successful Kirk followed by a reception at the Scottish Veterans Christmas lunch for 62 members and guests; again Residence where the Gideons presented everyone held at our meeting venue of the Ferneham Hall. This with a New Testament with the WRNS crest on the year we turned our annual Skittles Evening into a cover and the Wrens prayer inside. lunch time event which proved very popular. Christmas Other events attended were both the North Wales would not be Christmas without us attending the and National Armed Forces Days, Civic Sundays, Royal Marine Band Christmas Concert. A small group Remembrance Sunday, Trafalgar Day lunch with attended a matinee performance of Carousel by a Chester Branch and Trafalgar Day with RNA local amateur society. Llandudno. What a wonderful year! We meet on the first Tuesday of the month at the We meet at the Botanical Gardens, Rhyl on the first Ferneham Hall, Fareham at 1000. Please come along Wednesday of each month. if you would like to join us on a regular basis or if you Anne Gibson 01492 871904 are visiting the area. Contact Barbara Mason 01489 600031 [email protected] Donation Thanks The Treasurer would like to express grateful thanks Ipswich to all those branches and groups who have so generously donated to the Association throughout We attended an inspiring talk at RNA Stowmarket and the membership year (April 2017 to March 2018). we gave a talk at RBL Needham – re the history of Your continued support is very much appreciated. the WRNS and WRNS100. A visit to Andrea Olley in Colchester was enjoyed, also members’ accounts of a successful Dauntless weekend. We joined the Remembrance wreath laying and WOMEN’S ROYAL NAVAL SERVICE parade in Ipswich, the annual RNA dinner and a BENEVOLENT TRUST happy Christmas lunch was combined with our 70th anniversary. Girl Guide Amy Gordan spoke on her progress The WRNSBT is your Trust and a registered displaying many badges. We funded towards her charity, a completely separate organisation international activities event in Switzerland. from the Association of Wrens, although both A member in failing health is now living in a care home. are now based in Portsmouth. We have become an Informal Group, five of us meet To be a member of the Trust you must have regularly as before. served in the WRNS and transferred to the RN We meet at 1400 at 12 St Margaret’s Green, Ipswich on the second Monday in the month (except November). before November 1993, or served in the WRNS Sonia Worrall since September 1939. The Trust helps both officers and ratings across the world. The Trust exists to provide relief in cases of necessity or distress amongst its members and their dependants and may also make grants for assistance with further education for members. If you wish to apply for assistance or are aware of a former Wren who may need our help, please contact the General Secretary, WRNSBT, Castaway House, 311 Twyford Avenue, Portsmouth PO2 8RN l - r Lesley Sathuphap, Jennifer Watson and Sonia Worrall from Tel: 02392 655301 Ipswich Informal Group with celebratory cake email: [email protected] website: www.wrnsbt.org.uk 10 The Wren The Longest Ride Change At The Top For The WRNS BT

Liz Brown retired last year from careers in the The Women’s Royal Naval Service Benevolent Trust Women’s Royal Naval Service, the Royal Navy, the (WRNSBT) has seen a change of leadership at the IT industry and the NHS, and returned to her hobby top as the outgoing Chairman, Commander Andrea of long distance cycling. She decided 2018 would Cook RN, handed over the Chairman’s brooch to be her “Challenge Year” and intends to cycle 150 Commander Heather Rimmer MBE RN. miles on one day (which is 40 miles longer than her Taking office at the end of the AGM in May, Heather previous best), starting and finishing in Milford-on- was joined by her newly appointed Vice Chairman, Sea with a looped circuit around the New Forest. Commander Catherine Jordan RN and her first official Liz completed her challenge on Thursday 21 June - duty was to present her new Vice Chairman with her the Longest Day. All funds raised are in support of own brooch. the Women’s Royal Naval Service Benevolent Trust. Having both been involved with trust activities and https://wrnsbt.org.uk. Donations may be made via business for some time, Heather said “I am absolutely https://mydonate.bt.com/events/thelongestride delighted to be taking on the role of Chairman of the WRNSBT. It is an honour and a privilege to lead an organisation that can make a real difference to the lives of serving and former members of the WRNS by providing support in times of financial hardship and other difficulties. I look forward to continuing the excellent work of the previous Chairman, and the rest of the very dedicated team, in ensuring the Trust remains relevant, accessible and proactive in fast moving and challenging times.” Established in 1942, the WRNSBT was formed to support the thousands of volunteers (Wrens) enlisting in the WRNS and to date, has helped over 12,400 former ‘Wrens’ in the UK and abroad. Last year it provided assistance to more than 240 women and distributed a total of £300,000 in annual and one-off The welcoming committee for a triumphant Liz Brown grants. In total, over 143,000 women have served as ‘Wrens’. The Chairman’s brooch was originally made in 1941 by Asprey jewellers in London as a gift from a father to his daughter, Miss Elizabeth Hindley, to celebrate her commission in to the WRNS. She was assistant to the then Director of the WRNS, Dame Vera Laughton- Mathews. The Vice Chairman’s brooch belonged to Mrs Mary Brown OBE, the only woman to have held the post of Chairman for both the Association of Wrens and the Trust and who sadly passed away last year. In handing over the Chairman’s brooch, the outgoing Chairman said; “It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as Chairman of the WRNSBT, especially as in my final year in office we enjoyed the WRNS100 Commemorations. The Trust is very lucky to be supported by many willing volunteers, both those who serve as its officials and those individuals who give their time and energy to assist the organisation in so many ways, and it has been a pleasure to work with them.” Sarah Ayton WRNSBT General Andrea Crook with Cdr Heather Rimmer Secretary The Wren 11 2020 Scuttlebutt Definition of Scuttlebutt for those unfamiliar with the word – Naval Slang for gossip - so let’s get gossiping and make 2020 another special year for former Wrens and serving ladies

In 2020 we will be celebrating the centenary of the formation of the Association of Wrens. Founded in 1920 by Dame Katharine Furse to build on the camaraderie of our WWI ladies who had served the Royal Navy well but were disbanded following the war only to be re-established in 1939. The Association grew naturally out of the disbandment thanks to their enthusiasm. Now 100 years on and going strong our longevity is to be celebrated.

Planning is already underway for our THREE major events in 2020 • Saturday 21 March – The Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton - reception on the flight deck followed by a 3 course dinner under the wings of Concorde • Wednesday 10 June – The WRNS Garden at the National Memorial Arboretum – a service in the garden and unveiling of a commemorative plaque followed by a reception/buffet lunch in the new NMA events centre • Friday 4 to Monday 7 October - In Edinburgh – From formal to informal events across the weekend and an AOW meeting on the Saturday afternoon. It is intended to have an action packed weekend which I am sure will be enormous fun We are still finalising arrangements for the above events but the main thing is to save the dates. Every magazine will have our scuttlebutt gossip with updates as plans are finalised.

We have our Centenary logo which will be depicted on the commemorative plaque.

We have a headed paper template to be used for official 2020 business and we have some carefully selected and good quality items some of which are on sale with more to follow. A sales brochure is being produced to show all our items which will also be available via the website shop.

As soon as the design for the Commemorative Plaque has been finalised we will be sending out a flyer with the details and we hope that anyone connected with the Association will donate towards the cost of the stone. Donations don’t need to be large - every little helps and, if you are a UK tax payer, can be gift-aided.

Apart from our three National Events we hope branches and informal groups will organise an event in their local area. Portsmouth and York Branches are each planning to hold an event. This can take the form of anything you think would appeal to our members. Remembering of course some of the wonderful events that were organised for last year with WRNS100.

Also Barbara McGregor, one of our Trustees, and her team are planning to do a series of 10 mile walks over 7 days to be centred on the south west and eastern areas. It will be called Wrens Out Walking – WOW!

A diary of events will be kept in the office and we ask that anybody organising an event please contact HQ so that it can be recorded on the 2020 planner ensuring that events don’t clash.

In the meantime we have a hardworking 2020 committee who are meeting regularly and working hard to make sure we plan for our very special year. We also intend holding one or two events in 2019 to keep up the momentum of what was achieved in 2017 and bring awareness of what membership of the Association has to offer to encourage more members to come and join us. So keep up the Scuttlebutt and watch out for future developments on our website and our official Facebook page and of course in our very own The Wren magazine.

The organisation and planning for the year cannot be achieved without funds so get ready for 2020 by fundraising to support your Association. All donations for 2020 will be gratefully received.

Carol Gibbon Chair 2020 Committee 12 The Wren The Wren 13 Mrs Jocelyn Harding RDH CEB DipDH (RADC 1992)

“And the winner is” ……. Who would have thought my journey in the dental world starting as a 19 year old baby Wren walking through the gates of HMS Raleigh in August 1987 would then lead to me being stood on a stage, receiving a national award of dental hygienist of the year on 18 May 2018? It was a privilege to be nominated for this award and to have won was fantastic. I wore my veterans badge with huge pride as I wouldn’t have been on the awards stage without my training in the Women’s Royal Naval Service. My time as a dental nurse serving in HMS Faslane, HMS Nelson and then RNH Gibraltar was great fun and I learnt many skills, but it didn’t stop there. I was encouraged/ pushed by Surgeon Commander (D) Stephen Taylor RN to attend the dental hygienist board. Having passed, my next level of learning Jocelyn received her national award started. After my 50 week course with the army at Aldershot I was Dental Hygienist of the Year sent to HMS Heron and then came another chance for a foreign draught. Yep, lucky so- and-so! Off I went to HMS Tamar, this was a fabulous draft not just because of the place but because of the culture, people and families I looked after. Even being called “Popeye” from the back of army landrovers was rather lovely and teaching the Chinese dental nurses the correct pronunciation of English words was fun: stomach and mosquito. I was lucky to have many experiences including being winched from a helicopter and visiting the American aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson and even meeting HRH The Princess Royal, which was the highlight of my draft. Being one of the Jocelyn and fellow Wrens at HMS Tamar last hygienists to serve in Hong Kong it was a pleasure to host four dental nurses chosen to spend a short stint there with me, so I can add tour guide to my CV! From Hong Kong I was one of 10 serving personnel chosen for an exchange with the US forces to visit Hawaii, yes, I know, lucky-old-devil again. There I was, even given the nickname “Edward Scissorhands” due to having been used to treating patients for much shorter dental appointments. On returning from Hong Kong I was promoted to Petty Officer and completed my 9 years’ service at HMS Collingwood and I even briefly saw HRH The Princess Royal again. After leaving the navy, civvy street took a little adjusting to but luckily, I held a civilian qualification and my first boss was ex RAF, so we got on like a house -on-fire. From then I chose my practices carefully and only chose those with a good ethos of care. The dental world has gone through many changes with compulsory regulation, so 31 years later I still thoroughly enjoy my profession. I love motivating my staff and now I’m old enough to be a civilian equivalent to a “sea mummy”. My path has taken a slightly different course recently due to not finding good enough information for professionals and patients for the dental care of cancer patients. So, having now researched and published two articles on this topic and seen two lovely downloadable leaflets produced to help, I am now a national speaker and absolutely love it. Nervous, yes always, but it is worth it for the one patient or professional to say ‘thank you’ and ‘what an invaluable help it has been’, has been my motivator. It was a great honour to receive my award wearing my veterans badge knowing how proud my family, friends and colleagues are but also my two WWII Wren patients whom I am very lucky to know and look after. Jocelyn with colleagues and patients in Hawaii I shall be forever grateful for my time in the Women’s Royal Naval Service. Jocelyn Harding 14 The Wren From Bluette To Bursar - A Snapshot of My Life in the WRNS by Rita Hoddinott Hon. Treasurer, Association of Wrens

Deep down I think I had always wanted to be a Wren despite stages in my Grammar School education when I thought I might teach Chemistry, but as I entered my Lower 6th form year my mind was made up and to the disgust and disappointment of my ‘Old School’ headmaster I rejected a university place and joined up. It was not surprising really as my father had been a Fleet Air Arm pilot until 1960 when I was 12 and he had met my mother at RNAS Yeovilton in 1945 where she was his Air Mechanic (L) – and I wanted to be a FAA Wren. My entry into the WRNS as a Range Assessor in September 1966 was somewhat inauspicious. My mother put me on a train in Wolverhampton to Reading and unaware that Reading had two stations I got off at the wrong one, together with another girl from Liverpool. We missed the transport to HMS Dauntless and a tilly had to be despatched to collect the two of us. The Chief Wren Reg was not amused! There were 27 of us in Warspite 210; regrettably I cannot remember the names of our Third Officer or RPO. The inauspicious entry continued – when granted our first shore leave from Dauntless I rushed off to Reading University to meet up with a school friend. Too much alcohol and too far from Burghfield I was back late from shore leave which generated a “This Rita Willcox is a fine start to your career Willcox!” from my Divisional Officer. Extra cleaning United States Navy Drill Officer duties soon cured my exploits to University student environs. My mishaps during basic training continued when I washed a red T shirt with my white aertex shirt turning it pink and causing the whole division to be forced into always wearing blue ones under our bluettes. We all hated the bluettes and longed to get kitted up in our first uniforms, imagine our surprise when the uniforms were ‘furry’ with labels showing they had been made in 1945 and the titters of laughter when the Second Officer Stores told us to tighten our bra straps to get a better fit! After four weeks of basic training we ‘passed out’ having learned to march; polish shoes; swab decks; prepare for kit inspections; tie tiddly bows and use Navy speak such as dhobi dust; make and mend; colours and standeasy. There were six Range Assessors who would all go for training at the Air Weapons Section, HMS Excellent, Whale Island and then to HMS Fulmar, RNAS Lossiemouth. So it was to Whale Island, the hallowed parade ground of the Royal Navy where everyone, except the WRNS, doubled everywhere and ceremonial coffins were dragged on gun carriages in case royalty or the like died unexpectedly, these being unceremoniously left outside the mess deck at lunch time. I loved RA training learning about weaponry; rocket and missile firings all analysed using film, templates and a slide rule. I was in my element doing mathematical calculations (at school I had done Maths papers for fun and this was just more fun). After training it was off to Lossiemouth – overnight train Kings Cross to Aberdeen and then on to Lossiemouth. The WRNS Quarters were a string of wooden huts not far inside the Main Gate, all linked by corrugated iron passageways. It was November with snow on the ground. Twenty two beds in the mess heated solely by 2 pot bellied stoves in the centre of the mess and woe betide the Wren who failed to stoke them properly so that they still burned in the morning. The mess deck seemed miles away so we became adept at heating cans of beans on the stoves and toasting slices of bread. We learned to polish the brown lino with ‘bunnies’ attached to our feet. Night flying initially kept us awake until the perpetual noise of jet engines became background noise. A new WRNS Quarters was being built and in the late Spring of 1967 we all moved into centrally heated accommodation in cabins of six and adjacent to the mess deck – such luxury. But my stay on 764 squadron was to be short lived and I was selected to be one of three RAs to go back to Whale Island to be cross trained to ship’s gunnery. Back to school, more mathematical training this time to analyse ships gunnery and missile firings. Whale Island was its usual hive of activity with gunnery ratings doubling everywhere. One of my run ashore mates was a gunnery rating known as Shep Woolley (those of you who have attended the Dauntless Association weekends will be familiar with Shep’s singing and humour) and many an evening would see a team of us watch him playing and singing in various Pompey pubs. Trained up in ships gunnery matters we went to work at Fraser Gunnery Range in Eastney. It wasn’t practical for us to live in Whale Island so initially we were billeted with the RM Wrens in Duchess of Kent Barracks in Southsea until a WRNS Quarters was built in Eastney Barracks and we moved there. I was taught to play squash by a fanatical RM Sgt and became known among the Royal Marines as the Leading Wren with the HMS tallyband. Fraser Gunnery Range was a strange place, but the work was interesting. I did a Seacat aimers course in the simulator dome; regularly went to sea for the day to witness gunnery firings which gave me a flavour of sea time, but not a yearning for it; played volleyball at lunchtimes and got fed a daily illegal tot of rum by an adoring REM. During this period I did my killicks course at Whale Island and got selected for CW classes. I went to Greenwich in September 1968, overawed by the Royal Naval College and the Painted Hall, We were forced to sing in the Chapel choir, learned how to eat fruit with a knife and fork and how to give commands on the parade ground. I’m sure there were many other aspects to our officer training but these are the ones which stand out. Promoted Third Officer WRNS in November 1968 and in January 1969 after Christmas leave it was off to HMS The Wren 15

Pembroke, Chatham for a one week Short Secretarial Course, which was spent partying as three of us had birthdays during the 5 day course – my 21st birthday and the other two a 22nd and 23rd respectively. I would not recommend touring the RN Cookery School after a 21st birthday celebration! My first appointment was as Third Officer Admin at HMS Seahawk, RNAS Culdrose. The Chief Wren Reg terrified me! My first FAA mess dinner was followed by an impromptu party with a few aircrew in the WRNS Officers Mess. Unfortunately having sent the aircrew packing and retired to bed some of them returned to have their own party and instead of trying to wake some of the junior WRNS Officers they knocked on First Officer’s door Lord Mountbatten inspects Ajax Division 228 – not amused at being woken in her curlers she threw them out and next morning reported the incident to the Captain. I was summonsed to his office to identify the culprits from his photo board. My career in tatters again – fortunately salvaged by the culprits sending 1/O a huge bouquet of flowers “from things that go bump in the night” and the Captain recognising the funny side of the matter. Culdrose was truly fun, I loved the job, found myself as Crypto Officer; played lots of hockey for the WRNS Unit; did the MT Drivers skid pan training and got airborne as often as possible. Seven months later I was devastated to be given a pier-head jump to Dauntless as Ajax Divisional Officer. Two days after taking on my first division AJAX 228 Lord Mountbatten was to take the salute and we were to be on parade – as you can imagine my RPO and I spent many hours on the parade ground during those two days – RPO Julia Reynolds was amazing. (f anyone knows where I can contact her please let me know via HQ as I would love to get in touch). My worry was that Mountbatten would stop and speak to one particular girl from Carmarthen who in my initial first day interview replied to my statement about HRH Prince Charles being invested as Prince of Wales only a few days before had replied in her broad Welsh accent “I don’t agree with it see, I signed a petition against it”. I could see my career once more taking a nose-dive, but fortunately Mountbatten did not stop to speak to this recruit and all was well. For fourteen months I trained Ajax Division – I loved it, divisions came and went, no two were the same. RPO Reynolds was the best support I could have had and we worked exceptionally well as a team. Dauntless was a great job and in a way I was sad to leave. By this time I’d applied to become a Photographic Interpreter (PI), which meant more training, this time with JSPI at RAF Wyton before taking up an appointment at JARIC(UK) at RAF Brampton. Top Secret work in an enclosed environment during the Cold War. My role along with two Lt Cdr Observers and another WRNS Officer was to research, plan and produce the targets for the FAA Buccaneer front line squadrons deployed onboard HMS Eagle and HMS Ark Royal. I worked hard and played hard, loved the job, played endless sport for WRAF Brampton teams and enjoyed the tri-service experience although the Navy was very much in the minority we made our presence known. I got to travel to Singapore for 10 days to brief the Operations team of HMS Eagle; flew to Lossiemouth, courtesy of Lossie Station Flight to deliver target packs to the Buccaneer Squadrons and travelled to Plymouth to brief the Operations team of HMS Ark Royal. It was during this period that I met my husband who was CO of Lossie Station Flight and an ex Buccaneer pilot, but it was to be many years before we married. After nearly 3 years in this job I was shattered when the appointer asked me to go on an exchange appointment with the US Navy in Orlando Florida. To be honest I didn’t want to go, I’d been away from the ‘real’ Navy for nearly 3 years and didn’t relish a further 2 years in isolation, but these chances were few and far between so I went. For the first time in my career I was unhappy, didn’t enjoy the job and found Americans ‘en-masse’ a strange phenomena, but I was determined to make the most of it. I travelled widely; often driving thousands of miles in my imported MGB roadster, loved Annapolis and New Orleans most. Went to IT school in Norfolk, Virginia and met up with the RN Hovercraft Unit at happy hour in Breezy Point; visited Disneyworld 20 times in 22 months, not to mention Sea World and Gatorland; had a front seat in the press enclosure for the first Skylab launch; played tennis; took up pistol shooting and ten pin bowling and strange at it may seem US Military Instruction and Drill Team often felt lonely. I was the military instruction and drill officer for 3000 female recruits and had to wear a red and gold aiguillette to denote my role. I took my drill team to El Paso, Texas to march in a military parade flying across the USA in US Marine Dakotas fitted only with troop netting for seating. 16 The Wren

On return I begged for any job in a large UK Naval Base and was granted my wish by being sent to HMS Nelson in Portsmouth, joining there in September 1974. I quickly learned that one of my roles was to be the oic WRNS for the Cenotaph and RBL Festival of Remembrance that year. Back to the hallowed parade ground of Whale Island to train and practice for the event and who was the PO Gunnery rate taking us through our paces but Shep Woolley! What an honour to stand in Whitehall ahead of my Wrens. Guardsmen opposite fainted and tumbled over but not my Wrens and I was so proud of them as they marched across the Royal Albert Hall arena. During this period Nelson Wardroom and the Golden Rivet disco became the centre of the officers’ social scene for Portsmouth. It was so good to be back with the RN. Having been re-navalised during my 2 years in Nelson it was then back to the FAA in HMS Osprey, Portland as oic WRNS and Commander’s Assistant with an office overlooking the airfield; but Portland was far more than an airfield, the dockyard where FOST was based saw a constant stream of ships of all nationalities undergoing work-up. This appointment was, without doubt, my favourite job, the best of both worlds – ships and aviation – a wonderful boss (an ex Buccaneer observer) and the best combined team of department heads I had the privilege to work with. Portland was a special Naval base, vibrant and professional. But life there was to be cut short by another pier-head jump to CINCNAVHOME’s staff in Fort Southwick overlooking Portsmouth. Staff Officer Plans 2, part of a tri service organisation responsible for establishment War Orders and UK wide Civil Defence. The best part of the job was having opportunities to visit many NAVHOME establishments to inspect their War Orders and meetings with the other two services and civilian organisations across the whole of England. I learned about nuclear fallout and lectured on building nuclear fallout shelters. Hope I never have to put into action what I taught. My next appointment, having been promoted to First Officer, was to HMS Heron, RNAS Yeovilton, a dream come true – back to the FAA as oic WRNS; Commander’s Assistant and Air Day Co-ordinator. Organising Air Day (everything except the flying programme) was a challenge. I became an expert in the technology of portaloos; marquee erection and crowd control. My first Air Day in 1979 ran for 2 days, an experiment to see if it was cost effective – it was not repeated and for the following 2 years it reverted to a one day event. Whilst in post a DCI came out calling for volunteers to go to sea with P&O as RN Liaison Officers who, in event of war would be assigned to cruise ships utilised as troop ships. Nothing ventured, nothing gained I applied and was successful. Two week Mediterranean cruise on the SS Oriana saw me hosting a table of guests at dinner; standing watch on the bridge; participating in emergency drills and visiting every area of the Just landed following aerobatics in Hunter jet ship. It did not ‘sell’ cruising to me, but it was another colourful experience in my kaleidoscope of a career. Whilst in Yeovilton I took every opportunity to fly, flew in helicopters doing a deck landing on a frigate; a Hunter jet doing aerobatics over the English Channel and a Station Flight Sea Heron to anywhere it would take me! I left Yeovilton just as the Falkland War broke and although no longer in Yeovilton shared the sadness and sorrow as friends I had served with died in that conflict. My last appointment, I knew would have to be in London as 1/O WRNS jobs were rare outside the MOD. I did not relish a MOD existence after Yeovilton so asked for and got OC Furse House for my final 2 years in the Navy. A WRNS quarters with a difference, but wonderfully placed in Queen’s Gate Terrace, Kensington. Monthly mess dinners brought a plethora of guests from the MOD and I even learned to enjoy giving after dinner speeches as Mess President. We celebrated Trafalgar and Taranto, hosted the Atlantic Conveyor inquest after its sinking in the Falklands and held a special party to celebrate the birth of Prince William. As I left the WRNS in March 1984 I reflected on a career in which I had found fulfilment, excitement, unsurpassed opportunities, pride and one I would not have changed for all the tea in China, but I was not ready to retire and bask in the memories and so I embarked on a second career as a School Bursar. I never imagined I would do the job for longer than my 17 ½ years in the WRNS or that it too would give me fulfilment, but it did. It allowed me to draw on all the experiences and strengths I had as a Wren and to promote and develop the three schools in which I have worked over the past 27 years. Now as Hon Treasurer to the Association of Wrens I can give something back to the Service which gave me so much and for which I will forever be grateful. Being a Wren was very special. Rita Hoddinott (née Willcox, formerly Folland) The Wren 17 Jean Blake (née Sleep) Wren Writer 1939 – 1945 ‘My War’

With a father in the Navy all my childhood it was inevitable that I would become part of the WRNS when the time came for me to join up. I did not wait to be conscripted – I joined in December 1939, and began my service in early January. We were living in Torpoint, a little grey town on the opposite bank of the Tamar from Plymouth. Every day I would catch the ferry from the slip across to the city and walk up to HMS Drake to work. I made some wonderful friends amongst the other Wrens – one of whom I remained in touch with until her death.

Large lumps and rationed sweets One of the other Wrens would bring a suitcase into the base with her, filled with sweets for us to buy. She would announce her arrival by shouting “large lumps” as she came through the door! At a time when so much was rationed and there were very few treats those sweets were very popular. She always took the case home empty! When sweets were rationed Phyl, my best friend, and I would go up onto Mutley Plain to the sweet shop. We would go in and buy some sweets – just a bag each, because that was all we were allowed. Then we’d WWII Writer 1939-1945 Jean Blake (née Sleep) go outside and swap hats (she was an Officer!) and with WO1 Natasha Pulley at HMNB Devonport greatcoats and I’d wear her glasses, and we’d go back 11 January 2018 in and buy another two bags of sweets. We would The visit of the King and Queen give these to the PO in our section for his children. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth were coming We were only in our late teens, and thought it was real to inspect the base and boost morale. In spite of fun to hoodwink the shopkeeper – but I am not sure the business of the war the Navy deemed this visit he was ever taken in. I could not see at all in Phyl’s important enough for us to need to know what we bottle-end glasses, and my cap never sat properly on were doing, so the day before we had a practice drill. her head! She was probably about 8 inches taller than The Wrens were assembled in the drill shed I think, me, so our coats looked absurd too! We must have and from there we were marched to the parade. There looked real frights! were forty steps down to get there, and it was vital that everyone remained in step. I was in the leading Blitz and stray bombs rank, and as we approached the steps a Petty Officer Plymouth was a prime target because of the Naval stood at the top instructing “left, right, left” as we Base, and suffered many bombing raids. The escorts began to go down. At the bottom of the steps another for the Atlantic convoys were based there, and Nazi PO was waiting to continue to instruct us. I heard him planes wanted to disrupt them. Early in 1941 the say quietly to our Officer, who was at the front of the bombing was so bad that huge areas of the city were column “Ma’am, you are out of step” and she did a flattened. We were in danger when we were working little skip to correct it. Sadly as we marched across at the base, but Torpoint was not safe either. Planes the parade ground she became out of step again, and that were damaged sometimes dropped their bombs was told again. “I shall be alright tomorrow, when the wherever they could, and Torpoint was a target. The band plays” she said happily. It became something fuel tanks above the town were bombed; they burned of a joke amongst us – and whenever anything went for 4 days and the smoke was thick and we could taste wrong after that we would all chorus “I’ll be alright it. Many houses were destroyed. In April 1941 HMS when the band plays”!! Raleigh took a direct hit on an air raid shelter. Forty-four The following day dawned bright and warm, and as sailors and 21 Royal Engineers died. One of them was the day went on it got hotter and hotter. Dress of the a young man from Scotland whose parents came down day was full dress uniform – serge woollen skirts and and stayed with us. They became friends with mum, jackets, shirts and thick stockings with sturdy lace up and wrote regular letters and mum spent holidays at shoes. Their Majesties were travelling by train and their home. When the bombing got really bad I would then going to Millbay to pick up a pinnace and arrive at get home from HMS Drake on the ferry and have tea (a Drake via the river. We were not certain exactly what cooked meal!) and then we would walk out to Antony, time they would arrive, so the parade was drawn up maybe 50 or 60 of us, to spend the night in a disused and ready long before they were due. Having marched hunting lodge on the estate, where we were safer. us into position our Officer went to take her place with 18 The Wren the other Officers. She hadlooked at the weather that ‘Missing’, ‘believed killed’ or ‘survived’ were listed morning and decided that it was far too hot for thick alongside the names. There were no computers then. stockings, so she had put on a pair of thinner nylons. If the lists had to be amended then the whole thing had The officer-in-charge of the parade promptly sent her to be typed again. back to her quarters to change! Sadly a Wren in one Families, mostly women gathered at the gates of HMS of the ranks behind me collapsed on parade and had Drake every time it was announced that one of our to be carried off. We learned later that she had died of ships were hit. They would stand for hours, waiting for heat stroke! news of sons, husbands, lovers, brothers. When these three ships were hit so close together and thousands Missing, believed killed of men were involved, the three weeks must have There were six of us who worked together in the old seemed endless. When at last the lists were typed punishment cells under the Guard Room near the main they were usually displayed on the main gates. The gate as Wren Writers. There was one small barred women waiting outside saw the Wren coming with the window, and no heating. We worked in greatcoats and lists and tore them from her hands before she could woolly hats, but because we were filing we couldn’t post them on the gate. Soon they were shredded by wear gloves. (Although we tried!) Our hands were the crowd eager for news. She had to return to the perpetually cold. Eventually I went to the top and office, the lists were retyped and then she went out to asked for a heater, which got me into trouble with the repost them with an armed escort! Officer in charge of us – but it did the trick because we got a smoky oil heater – and it had a ring on the top The most terrifying night where we could make hot cocoa and warm our hands I had been on a late shift at Drake. We had to clear the round the cups! base by 8pm, and it was winter-time, so I made my Each of us was allocated a number of ships whose way back to Torpoint via the ferry in the dark. Reaching home base was Devonport. Our job was to update the other side of the river I took a short cut across the the record cards. Each man aboard had his own card, allotments. I heard a plane coming over the hill and and when there were promotions or demotions we foolishly turned round and looked up to see if it was changed the cards accordingly. Every ship had a long one of ours. It was very low, and I had just realised that metal drawer that would contain these cards – most it was a German plane when it opened fire – on me! I ships had a crew of about one thousand men. If an took to my heels and ran like the wind, and I didn’t stop officer came from another office and asked forthe running until I reached home and slammed the door drawer for one ship we knew without being told that shut behind me! I heard later that our RAF had got him the ship was lost. They would then match the names and he went down – probably before I even got home! of the crew with the names of the rescued until they That was not the only time I was strafed however. could type a list “missing, believed killed.” Even now, One Sunday evening, returning home from church over seventy years later, whenever I hear the name with my mother, we heard the sound of an aircraft and of a naval vessel lost during the war I think “That was saw it coming over the hill. I was in uniform, Mum in one of my ships!” her Sunday best coat, but without hesitating I threw myself to the ground on the grass beside the path and Prince of Wales, Renown and Repulse dragged Mother down with me. Moments later the When the Prince of Wales was hit it sunk in three bullets were kicking up the dust on the path beside us. minutes. This was known in HMS Drake, but not Mum turned her face to look. “Keep your face down!” I released to the public, although they knew the ship had screamed. “He’ll see us!” He went on over the hill and been sunk. This was one of my ships, but even worse out of sight. We got up, dusted ourselves off and went was the fact that the lady we were living with, Mrs home, none the worse for our terrifying experience! Bolton, had a son serving aboard. News was difficult to get – survivors were picked up by many different Moving on ships, and taken to many different ports. It was almost I was posted to Stafford next. There were not many impossible to say accurately who was missing, who of us there, and every other day the officer in charge was dead, who was injured and who had survived for of us would take us for Drill. As there were not many over three weeks. Every evening when I went home facilities there she would march us along the road. By Mrs Bolton would ask me for news of her son. Even this time I was a Leading Wren, and one morning she if I had known I was not allowed to tell her, because I designated me to lead the march. I am left handed, had signed the Official Secrets Act. However, I knew and faced with this sudden, unexpected responsibility he could not have survived because he was a stoker I panicked a bit. I marched them across the parade and they were trapped below decks. They never stood ground OK, but then made a wrong command, and a chance. He was just one of many of those who went we all ended up facing a brick wall! She never asked down with his ship. At the same time the Renown and me again! the Repulse were also sunk – all Devonport ships, and all crewed by local men, Devonians, Cornish and from Waterloo Somerset. (It was common at the time to crew a ship My final posting was to London. Based at the Army and from the men who lived most locally to her own port). Navy Club and in the Transport Centre on Waterloo Waiting for news and typing the lists was very hard. station, I was an escort, and my job was to meet The Wren 19 people from one train and make sure either that they got their connection for an onward journey, or got transport to wherever they were going in the capital. Sometimes the job was easy – but often it was difficult and sometimes even harrowing. One day I had a group of prisoners of war who had been released from their camp who had to take a train from Waterloo. When I went to check the carriage that had been reserved for them I found a lady sitting there, complete with fur coat and posh hat. “Excuse me, madam,” I said “but as you can see this coach is reserved for returning POWs. Could I ask you to move to another carriage please”. “You may not,” she replied, “I was here first so they will have to find somewhere else to sit”. I went to find the train guard, who accompanied me back to the lady with the fur. “Good morning, madam,” he said. “This is a reserved carriage. Come along, I will find you another seat”. So saying he picked up her luggage and walked away with it, leaving her with no option but to follow. My men got their reserved seats and all was well.

Milk At that time Waterloo not only saw human traffic but also freight. Every day milk was delivered there in churns from the countryside. One of the porters would pop into our office and say “Got an empty milk bottle?” We would give him one, and he’d pop out, quickly dunk the bottle into the top of a churn and bring it back, dripping with milk. Of course, because he had to be quick about it, he didn’t have time to put it right down in the churn – and so we always got milk that was mostly thick cream. The other girls didn’t like it so rich – and every day I would drink about half a pint of cream!! I was demobbed at the end of the war in 1945. We all went to London in October to hand in our kit and be formally discharged. I had already sort of left, because I got married at the end of July 1945 and I stayed at home with my husband. I missed the girls and all the laughs we had together, even though the war was not pleasant! I kept in touch with Phyll though – right up until she died. 20 The Wren My Time at HMS Peregrine

Following the ‘Where Are You Now?’ article (Spring edition page 40) regarding the centenary celebration of RNAS Ford at Yapton, we were very pleased to receive Penny’s story and photos from her album, all of which were displayed at the exhibition of 9 June. Thank you Penny. When the Suez Crisis occurred in 1956 Ford Naval Air Station was an all-male establishment, thus two Wrens were considered a problem so we had to live in WRNS Quarters in Portsmouth’s Duchess of Kent barracks and travel every day by train to Ford. Thus we were not really useful as we could only work ‘days’ which was not helpful for the control tower staff. We two Wrens thought it was ridiculous that we could not stay with even a senior NCO family just because, perhaps, the Wrens authority neither trusted us nor Ford’s senior personnel, to keep us safe. I was 20 and my fellow Wren 2 or 3 years older than me. We were there for the majority of the Suez War. Penny Fairclough There were lots of married quarters, so surely we could have been accommodated! (née Hamilton) I was on one of the air voice nets when pilot Lt Cdr John Kelly was practising his amazing and extraordinary aerobatic routine when he made a slight mistake doing his upside down loop and hit a bank with fatal results. Every person at RNAS Ford was devastated. He was regarded very highly by even the most junior rating. We were all in silenced shock. His funeral service in Ford village’s tiny church was packed, with so many Admirals that not many Ford officers nor ratings could go, but we had a minutes silence in the control tower. I will never forget that dreadful day. He led the brilliant Seahawk display team where all 6 aircraft took off and landed together - I have never seen another display team do that. Brilliant flying. I longed to fly a jet, and at Ford I managed to persuade the Vampire squadron to let me come for a flip. So lucky, and probably helped because I was working days, not watch keeping. My last memory of my time there was getting a seat in a Gannet aircraft flying in anchor formation at the Farnborough Air Show. From the ground you looked up to see a perfect anchor formation flying but in the air it was extraordinary how up and down the individual aircraft went and it was hard to believe the anchor was so perfect to see at ground level. Just amazing, and so lucky to have been allowed to be a passenger in that display team. My memories of my time at HMS Peregrine will never be forgotten, and I still have my cap tally band! Penelope Fairclough (née Hamilton, known as Penny) 112968, 1954-60.

Julia Clark revisits RNAS Ford and discovers the School of Naval Co-operation!

RNAS Ford was a place I knew very little about, in 1958, when a volunteer Leading Wren Range Assessor was required to go there for 2 months, to take charge of the Assessing Section, prior to the Air Station closing down, to become (as we now know) the home of Ford Open Prison; not quite all of it, but the accommodation blocks and administration buildings. Along with one other Wren, Hilary Veale, we were accommodated at Duchess of Kent Barracks in Portsmouth, and we travelled each day by train to Ford. My memory is a bit hazy, but I don’t think we did very much work during those two months, prior to the Air Station closing. I know that there had been Range Assessors there during the previous several years, working with squadron pilots preparing to go on board carriers. On Saturday 9 May 2018, Yapton and Ford Local History Group put together an Exhibition at Yapton and Ford Village Hall and the adjoining playing field, to commemorate the Centenary of Ford Airfield. Because of my tenuous connection with RNAS Ford, I felt I had to go. It was a fascinating and comprehensive exhibition of the history of the Airfield, which was built in 1918 by German prisoners of war, and over the years was home to the United States Air Service, the Royal Air Force, local village homes, D.W. Aviation, Ford Aircraft Company, Rollason Aviation, Yapton Aero Club, Sir Alan Cobham’s Flying Circus, and, just prior to World War II, the Oxford University Air Squadron. In 1938 Ford was taken over by the Royal Navy and was commissioned as HMS Peregrine. It became the home of the Royal Navy School of Photography. Further buildings were added and it became the School of Naval Co-operation, soon to be the Royal Naval Observer School. Sadly, in August 1940 a devastating air attack resulted in many deaths, injuries and aircraft destroyed. As a result, the Royal Navy left Ford and handed it over to the RAF until 1947, when the RN took it over again, and it remained as HMS Peregrine until the airfield closed in 1958. The exhibition included many photographs, displays and accounts of the history of Ford. Commander John Ford, former Fleet Air Arm pilot, (appropriately named) gave a talk about his career and his time at Ford. Our thanks and appreciation go to Sarah Ayton, cheerful and efficient as always, and her team of volunteers on the AOW/BT exhibition stall, with an excellent display of photographs (put together by Celia and Lin Burton), books and memorabilia, and a constant stream of interested visitors. Julia Clark The Wren 21 Christmas 1943 Death in Service of a WWI Wren We were billeted in a grand manor house in Charlotte Sophia Duke was one of the early Wrens Buckinghamshire, north of Slough and not far from enrolling six months after recruiting started. She Stoke Poges. The churchyard of St Giles there, is where was born in Croydon on 22 July 1895; in 1901 Thomas Gray wrote ‘Elegy in a Country Churchyard’ she was living with her father, a railway platelayer, and we marched there on Church Parade. One Sunday mother and six siblings. In 1904 her father died we witnessed the baptism of Rex Harrison’s son! and by 1911 the family was living in Southsea (her The Wrens stationed there were driven into Slough Mother’s birthplace). where they learnt riveting and welding. Saturdays On 17 June 1918 Charlotte joined the WRNS. we went into Slough to the cinema or dances. The Although her records show that she was ‘mobile’ Saturday before Christmas 1943 the few of us not (it was originally planned that Wrens would live at fortunate enough to get leave, were driving back after home ‘immobile’ but this wasn’t practical so some a dance and although our headlights were dim we became ‘mobile’ able to be drafted anywhere) could see that the lorry we were following, had soldiers Charlotte was drafted to HMS Victory. It was just slumped, half asleep, in the back. less than two months later on 14 August 1918 that The next morning our officer in charge told us that we she died during the Flu epidemic. The 1917–1919 would be entertaining some soldiers to ‘afternoon tea’. WRNS Report – WRNS at Portsmouth - tells They were part of The Black Watch Regiment and had that the death of a Wren at the Coastal Motor just returned after serving in North Africa, Sicily and Boat base during the influenza epidemic was the Italy and were camped in the grounds of our Manor!! occasion of the first naval funeral accorded to the We greeted the few chosen in the ballroom and, Service. It was attended by representatives of the because of the parquet floor, they were asked to naval establishments, officers, petty-officers and remove their boots!! Much embarrassment, not having men and by a large number of members of the had a chance to even wash or been issued with a WRNS. This must have been Charlotte as she change of clothing, still in their battle worn uniforms. was only the third Wren to die in service, the other Sitting on gilt chairs drinking tea from thin porcelain two serving in Edinburgh and London. cups and nibbling dainty cakes that our very able cook Wren Cook Charlotte Sophia Duke G/3028 is had been able to produce. buried in Highland Road Cemetery; she is also A few soldiers were invited to join us for dinner on remembered on the City of Portsmouth War Christmas Day and, as is the tradition, we were served Memorial. by officers, both Army and Navy. The next day, Boxing Day, we were all invited to join them for dinner at their camp. What a surprise! Half a dozen Wrens to a couple of hundred men! Their officer in charge told them in no uncertain terms to watch their language, etc. in front of ‘ladies’!! When the dinner was over and toasts drunk we were herded onto their trucks and driven to Windsor, stopping outside the Theatre Royal (close to the Castle). We Wrens were escorted upstairs to sit in the middle of the front row of the balcony. We were the only females there and we didn’t know what to expect! But – just about every stage star of the day performed for us, or should I say, for those war weary soldiers. I wish I could recall the names of all of those who entertained us that Boxing Day. Here are just a few: Noel Coward and one of his leading ladies, The Crazy Gang (Flannigan and Allen), Ivor Novello (he wrote and performed in many very popular operettas), Olive Gilbert (a beautiful contralto), Will Fyffe (he wrote ‘I Belong to Glasgow’) and Tommy Trinder (he was Master of Ceremonies). I wonder how many can remember these now!! That Christmas has been one of the most memorable in my long life. Ray Raymond (as I was then) Myra Olsson (as I am now) former WRNS

Memorial to Charlotte Sophia Duke 22 The Wren HMS Collingwood Open Day

With a great pitch opposite the Field Gun track and marvellously warm weather the team from the WRNS BT and the AOW had a busy day promoting the AOW Centenary, the work of the Trust and selling the new lovely items of merchandise. We had lots of conversations with a good number of younger ladies to say that now is a great time to join the Association and were joined by Liz Brown who was promoting her “Longest Ride” challenge. The Open Day is always well supported and so it flew by and before we knew it HMS Heron had won the Field Gun Competition. Our huge thanks as always must go to our volunteers Heather Rimmer, Aurora Allen, Val Gleave and Brenda Green. Sarah Ayton

l – r: Aurora Allen, Heather Rimmer and Val Gleave The Wren 23 National Armed Forces Day 2018 Around The Country Plymouth Informal Group West Cornwall Branch

Edinburgh Branch

Portsmouth Branch

South Dorset and Yeovil Branches

Manchester Branch and Rhyl IG

It was a beautifully hot sunny day on Saturday 30 June when LLandudno hosted the 2018 National Armed Forces Day. Many regional events were also held with AOW Branches and Informal Groups setting up stalls and acting as ambassadors for the Association and selling AOW merchandise. Here is a small selection of photos from the day. 24 The Wren Deal Wrens

On 23 April the Collingwood Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines and a guard from 42 Commando Royal Marines marched through Deal exercising their right to the Freedom of the Borough with “Colours Flying and Bayonets Fixed”. This event was to celebrate the launch of the Royal Marines Heritage Trail, a walking trail celebrating 350 years of rich history of the Royal Marines in Deal and Walmer. The Deal Wrens were invited to join in this very special occasion. On the Sunday afternoon a group of us met up at the Royal Hotel, a chance for a good catch up and to meet new members of our informal group. The weather was Deal Wrens gather at the Royal Hotel very kind, bright and dry but not too hot, as we formed up on Monday afternoon in front of Deal Castle. Seventeen of us proudly marched to the unique sound of The Royal Marine Band; proceeding through the streets that were lined with thousands of people cheering and applauding the parade. Wrens tartan scarves were also visible in the crowds. The Deal Wrens Informal Group began last year to bring together ladies who had served in Deal or now lived in the town. The highlight in 2017 was the laying of a WRNS100 wreath during the town’s Remembrance Ceremony. We have a Deal Wrens Facebook page. Do join us if you served in Deal or live in the South East. We meet up when there is an occasion to do so. Nothing set in stone, especially as many of us still work and Deal Wrens ready to march to the beat of the members live all over the country. Royal Marines Band If you are visiting the area please do look out the Royal Marine Heritage Trail. Maps can be found in locations around the town. PS. On Saturday 28 April there was a 5Km run/walk around the Trail. 100 people took part, including 3 of the Deal Wrens group! Caroline West (née Whyntie) Scrubbing the Stone

Once the WRNS stone had been placed at the Cathedral in Portsmouth, the Portsmouth Association of Wrens Branch were approached to take on the role of maintenance, which we very happily agreed to, with Valerie Pennycook and Bronwen McGaughey taking lead role (I dare you to call them scrubbers!). After consultation with Robyn Golden-Hann, the sculptor, precise cleaning instructions were in hand, so a date was set for Friday 20 April to undertake the first clean up operation. The Verger at Portsmouth Cathedral very kindly gave us access to water, and Valerie and Bronwen, very suitably attired, set to. Looking on – in a purely supervisory role, branch members were joined by a group of serving ladies from the Portsmouth area, ably rounded up by RPO Carol Morton and they also got stuck in to the cleaning with gusto. The stone base had become quite green, but elbow grease from all the ladies soon had the stone ship-shape and sparkling!! The stone will be cleaned twice a year (around April & October) but if anyone visits and thinks it needs attention, please let us know at portsmouthwrens. [email protected]. If placing flowers/wreaths at the stone, could you please lay them on the grass and not on the base stone – this will help keep it clean. Lyn Gannon Social Secretary Portsmouth Branch

Portsmouth Branch members and current serving ladies gather at the newly cleaned stone at Portsmouth Cathedral The Wren 25 A War Time Wren

My mother, Mrs June Radford, née Lodge, who lived in Cheltenham, volunteered to join the WRNS and on 3 November 1943 she arrived at Mill Hill to start her duty. She was interviewed for a secret job known as P5 and was told there were two branches, clerical or technical. She chose technical, as did a friend of hers, Bridget Anne Stainton, née Snowdon, and they worked together as a team until my mother went overseas. Bridget Anne stayed in England as she was an only child and her mother was already widowed. Together they worked on the Bombes at Eastcote, an outstation of Bletchley Park. They were fortunate in having the right combination of letters which resulted in finding the Enigma settings on twelve occasions whilst they were training. Although my mother worked hard she also enjoyed her social life going to dances, cinemas and a few theatre performances. Her favourite place was the Hammersmith Palais de Dance as the floor was so good to dance on and there were balconies all around and two bands. May 3 1944 marked the end of my mother’s embarkation leave and she transferred to Crosby Hall where she was kept very busy with attending June Radford leaving the UK in 1944 lectures, having drills and inspections. She couldn’t help noticing the queues of army trucks and jeeps parked all along the embankment, all with a white star painted on them which she realised were American vehicles. The invasion of the continent seemed ever more imminent and she and her colleagues worried that their embarkation might be delayed. June 6 was the D-Day invasion. On 8 June at 2130 the departing draft was assembled for the last time in the dining hall, each Wren in full uniform with mackintoshes, carrying a greatcoat over one arm and respirators, tin helmets, water bottles and cameras over the shoulders, a 48 hour bag in one hand and a tennis racquet and rug in the other. Stewards packed two packets of sandwiches in the tin helmets of every Wren and they were ready to depart. There followed the happiest time in my mother’s life. She left a gloomy damp country with air raids and food rationing for the sunny and exotic island of Ceylon where she was spoilt rotten when off-duty by the many servicemen there. She had her 20th birthday on His Majesty’s Troop Ship, the Alcantara, on the way out. Her 21st birthday was spent as a guest of English civilians in Colombo. She was happy whether she was working or socialising. She liked the climate, the swimming and tennis, the tropical fruit and being free from parental gaze! After the Japanese surrendered, the Wrens had a lot more time off and my mother was drafted to return to the United Kingdom. She only became unhappy when she realised that she would have to say goodbye to the many friends she had made in Ceylon. She disembarked from SS Chitral in Southampton in October 1945 on a cold, autumnal day. She was a Leading Wren when discharged. My mother, I expect like many other servicewomen returning from overseas, found adjusting to civilian life again was difficult. A reverse culture shock, especially as there was still rationing and shortages. She eventually found her career direction in architecture and began a course in Autumn 1946. Thirza Radford Gore (Daughter) Editorial note: We regret to report that June sadly passed away on 15 March 2018 as recorded on page 42

RNAS Yeovilton Morning Tea 2017

The photo shows four Wren Museum Volunteers dressed in WWI Wren dress uniforms which we wore for the RNAS Yeovilton Morning Tea Event 2017. The background display shows the new 2017 Fleet Air Arm Museum frontage which includes a Wren for the first time. From right to left are Sandy Walton, Sue Graham, Anne Baker and June Hunter. (Many thanks for splendid magazine!). Shirley Melligan 26 The Wren From Wren to Mayor New Benches For Old – Plus One More!

It has for some time become noticeable that two of the 4-seater benches within the Wrens Garden at the National Memorial Arboretum were in need of repair before a mishap occurred to someone taking a respite on them. With many thanks to donations and monies from legacies it has been possible to renew these benches – and add an additional 3-seater bench. We can all now sit down with confidence! My thanks goes to Rita Sayers for her endeavours in finding a supplier of these good looking and sturdy benches and also to Sue Elliott who assisted in getting them in situ. NB:The NMA have advised that currently there are no more spaces available for the placing of benches within the WRNS Garden. Chairman AOW

Mayor making l-r: Kathy Llewellyn (Chair Pembs), Pembroke l - r: Mayor Linda Bown (WRNR President and Northwood), Sue Elliott partner Chris and Sue Keen (Treasurer Pembs) and Rita Sayers The Wren 27 ‘Freddies Fairies’ Visit Abbotscliff Most people know about the WRNS at Bletchley Park in WWII but far fewer have heard of Coastal ‘Y’, the chain of secret radio listening stations along the east and south coasts where our branch of WRNS, (German) Linguist ‘Y’ Wrens, searched the Kriegsmarine’s radio frequencies throughout the twenty-four hours, meticulously writing down the messages we intercepted, and passing the operational ones on to the nearest Royal Naval Intelligence Centre, and those in four-letter Enigma Code by teleprinter to Bletchley Park – ‘Station X’ as we knew it. One of the most productive listening stations was Abbotscliff, an isolated house on a cliff between Folkestone and Dover, facing Cap Gris Nez 22 miles away. So three of us, now in our 90s, who had been stationed there between 1942-44 and had never been back, were delighted when BBC TV ‘Inside Out Southeast’ invited us to spend three days there to make a short documentary film. The house is now a luxury holiday let and we stayed in it with producer Sarah Brinicombe and production co-ordinator Louise Cavanagh, who made our visit a sheer delight. The BBC team produced brilliant meals, there were relaxing evenings by a log fire after the days filming and we slept in elegant en suite bedrooms which have replaced our watch room and cabins. We described signing the Official Secrets Act before our training courses – run by Lieutenant ‘Freddie’ Marshall RN (hence our branch’s nickname) – in German naval radio procedures, Morse Code and direction-finding, and demonstrated on original radio receivers how we had searched for signals. We remembered seeing the convoys of landing barges and section of Mulberry Harbour sailing westward under our cliff before D-Day, and our sadness watching a small ship hit by a German shell, which exploded and drifted out of its convoy with no survivors. We remembered the deafening roar of bombers and fighters overhead, anti-aircraft guns close by, and later the V1 and V2 rockets coming over – too often making sleep after a night watch impossible: so different from today’s tranquillity. We also remembered our parties, and the many Wren friends who were there with us over 70 years ago. Pam Harding lives in Torquay so the programme was shown in BBC Southwest Region as well as Southeast. Sarah and her team gave us a most unexpected and memorable experience. Pat Davies

In 1944 we lived with bombing and shelling which became a fact of life and we didn’t really change our activities because of it. Apart from the operational interception, both German and Morse, there were regular transmissions from the cross-channel batteries on the French coast in lengthy four-figure code. We were told that this was unbreakable but now, with hindsight, I think that this was rather doubtful. I was lucky enough to be on watch in the early hours of June 6 and our watch room was visited by a large number of high-ranking naval officers which was definitely not normal procedure. It was then that wewere told that, after days, even weeks, of uncertainty, the invasion was on. I stayed on watch as long as I possibly could but had to leave and went out onto the cliff looking across the water to France feeling that at last the end was in sight. Pam Harding

I should like to join Pat Davies and Pam Harding in expressing my thanks to Sarah Brinicombe and her crew from BBC Southeast for looking after us in such a friendly manner when they were filming the return of us three to our war time station at Abbottscliff (on the coast near Dover). Everything was so well organised – our individual journeys to and fro, our food and our accommodation and they were very kind to us and interested in what we had to say. The contrast between the drab, wartime camouflaged house – full of radio equipment and double-decker bunks – now that the house is a holiday let – replaced by elegant rooms for us all – seeming quite uncanny. Most importantly it was fun and the nicest thing also – we felt appreciated and that this extended to everyone in the WRNS for what we had all tried to do. Pam Torrens

l - r: Pat Davies, Pam Harding and Pam Torrens taking position once again in the watch-room 28 The Wren

RN News - Britain’s Biggest Warship

l-r: LS (AWW) Dani Hobbs, WO1(AC) Jenny Scrivener and PO (AH) Emma Ranson

We are so lucky that Lt (ATC) Trish Chatfield keeps in touch wherever HMS Queen Elizabeth goes, although there are plenty of photos and reports of HMS QE’s movements reported by Wrens FB members! Last one was a sighting from the Gosport Ferry – I do hope you all saw the three part series on BBC TV. It was absolutely marvellous and so great to see the female crew members being highlighted as vital members of the Ship’s Company. The collection of photos seen here were taken by AB Megan Yarrington one of the Ship’s Photographers (her secondary role) and features the ‘stars’ of ‘Britain’s Biggest Warship’, Emma and Dani, and AOW member Jenny Scrivener. I understand that one of Dani’s relations was in the WRNS – maybe more info next time. Thank you Trish and best wishes to your football team – we are itching to present a trophy! Celia Saywell

PO (AH) Emma Ranson LS (AWW) Dani Hobbs

Lisa Meets Serving Women see back cover for photo

There’s something about the Navy and getting to grips with flying machines that Trustee Lisa Snowden (see Spring Wren issue page 6) just can’t resist! Here she is with PO (AET) Sally Higgins, AET Tia Shoemaker, and AET Georgina Shaw at the Wildcat HMA2 at 825 Naval Air Squadron which is one of her regular calls as a THALES DE&S Avionics Engineer (this time dressed for a RN Photoshoot!) Former Wren/RN (SA) Sophie Gwilliam joined the group (see website photos). Lisa says, “I recruited Sue Salter and Sophie, and Sophie recruited Claire Farley, and would like another copy of the small cut-out recruiting cards, which is just what I was hoping would happen. Anyone else? There’ll be a prize for the Top Recruiter 2018 at the end of the year! Celia Saywell The Wren 29 Victory Walker Marches onto John o’Groats

Commander Jane Allen set off from HMS Victory on 21 October last year, to walk anticlockwise round the coast of mainland UK to raise money for two naval charities, the WRNSBT and RNRMC charities. Here she provides an update on her most recent travels in Scotland where she has now clocked over 2,000 miles. Having walked across the Scottish border at the end of April, it has taken me a further 664 miles to reach John o’ Groats, where the ‘bootometer’ clicked 2,031 miles. The magical 2,000 miles had been achieved earlier in the week on the approaches to Wick. Meanwhile, the Victory Van has already covered over double the mileage (4,696) in Cmdr Jane Allen at 2000 miles support. The very words John o’ Groats (and Land’s End) sum up a certain sense of mystery and adventure. It is still the challenge many people seek. Runners, cyclists and walkers probably top the bill, but there are those who elected for more unusual methods: roller skating, motorised supermarket trolley, tractor or horse-drawn carriage. And probably someone has done it dressed as a banana! This famous landmark is significant to the Victory Walker as it marked two things. Firstly, a change of walking direction – I’m now heading west along the top of Scotland. Secondly, it was here eleven years ago I stood at the famous signpost with a feeling of trepidation: I was about to start my JOGLE (John o’ Groats to Land’s End) to raise money for the Poppy Appeal. On that 2007 journey I covered a distance of 1,200 miles. Now, as I begin my second attempt to walk to Land’s End (not dressed as a banana!), my route will be indirect and far greater than 1,200 miles! In the lead-up to reaching John o’ Groats there have been some good, bad and lovely moments. As well as reaching John o’ Groats, another great moment was catching a seasonal ferry across the Cromarty Firth and resting my feet; the downside was rain, poor visibility and no view! A bad moment has to be hacking my way through jungle-like vegetation as I made my way up from Inverness on the John o’ Groats Trail. These grim days were compensated by the ever-increasing warmth and generosity of the Scots, the further north I’ve walked. That’s been lovely. Meanwhile, the support team (of 1) continues to loathe the laundrette trip (never has the correct denomination or number of coins required), with the weekly Cdr Jane Allen at John O’Groats shopping ordeal coming a close second. For me, trying to turn a double-sided map in a gale tops my misery list, quickly followed by getting drenched during the last hour of a walking day! Every day is different and will continue to be so as I wend my way to Land’s End, where I look forward to the reward of a Great Big Cornish Cream Tea! The Victory Walk is raising money for two naval charities, WRNSBT and RNRMC. To donate go to www. Virginmoneygiving.com/victorywalk17-18. To find out more about Jane’s Victory Walk go to www.victorywalk.uk Victory Walk Reaches Scarborough

On the foggiest day imaginable (Tuesday 10 April) two members from Cleveland and three from York arranged to meet Jane Allen at the end of her day’s walk into Scarborough. For those of you who know Scarborough, when we sat in the cafe on the opposite side of the road from the pier we couldn’t see the pier and when we got on to the pier we could hear the foghorn but not see the lighthouse! We had arranged to meet up with Jane near there in order to take a picture at the memorial bench to the Scarborough Wrens who were lost on the SS Aquila. Poor Jane had the most horrendous walk that day, there has been so much rain that the ground was saturated and she said she spent the day slipping and sliding in the mud - she certainly Members of Cleveland and York Branches join was plastered in it up to her knees! Amazingly she was still smiling Cdr Jane Allen for a welcome break and finished the final few yards along the seafront at a cracking pace. By this stage Jane had covered over 1,100 miles with husband Keith driving their camper van in support. Good luck Jane with the next few stages. Georgina Tuckett 30 The Wren D-Day Remembered Members Receive Gideon Bibles June 6 is the anniversary of D-Day. To those of us who Fife Branch were actively engaged it was a traumatic experience. Hank John, a representative from Gideons came I was a WRNS Officer attached to Force “S” – one to our Fife Branch meeting in April. Hank is quite a of the three British assault forces. We had trained huge character who is also ex RN and is now a in Scotland and had moved to Portsmouth a week local businessman. He was born in St Vincent in the before the invasion. Caribbean and as a young boy wanted to join the Navy. My job was CBO (Confidential Book Officer) to be He wrote to the Admiralty and was asked to make his responsible for the care and distribution of all secret way to London for his interview at the recruitment signal books, especially of the operation orders. office. He had to borrow money to pay for his passage This was no small job as there were approximately via ship and the rest was history. Hank was a very 240 craft in our force from the HQ ship which carried entertaining and amusing guest and after his talk, the Admiral and his staff, battle ships, cruisers and he presented us with copies of the New Testament destroyers, as well as all types of assault craft. embossed with the AOW crest. Four days before D-Day I was the only WRNS Officer Yvonne Thorpe Secretary of the Fife Branch AOW - present when all our Captains assembled in HMS [email protected] Vernon to be given their first, and in many cases only, briefing on Operation Neptune, as it was called. Cleveland Branch It is hard to realise the shock to these, mainly young Cleveland Branch being presented with their Gideon’s officers, when for the first time they were shown the New Testaments by a representative from the Gideons map of occupied Europe and realised that they were Middlesbrough Branch. the ones who were going to assault Hitler’s Atlantic Wall. Many questions were asked but I think most were too shocked to speak. June 4 was, we thought, D-1. I was sent to take some final Top Secret orders to various ships of the force. These ships had embarked their troops and were anchored in the Solent - sealed, no gangways, ladders or other egress. It was a bright summer morning in Portsmouth and I was wearing my No 1 suit. No raincoat anywhere. Down in the harbour it was quite different – windy and rough. My small assault craft was built with a flat bottom and bow which could be lowered, and manned by one lone sailor. Each time a wave came on board it poured over me, Association of Wrens 2019 Diary lodging in my tricorn hat which acted as a funnel pouring water onto my lap and papers. We managed Our ever popular diary is now to deliver most of the orders but then went alongside a available to purchase for 2019. larger ship full of troops. I asked how I could get aboard Priced at £3.75 each (plus as I had to see the Captain and was told I would have postage), orders may be placed to climb. Eventually I stood on the side of my craft using the enclosed order form, with my arms up and the officer of the watch hauled by telephone or via our online me up by my wrists. Returning was much worse. They shop at www.wrens.org.uk. lowered me by my wrists and I had to wait until the Here you will also find details craft rose on a wave. My Wren grabbed my ankles of our complete range including and I fell backwards onto her and into the boat. The our gorgeous new pewter items. troops thought it was done for their amusement. On returning to my office, soaking wet, I found to my Blue Glass Favour With Farthing relief it had all been postponed for 24 hours. If it was so bad near the shore it would have been impossible The Association has a in the channel. The next evening we WRNS Officers limited number of these sat in a window on the promenade and watched striking glass favours for all our friends in the ships sail, terrified at what we a £5 donation. The years knew they must face. It was hard to sleep. Soon after currently available are: midnight we heard the first wave of bombers go over 1939, 1940, 1942, 1944, and realised that the die was cast and D-Day was a 1945, 1951 and 1952. Call reality at last. HQ on 02392 725141 to place your order. Account written by Jane Leigh and submitted by her nephew Tony Cowburn The Wren 31 Standard Bearers Competition May 2018

The Biennial Standard Bearers Competition took place on Saturday 12 May at HMS Collingwood in conjunction with the Royal Naval Association. Unfortunately, we only had three competitors from the Association of Wrens but what we lacked in numbers the girls made up on smartness and drill. This year because there were so few, the girls joined in with the RNA and competed at the same level. In order to achieve this, a new move was introduced for the girls which was the dip on the march. With little practice the girls did amazingly well and executed the move with great professionalism. It is Competitors and spectators relax after the competition not easy holding the standard out in front of you whilst still marching, but they made it look easy, well almost! The girls were extremely smart in their dress and were a real credit to the Association. They all deserved to win but of course we had to choose one winner although the marks were extremely close. So, once again Chris Walker from Cheltenham Branch came top and this time Marie Taylor from York Branch came second with Val Gleave from Portsmouth Branch coming third. All the girls need to be congratulated on their excellent performance but well done to Chris for becoming the National Standard Bearer for the next two years. We were grateful again to the Royal Naval Association, in particular to Andy Christie and his team for their organisation and planning of this event and for including us in the competition. It made it much more of an occasion and I am sure was even more enjoyable having the support of the men. We certainly held our own in the face of competition. I was one of the scrutineers along with Keith Ridley, the Chairman of the RNA so once the competition had begun it was heads down and full concentration required to add up all those marks. The presentation took place in the Senior Rates mess and the prizes were given out by the President of the RNA Vice Admiral John McNally. Nigel Huxtable was the official photographer on the day and again we were grateful for all their help, It was lovely to see so many supporters from the local branches of the Association who were very vocal in their applause but I am sure the girls appreciated their support which I think outnumbered the men. Thank you to them all for giving up their Saturday to come along to support the girls. We were able to provide them with some refreshments afterwards to make it worthwhile for them. Carol Gibbon Cheltenham Branch Uniform Appeal 70th Anniversary Celebrations In May I was on a coach trip to Boston, Lincolnshire for a visit to the World War II Homefront Museum and what a wonderful surprise it was! Two enormous ‘sheds’ filled with memories of my life. You name it they have got it. Owned by Paul and Linda it includes books and items for cooking, washing, cleaning. Passing an orignal Anderson shelter was another ‘shed’ housing parts of aeroplanes, uniforms including German – BUT nothing for the WRNS. Plenty of Land Army, ATS and WAAF though. It ended with a very loud, searchlight lit air raid with bombs falling. Enjoying tea and cake in The Ration Book Café, I chatted to Linda and offered to try to locate some Cheltenham Branch gather to celebrate WRNS memorabilia. As a post-war Wren, on demob I had to hand everything The Branch was formed on 26 May 1948 and to in but surely someone has something? The museum ensure better weather, the 70th Anniversary was cele- is aimed at school groups to tell them of what used to brated with a Garden Party in June 2018. The event be and it seems they can hardly believe that a family was honoured by the presence of the Association of four could fit into the Anderson shelter. A few weeks Chairman, Jill Stellingworth. She asked one of our ago a lady visiting told Paul that she had endured 51 Founder Members, Megan Moir, to present the 70th consecutive nights of bombing raids as a child. How Anniversary Pennant to Chris Walker, the Branch awful! Standard Bearer. The ceremony was followed by a Please – if you can help at all, contact Paul and Linda. toast to the Branch and much enjoyment of scones, Tel: 01205 270473. Mobile 07903 529614. cakes, strawberries and cream all accompanied by Email: [email protected] music provided by a Ukulele trio. Barbara Abbott – Grimsby & District Informal Group Mary Hawthornthwaite (all four of us!)

The Wren 33 FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Christmas Fundraising Association of Wrens Dinner 2018 AGM 2018 The Association of Wrens fundraising dinner will be held on Saturday 8 December 2018, at the The AGM will be held on Union Jack Club, London. Application forms are Saturday 29 September 2018 included in this edition of The Wren. See also at 1400 in The Union Jack Club, London. notice on page 6. See page 6 re Agenda item.

Out of Town Meeting 2019 Association of Wrens The 2019 Out of Town Meeting will be held on Carol Service Saturday 18 May at the Royal Maritime Club Portsmouth. Further details to follow in the Winter Saturday 8 December edition of The Wren. 2018 at 1330 St Mary le Strand Church

Followed by tea in King’s Nottingham 40th Celebration College courtesy of the Dauntless Association Nottingham Branch are having a celebration lunch to commemorate 40 years since it was reformed. This will take place at 1230 for 1300 on Saturday 6 October 2018 at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Nottingham Gateway, Nuthall Road, Nottingham NG8 6AZ. The cost is £35 per head including a Pimms reception. For further information and tickets please contact Sue Dunster at suebry4@ yahoo.co.uk.

FOUNTAINS HALL

Cleveland Branch will be laying a wreath at the memorial to Wren Vyner and S/Lt Vyner in Fountains Hall on Saturday 13 October 2018. The ceremony will take place at 1400 followed by stand easy in the National Trust Visitor Centre – although some may feel the need for sustenance first and meet there at 1200 for lunch. Please contact [email protected] if you are intending to join us so that we have a rough idea of numbers. 34 The Wren Wren Sick Berth Attendant LETTERS I joined the WRNS in – can’t remember the date but I was 18 and I was enlisted in the newly formed Sick Royal Tournament Memories Berth category. I’ve just heard from the relations of the girl I joined I have only recently become a member of the up with. Her name was Winnie Barnes but I’ve lost Association of Wrens after more than 60 years of her married name. She died at the beginning of this civilian life and I had a lovely surprise when I read year. I’m getting increasingly forgetful. We were on the the letter from Shirley Collins in the Winter issue who same transport that picked us up at, I believe, Reading was in the 1955 Royal Tournament and may live in Station for the training establishment at Burghfield. We Haverfordwest. I was a Radar Plot Wren at HMS were stationed together there and Haslar Hospital and Harrier, also known as RNAS Kete, from September Chatham Hospital. I’ve an idea our names were once 1952 and we were bussed into Haverfordwest every inscribed on a plaque in that hospital – being amongst Saturday for window shopping only as pay was so low the girls (first) to be trained as Sick Berth Attendants. then. Shirley didn’t go to Harrier but she and others who I believe it has since been disbanded. I was amongst did serve there might be interested to know that Mrs the first of that group to get her ‘hook’. I have often Pamela Haines, who owns the Old Captains House in wondered what had occurred to result in its closure. Dale, belongs to the Coastlands History Group who Forgive my scrawl but at nearly 88 I’m getting very are researching all Naval people who served there. forgetful. My most exciting memory is a flight in a Gloster Dawn C Denning 10052 (née Carpenter) Meteor Jet. Seven of us had been invited to fly in a PS Winnie subsequently married and moved to Mosquito and then the pilot produced seven straws Toowoomba, Australia. We’d corresponded on an off and I drew the short one. I have often wondered if the for all those years. pilot’s CO was ever aware of what he had done; I think it was very much a spur of the moment thing. He told 50 Years of the WRNS Remembered me to operate the RT and I was told later there were mutterings in the Air Direction Room down below – While serving at Whitehall in 1967 and living in “that’s a woman’s voice, what’s she doing up there?” Furse House, Kensington, I was lucky to be asked to Before that time the highest flight for me had been the participate in the 50th anniversary of The WRNS at escalator in John Lewis! We lost a pilot from St David’s The Royal Albert Hall for the annual Remembrance and my log was helpful to the inquest; later his family Service. invited me to his funeral in St David’s Cathedral which A group of serving WRNS ‘modelled’ the uniforms I will never forget. throughout the 50 years and I am seen showing the After serving at HMS Sea Eagle in Londonderry for tropical uniform of the day. The photo is taken by the a while I returned to Kete as a Leading Wren, was Albert Memorial by the RAH. I have absolutely no idea married in May 1956 and demobbed 3 months later. I of names of my fellow ‘models’! was lucky enough to be in the 1954 Royal Tournament I have recently joined the Association and just missed swinging clubs and again in 1955 so I may have known out on the 100 year celebrations but it has triggered Shirley by sight. I often go down memory lane as I have memories from 50 years ago. 2 VHS tapes showing excerpts from each Tournament I was also featured in a programme shown on BBC2 which I obtained from Pathe News and the Imperial in 1966 entitled “Women, Women, Women”. This War Museum. The IWM has kindly reformatted the particular episode was on a career in the WRNS and 1955 excerpts as a DVD for me and Pathe News gave further episodes showed other careers for women. me permission to do the same which a friend has Barbara Boughton-Thwaites (née Gore) done for me. If Shirley would like to give me a call on 02392 752348 I’d be delighted to chat about old times. I would love to hear from anyone I might have known, bearing in mind we are all in our eighties now. Is Jill Jarett who was at Beverley High School with me, and was in both Tournaments a member of the AOW? If so I can tell her she is clearly identifiable on the 1955 DVD. Daphne Long (née Thomas) joined up with me and we still meet 4 or 5 times a year, an ongoing lovely friendship. Lois Saunders (née Harvey) Ed note: Jill Jarett isn’t a member so if anyone knows of her please could they contact Lois.

WRNS uniforms throughout the first 50 years of service The Wren 35 Helen Beale - Never at Sea Exhibition at Standen House & Garden

The ‘Helen Beale; Never at Sea’ exhibition will tell the story of a woman who broke free of the traditional social restrictions of gender and class and grasped the opportunities offered by the First World War including the creation of the Women’s Royal Naval Service and the start of the journey of women in the modern British Navy Using family letters and memories, the exhibition will take visitors on Helen’s journey from a Voluntary Aid Detachment nurse to becoming one of the first female officers of the WRNS. Instrumental in establishing the WRNS, Helen later played a leading role in decommissioning the organisation after the war to make space for returning servicemen. Both the public, as well as the more private, aspects of Helen’s l-r: the three ‘readers’ WWII Vet. Signals Wren Jean Farguson, career will be united in the display through the loan of Cmdt Anthea Larken CBE and Lt Cdr Jane Pizzi RN. personal possessions alongside items from the National Maritime Museum and the National Museum of the Royal Navy. Video footage of the period will animate the context in order to engage a modern audience. With the generous support of your Association, visitors will hear Helen’s words come to life through her letters being brought to life on film, read by today’s retired Wrens and one lady who is currently serving in the Royal Navy. Through the use of modern interpretation, the exhibition will bring to the fore the struggles, both socially and in the workplace, that women faced in order to gain professional status and ultimately, the right to vote. It will take the question of equality into the present day, beyond gender, asking questions about the pace of change and how far equal opportunities exist today. Extract from letter sent by Richard Grudzinski (Visitor Experience Manager National Trust) 36 The Wren WHERE ARE YOU NOW? Marine Corps Birthday Did you join on 4 June 1979 in 10 November 1968 Theseus 283?

In 1968 I commanded a 21 man USMC Force Recon 4 June 2019 will be 40 years since we joined the Platoon (all Vietnam combat veterans) aboard the WRNS and it would be good to have a reunion! So far, USS Ruchamkin APD89. We pulled in to Malta and we are in touch with 11 of us - just another 14 to find! made plans to celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday on So, if you’d like to be involved, or just make contact November 10. with some of us, please contact Toni Reynolds on FB I paid a call on the WRNS detachment Unit Officer NicnAnt WhiteReynolds; email [email protected] or and inquired about inviting members of her unit to telephone 01752 256899. be guests at our celebration. She thought it was a wonderful idea and we had a wonderful time at a Malta restaurant. I arranged for a bus to pick up the ladies and bring them to the restaurant and another bus to bring my Marines from the dock to the restaurant. After the party the buses took my Marines and the ladies back to the dock and the barracks. The skipper of our ship and I then went to a local nightclub for a drink and lo and behold all of my Marines and all of the Wrens were dancing and having a great time. Somewhat bewildered I asked them how this happened. I was told that they both went back on the buses as required and then came to this nightspot and met each other Back row l-r: Celly, Jane Keohane, Chris Nixon, Toni Reynolds, again on their own. It was a memorable evening for Sally, Helen, Helen, Angie Gayton (Marr) Middle row: Sue all. We left Malta with fond memories of the Women’s Carpenter (Rose), Sue, Lesley Donaldson, Jill, Claire Guest, Royal Naval Service - ladies all. After returning to the Karen Gibbs, Lesley Ward, Jenny, Kate, Daphne, Lynn Front row: States most of us went back to Vietnam for another Jay-Marie Messitt, Sara Lance, Eileen, 3/O Price, PO Podmore, combat tour. Alison Kennedy (Taylor), Cherrill Williams, Karen I would be interested in knowing if any of your Association can recall this evening - it was November 10 1968. Looking for Service Records? Major Mike St Clair USMC Rtd [email protected] MOD SERVICE RECORDS Ratings Pre 1924, WRNS WWI records, Officers 1756-1917 & all ship records: National Filming at Shepperton Studios Archives (PRO) Kew, Richmond, Surrey. TW9 4DU. Tel: 020 8876 3444 http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ documentsonline/navy.asp

Ratings 1924-72, Officers 1906-1982, WRNS 1939-1971, Reservists WWII: Director of Naval Personnel, Navy Search, TNT Records Management, PO Box 7814, Tetron Point, William Nadin Way, Swadlincote, Derbyshire. DE11 1EG Tel: 01283 227912 or 227913 email: [email protected]

Ratings Post 1939, WRNS Post 1971: Disclosure Cell, Navy Command Secretariat 4, West Battery, Mail Point G2, Whale Island, This photo was given to me some years ago, by the Portsmouth, late former WO (Std) Jean Fraser. It depicts some PO2 8DX. Tel: 02392 628666/667/672 of Dauntless Ships Company Wrens on a “jolly” to Shepperton Studios to witness some filming of “Sodom and Gomorrah “, circa mid to late 1950s. WAR MEDALS Information is available at www.gov.uk/guidance/ Clearly shown are, besides Jean, are Kay Farrance the-ministry-of-defence-medal-office. and Jan Ellis. Does anyone recognise themselves? Alternatively contact HQ for assistance. Mary Brittan The Wren 37 Life in the Reserves, before and after full-time Service, and talking ‘scrunchies’ A brief bio and online interview with Lt Cdr Ruth Fleming RNR

Born in Northern Ireland and educated at Dungannon Royal School, Ruth joined the RNR in 1992 as a Wren Mine Warfare (WMW) whilst studying at Edinburgh University. Commissioned 1999 BRNC as Logistics Officer RN, she had various appointments (outer office to senior officers) as follows: HMS Ocean, Portsmouth Flotilla, HMS Caroline, Maritime Warfare School, 2009, liaising with US Battlestaff and Combined Maritime Force (Maersk Alabama hijacking), HMS Argyll, Pay Lt Cdr Ruth Fleming RNR, CO Tawe Unit and AB Sophie Colonel’s office (MOD) and finally RNAS Yeovilton. Carman talking scrunchies at Swansea Ruth then left the RN to become full-time mother to two young children. with them. One thing I’ll never forget was when I was She returned to RNR in 2016 and was appointed OIC a Young Officer giving my Leaving Harbour brief. I Tawe Division Swansea 2017 and joined the AOW! began with ‘Sir, Ladies and Gents’ and I will never do Lots of facts and dates there, but I thought it would be that again. The CO told me that men should never be good to have a few opinions too, so here are Ruth’s described as a civvy toilet! A great piece of advice! replies to my questions … What’s the time commitment in your present role? Why the RNR? I knew I wanted to join the Armed To be honest I could be Officer-in-Charge here at Forces and was always against the Army due to my Tawe Division RNR based on ½ a day a week when I experiences growing up in The Troubles. I had a bad look purely at administration but I give it on average 1 experience with the RAF when I attempted to join day per week plus representational stuff too. The more them – they told me to take my education as far as I give it the more opportunities I can offer to the team. I could before re-applying! So I applied to Edinburgh Here in Swansea I endeavour to increase the profile University knowing that there was a Navy Reserves of the RN by simply being visible; at various sporting Unit in the city and I could try it out before joining the and Commemorative events in the City, including the Regulars. Within the unit (HMS Scotia) was a certain Freedom of the City of Swansea for HMS Cambria in Lt(Q) Inga Kennedy – now Cmdre, our most senior 2017. female! Your thoughts on today’s youth? They’re very Best moments? Onboard HMS Spey, which was different to when I joined over 25 years ago - and so attached to Scotia, we always had fabulous sea time is the Navy! The one thing that hasn’t changed is that although I only went to sea at weekends. The banter the more you give the more you get. If you are willing was immense! The time you get a ‘thank you’ with to challenge yourself there is always a challenge with meaning. When an AB (rating) appreciates that you your name on it. These days there are many more dig out for them, it’s well worth the job. opportunities to serve alongside colleagues in the Worst moment? Onboard HMS Westminster when full-time service which is fantastic and brings new just as Malin Head was disappearing into the horizon, perspectives to both sides. the weather turned really bad and not only did I have Biggest incentive for females to join? That’s difficult, to strap myself into my bunk but I had to use QRRNs I think the females join because they truly want to be under the mattress to give me an extra push towards equals and I think that life in the Armed Forces does the bulkhead, thus allowing me to attempt sleep. This promote equality … but I need to ponder on this and is the only time where I thought I was going to be ask a couple of the girls in the Unit. Maybe when we’re seasick – but it was hearing and smelling the others talking ‘scrunchies’? The downside for any Reservist,, who were suffering that nearly sent me over the edge! male or female is that it eats up your weekends which Another incident to recount was my first phone call to are traditional family time. my parents after 9/11 happened. I was onboard HMS Have any of your Reservists joined the RN? I have Ocean and we were off Cyprus whilst the RM exercised seen a couple join up full-time, plus several that state ashore at the time of the incident. We lost all comms that their intention is to go full-time (there are delays in immediately and mobile phones were removed. My joining due to university commitments or waiting times parents tell me it was 3 weeks before I phoned home for branches). I always wish them well and I hope that (I’m not sure it was that long) after my initial call home they have as good, or better, a career than I had! Then to tell them I was safe. It was not the words that were I remind them to join the Reserves when they finish spoken but the obvious emotions from both ends of the their Service. Come back to the fold when the time is phone – I’m sure we all cried afterwards. The reality of ready! conflict is not knowing what is going to happen next Would you encourage your daughter to join and this can affect your loved ones most (as they think up? Yes, she is showing all the independence and the worst) and you cannot discuss what you are doing determination required to be a success in the Armed 38 The Wren Forces. I would not be surprised if she were to be the first female Commandant General Royal Marines particularly given her climbing skills and ability to find BOOK REVIEWS an adventure! My parents were amazing to support me so much in The Epic Voyages of Maud Berridge my endeavours which can’t have been easy as The – The Seafaring Diaries of a Troubles were still ongoing and they knew the impact/ Victorian Lady potential threat to me. Initially I had to ask permission (Edited by Sally Berridge) to even visit my own home! At least these days I only “As Henry says, we have only one life to live, have to advise the security forces when I’m in the and he cannot be at home, and it is very hard for Province. us to be separated so much, ….” So said Maud Thank you Ruth, great to see you in Swansea Branch Berridge at a time when women were expected to and we promise to keep the banter coming! stay at home and keep house. Maud was married Celia Saywell to a master mariner and captain of three masted Ed Note: HMS Scotia obviously does well in the recruiting line, sailing ships and this book relates her life on the my eldest daughter also joined the RN after joining Scotia while at five voyages between 1869 and 1884 that she Edinburgh Uni – she is an A/Cdr Logs! Georgina Tuckett accompanied her husband to Australia. This tells her story in her own words from the diaries that have survived. A fascinating story edited by her Olympia Ideal Home Exhibition great-granddaughter. Supporting the NFA Published by Bloomsbury £16.99 ISBN 978-1- 4729-5423-7 We were asked by the Not Forgotten Association to The Fledglings - the story of support their selection as HMS Fledgling at Cold Meece the chosen Charity for the From time to time I receive enquiries about the Ideal Home Exhibition at availability of my book The Fledglings – the story of Olympia in March/April. Our HMS Fledgling at Cold Meece; those calling believe thanks go to those pictured, it to be out of print. I would be most grateful if you Caroline West, Pat Jones and could inform your readers that it is most certainly Janette Crisp and also Chris still in print. It was first published in 2003 and then Caroline West (Deal IG) Proudley, Wendy Lagden, featured in The Wren. supporting the NFA at the Carol Gibbon, Julie Soper HMS Fledgling was the ‘sister’ establishment to Olympia IHE and Laura Vincent. The HMS Daedalus II based at Clayton Hall, Newcastle- NFA is very generous to the under-Lyme where Wrens were trained with Fleet AOW in their distribution of tickets to various events Air Arm apprentices until HMS Fledgling was every year and we commissioned. This book entitled Ship Without were very pleased to Water is also in print. be able to offer to help. Copies are available direct from the publisher, Celia Saywell Amazon or any good reliable book shop. The publisher is Churnet Valley Books, 1 King Street, Leek, Staffs ST13 5NW. Tel: 01538 399033. (www. leekbooks.co.uk) Graham Bebbington FRHistSs FInstAM Supporting the Not Forgotten Association and a captive Blue Tapestry by Dame Chelsea Pensioner l-r: Pat Vera Laughton Mathews Jones and Janette Crisp at e-book edition published Baker the Ideal Home Exhibition Steele Publishing 2018 This is the autobiography of Dame Vera Laughton Mathews, giving her personal story of service in the WRNS during the First World War and of her part in its re-founding in 1939. A fascinating story, beautifully told. Dame Vera’s family have donated the royalties from this new e-book edition to the WRNS Benevolent Trust. This e-book edition is available now from Amazon UK at https://amzn.to/2KsGWcR and at other Amazon bookstores worldwide. Association members’ reviews are posted on the Amazon link. This is an edited version of the long Press Release which has been posted online. The Wren 39 Ailsa Stewart - 104 Years Young!

ANNIVERSARIES A four hour drive each way Sapphire Wedding Anniversary from home to Campbletown, FREEMAN – WILLIAMS on 25 July 1953. Marine but so worth it to John Freeman to Marine Wren Sheila Williams at meet 104 year Eastney Central Hall. Now residing in Beaumaris, Isle young ex-Wren, of Anglesey. Ailsa Stewart. She is one very inspirational lady, Diamond Wedding Anniversary with many tales to tell from the TATE – WHITE on 28 June amazing life she’s WWII Veteran Ailsa Stewart and 1958 at St John’s Church, living. Trustee Karen Elliot Margate, Kent. AB Alan Tate I’m delighted to to L/Wren (V) Patricia White report that she was in great spirits and still going HMS Ceres/Victory (RNB) strong, thinking about her next holiday! and RNVR Calliope. Now When she attends the Association Glasgow at Apt 3 Bennett Lodge, 23 Branch meeting, she’s up at 5am, takes public Rodway Wimborne, Dorset transport to Glasgow and doesn’t get home again BH21 1GN. until 10pm!! Karen Elliot

TESTER – FISHER on 9 August 1958 at Holy Trinity Church, Sliema. Rex Tester Cpl RAF to Jean Fisher L/ Wren. Met whilst both serving in Malta. Now living in Oxfordshire. WWII Veterans Wanted Golden Wedding Anniversary Would you like to have your portrait COURTNEY - DUCKWORTH on 17 June 1968 PO painted and get a free, framed copy Wren Joyce Duckworth (Cine Op) to PO MEM Terry for yourself and your family to enjoy? Courtney. Please contact the artist (Nel Brooks) on 07927043393 or via email at HILLS - LOWE on 28 June 1968 at St Andrews Church [email protected]. of Scotland in the Naval Base, Singapore. Tina Helen Hills to Robert Birkett Lowe.

Pearl Wedding Anniversary BIRD - SLATER on 11 June 1988 at All Saints Church, Arksey. PO Wren Wtr Carol (née Slater) to CPO CA David (Dickie) Bird.

Ruby Wedding Anniversary

OWEN – BOULTON on 12 August 1978 in Bromley, Kent. Chris Owen (PO CT) and Kate Boulton (PO Wren RS). Served Northwood, Gibraltar, Fort Southwick, Heron and Mercury. Currently living in Scalby, Scarborough, North Yorks and planning family celebrations to mark the 40th anniversary of their wedding day. 40 The Wren With all our notices of members passing away, there will be many who have shared years of friendship and others only a short acquaintance. Each one will be sadly missed by family and friends and the Association would wish to record our appreciation of the DEATHS loyalty and commitment given to the Association. ADAMS Kathleen (née Adshead) BALDWIN Jillian Elizabeth (née CLEE Kathleen May (née Williams 1943-46. L/Wren Cook. Served Mears). WWII. Died 5 February formerly Archer) 1941-46. CPO HMS Spartiate II, Victory II, Ringtail 2018 aged 95. Wren Wtr (P). Served Ilfracombe, and Daedalus and CinC Fort Bournemouth, Eastney and Southwick. Member of Manchester BARNETT Grace (née Khudsen) Plymouth. Died 8 March 2018 Branch. Died 17 March 2018 aged WWII. Wren Steward (O). Died 15 aged 101. 93. August 2017 aged 93. CLIFF Dorothy Georgina (née AIKMAN Jean (née Kirkwood) BENTLEY Margaret Kathleen Blackburn) 1943-46. Wren W/T 1941-47. 3/O. Served Mombasa. (née Matthews). Wren SDO (S). Served HMS Paragon and Died 15 December 2017 aged 97. Watchkeeper. Served HMS Flowerdown (Y Service). Died Aggressive, Forward, CINC February 2018 aged 92. AIRZEE Claire (née Stevens) Portsmouth and Macaw. Died 25 1951-55. PO Wren Wtr (G). Served December 2017 aged 93. COAKER Pamela Olive (née HMS Dauntless, Ceres, Victory, Maylam) 1942-50. Chief Wren President. Died 2 March 2018 BOOTH Joanna, known as Joan Wtr (P). Served HMS Wildfire and aged 84. (née Guthrie, formerly Wilson) Raleigh. Died 19 April 2018 aged WWII. Died 3 December 2017 95. ALLEN Joan Pilkington (née aged 104. Balgarnie) 1942-45. Wren Supply CONSTANT Joan (née Smith) (Victualling). Served HMS Victory. BOX Jean (née Perigo) 1946-48. 1943-45. Wren Signals. Served Died 5 May 2018 aged 94. Served HMS Gamecock, Victory HMS Eaglet and Glendower. Died and Blackcap. Died 10 April 2018 2 January 2018 aged 92. ALNWICK Betty. Died 13 January aged 90. 2018 aged 94. COPPING Irene (née Whitehead) BREBNER Alison June. Died 4 1942-46. L/Wren Quarters. Served ARMSTRONG Florence Agnes February 2018 aged 95. HMS Victory, Dryad and Soberton Mary, known as Bunny (née Towers. Died 26 April 2018 aged Doyle) 1941-45. L/Wren Steward BREMNER Enid Ivy (née Frith). 98. (O). Served RNC Greenwich, WWII Wren. Served Dover. Died 5 HMS Ganges, Woolverstone, and April 2018 aged 95. DALZIEL Sue (known as Diz). Wildfire. Died 3 June 2018 aged 1966-76. Wren Radar Plotter, 2/O. 96. BURNETT Connie (née Walker) Died 11 February 2018 aged 69. 1942-45. Wren Wtr (P) and ASTON Barbara Doreen (née Classifier. Served Rosyth, DANSON Marie (née Cumming) Stephens, formerly Ryan) 1942- Inverness and Scarborough. 1942-46. PO Wren T/P Operator. 45. Wren Coastal Forces. Served Died 16 January 2017 aged 93 in Served Fort Southwick, HMS HMS Pembroke II, Excellent, Nassau, Bahamas. Newt, Flora, Monster, Flowerdown Hornet, Skirmisher II, Lucifer and and Spartiate. Joined WRNR 1946. Wasp. Died 26 April 2018 aged 94. CAMERON Ivy 1956-66. L/Wren Former member of Inverness and RO. Served HMS Caroline. Died Cheltenham Branches. Died 21 BAILY June Mary. 1941-46. Died 10 March 2018 aged 80. March 2018 aged 94. March 2018 aged 95. CASSELL Joan Iris (née Button) DAVIES Eunice Jean (née BAKER Margaret Daphne 1944- 1947-53. Wren RPO. Served Daniels). WWII Wren. Died 8 May 46. L/Wren Radio Mechanic. Portsmouth. Died 20 March 2018 2018 aged 96. Served Mill Hill, HMS Pembroke aged 91. III, Ariel, Mercury, Drake and Drake DAVIES Patricia Ann (née II. Died 5 March 2018 aged 94. CLAYTON Joan Lilian (née Fleeman) 1950-62. Chief Wren (Air Evans) 1943-46. PO Wren Supply Fitter A/E). Served HMS Heron, BAKER Valerie (née Brookes) (Clothing). Served HMS Pembroke Gannet, Sanderling, Condor, 1973-80. RPO Wren. Served HMS III, Eaglet and Glendower. Died 2 Seahawk and Fulmar. Died 1 Dauntless, Nelson, Seahawk and March 2018 aged 94. March 2018 aged 87. SHAPE. Died 24 March 2018 aged 69. The Wren 41

DAVIS Doreen (née Brown) 1942- EVANS Sylvia Mary (née Staples) HARRIS Margaret Eleanor (née 45. SDO Watchkeeper. Served 1946-49. Wren Wtr. Served HMS Garrad) 1943-46. PO Wren MT HMS Orlando. Died 24 February Dauntless and RNB Chatham. Driver and Signals. Served HMS 2018 aged 94. Died 31 March 2018 aged 89. Pembroke III, Cochrane I and II, Nile, Stag (Ismailia and Port Said). DEACON Joyce Mary 1943-46. FERGUSON Joan Lilian (née Died 16 February 2018 aged 97. L/Wren Coder. Served HMS Nile. Lammiman) 1943-47. L/Wren Died 22 April 2018 aged 95. Communications. Served HMS HEYWORTH Constance (née Cochrane, Wildfire, Nemo and Wild, formerly Smith) 1944-45. DEWHURST Doris (née Cox) Scotia, also Paris, Minden and Wren. Served HMS Pembroke, 1945-46. Wren Wtr (P). Served Hamburg. Died 30 March 2018 Beaver, Spartiate, Caledonia and Southampton and Largs. Died 19 aged 94. Nightjar. Died 18 March 2018 aged April 2018 aged 94. 92. FIELD MBE Joan Elsie (née Rose) DICKERSON Ann Wakefield (née WWII. Wren Visual Signaller. HOLBROOK Marjorie May (née Gould-Whatford) 1958-62. Wren Served Scotland. Founding King). Served HMS Waxwing. Died SBA. Died 2 March 2018 aged 79. member of Girls Nautical Training 5 April 2018 aged 95. Corps becoming Chief Officer DIX Grace (née Hopper) 1940- and awarded MBE for services HUGGINS Maureen Yvonne (née 44. L/Wren. Served HMS Royal to youth. Died 19 February 2018 Holland). L/Wren Radar Operator. Arthur, Unicorn and Westcliff. Died aged 95. Died 8 February 2018 aged 73. December 2017 aged 98. FORD Hilda (née Parrott) 1943- HUGHES Elizabeth (née Price). DOWNES Dorothy Mary (née 46. Wren Cook. Served HMS Royal Marine Wren. Died May Thornton) 1944-46. PO Wren Daedalus. Died 3 January 2018 2018 aged 92. Women’s Royal Indian Naval aged 93. Service. Served HMIS Monze, HUGHES Peggy (née Vickery) Talwar, Dalhouise and Delhi. Died FREEMAN Joan Mary (née Ward) 1943-46. Chief Petty Officer Wren 19 May 2018 aged 89. 1943-46. Served Sri Lanka and (Admin & Regulating). Served Bombay and holder of Burma Star. HMS Gosling. Co-founder of DOWNING Babette Philippa (née Died 2018 aged 95. Hereford Branch. Died 6 March Snow) WWII L/Wren. Served RMB 2018 aged 100. Eastney and HMS Excellent. Died GARNSWORTHY Patricia Maud 20 September 2017 aged 95. (née Courtier) 1942-45. 3/O. JACKSON Myra (known as Mary) Served Devonport, Liverpool, Ferguson Jackson (née Smith). DUTTON Shirley Jane. 1956-60. Newhaven, Bangor, Belfast and Served Pitreavie. Former member Wren MT Driver. Served HMS Ramsgate. Died 28 May 2018 of Dundee Branch. Died 9 April Dauntless, Daedalus, Nuthatch, aged 97. 2018 aged 93. Drake and Sanderling. Died 13 March 2018 aged 80. GOODYEAR Sheila (née Talbot). JAMES Janet Rowena (née Ellis) 1954-81. Fleet Chief Wren DYMOND Penny 1983-2010. GREER Margaret (née Turner) Education. Died 13 April 2018 PO Wtr. Served Portsmouth, 1942-45 and 1947-50. L/Wren aged 85. Washington USA, NATO Italy, W/T and Telegraphist. Served SHAPE Belgium and RM HMS Cressy, Eaglet, Skirmisher, JOHNSON Peggy (née Ellicott) Stonehouse. Died 17 April 2017 President I, Mercury, Daedalus, 1939-45. 2/O Secretarial. Served aged 53. Gannet and Condor. Died 26 HMS Excellent, Vectis and Victory. March 2018 aged 93. Died 23 May 2018 aged 97. ELLIS Joyce Alice, known as Canada (née Herbert) 1944-46. GRIFFIN Margaret Olive (née JOLLY Vera (née Sleeman) 1943- Wren Bomb Range Marker. Served Thomas) 1944-46. L/Wren Air 46. L/Wren Naval Stores. Served HMS Vulture and St Merryn. Died Mechanic (L). Served RNAS HMS Cricket, Medina, Northney September 2017 aged 92. Owl, HMS Merganser, Fieldfare, and Hornet. Died 17 March 2018 Spartiate and Fledgling. Died 17 aged 94. EVANS Margaret Isabel (née April 2018 aged 94. Briggs) 1940-46. Wren. Former KING Jean (née Ireland) WWII. L/ member of Bradford Branch. Died Wren Coder. Served Milford Haven 14 March 2018 aged 94. and Cardiff. Attended the OOT at Bletchley Park in 2012. Died 5 February 2018 aged 96. 42 The Wren

LAING Josephine (née Armitage) MURRAY Pamela Rosemary RAWSON Jean Kennedy 1946-49. L/Wren Cook (O). Served (née Jardine). PO Wren Cook (S) (née Moir) 1942-45. L/Wren HMS Pembroke I, Pembroke III, 1946-50. Served HMS Pembroke, Maintenance. Served HMS Dauntless and Gamecock. A long- Wildfire, Daedalus and Sanderling. Vernon, Attack, Victory and time member of Guildford branch. Stalwart member of Southampton Dauntless. Long standing member Died 21 February 2018 aged 89. Branch. Died 13 February 2018 of South Dorset Branch. Died 2 aged 89. April 2018 aged 94. LANGRIDGE Betty Kathleen (née Dyer) 1944-46. Wren Steward (G). NEVILLE Stella (née Marrion) REDDICK Norma Lucy (née Served HMS Victory, Pendragon WWII L/Wren. Served Winchester Woodford) 1947-1952. Wren Std and RNB Portsmouth. Died 22 and Scarborough. Died 24 January (G). Served HMS Heron, Ganges March 2018 aged 91. 2018 aged 95. and Daedalus. Died 9 February 2018 aged 87. LEIGH Una Joyce (née Matthews) NOICE Alison (née Brightman) 1941-46. PO Wren Signals. Served 1956-58. Wren Met Observer. ROSS Lady Elizabeth Jane Elma Dartmouth, HMS Appledore, RNAS Served HMS Dauntless, Harrier, (née Aitkenhead) WWII. Wren Yeovilton, Falmouth, Henstridge RNAS Eglington and Bramcote. Wtr. Served HMS Lochailort, and Alexandria. Died 2018 aged Died 19 December 2017 aged 79. Ceylon, Delhi and Singapore. 95. Died 4 January 2018 aged 94. OATLEY Audrey (née Stares) LEONARD Madeline Edith Bari. 1944- 46. M/T Driver. Served HMS SALMON Alice Agnes, known as WWII. Served Alexandria. Died 28 Pembroke, Victory. Died May 2018 Ann (née Parker) 1943-46. L/Wren April 2018 aged 94. aged 93. Steward (O). Served RN College, Eaton Hall, Chester and Admiralty MARTIN Sheila (née Rutherford) PARSONS Doreen Constance Bath. Died 29 April 2018 aged 94. 1956-59. 3/O Quarters. Served (née Fitzgibbon) WWII. Wren. Portsmouth, Plymouth, RNC Served Portsmouth. Died 14 SELWYN Joyce Mary (née Greenwich and RNAS Abbotsinch. January 2018 aged 96. Littlejohns, formerly Allen). L/Wren Died 14 April 2018 aged 86. Wtr (P). Served HMS Badger and PETERS Thelma (née Raymond) Harwich. Died 28 February 2018 MCCURDY Veronica (née 1943-46. L/Wren Wtr (S). Served aged 94. Richardson) 1959-1967. PO Wren Mill Hill, HMS Vectis and RM Communications. Served HMS Eastney. Died 22 May 2018 aged SIMMONS BEM Eleanor Mary Mercury, Harrier, Heron, Falcon, 95. (née Reardon). Chief Wren. Died President, Phoenicia, Goldcrest 6 May 2018 aged 94. and Condor. Died 23 May 2018 PUGSLEY Betty Elsie (née aged 78. Fletcher) WWII. Wren Wtr. Died 29 SKINNER Zena. 1944-46. Wren May 2018 aged 92. Signals. TV Cook for 33 years. MEECHAN Ruth (née Duckett) Died 6 March 2018 aged 91. 1941-45. Confidential Book Officer. PURVIS Josephine Lisa (née Served Bodmin, RNAS Yeovilton Eagle) 1952-60. Wren MT SMITH Audrey Iris (née Hawker) Gadwell, Wagtail, HMS King Alfred Driver, and 3/O Admin. Served WWII. Wren Steward (O). Served and Boscawen. Died 11 April 2018 HMS Dauntless, Daedalus, HMS Osprey. Died 14 July 2017 aged 97. Nuthatch, Mercury and Harrier and aged 91. Greenwich. Died 10 March 2018 MENDELSKI Daphne (née aged 83. SMITH Barbara Joan (née Ledger). Cottrell) 1942-45. L/Wren V/S. Wren Supply (Victualling). Served Served Mill Hill, Chatham, Grimsby, RADFORD June (née Lodge) HMS Daedalus and RNAS HMS Cabbala and Beaver Died 19 1943-46. L/Wren Special Duties. Yeovilton. Died 13 April 2018 February 2018 aged 95. Served HMS Pembroke I. Died 15 aged 88. March 2018 aged 93. METCALFE Enda May (née ST JOHN-BROOKS Diana (née Acocks). Died 29 November 2017 RAMSAY-SMITH Alice (née Wintersladen) 1942-45. Served aged 97. Burrow) 1943-46. Wren S/T. Bletchley Park. Died 21 March Served HMS Dundonald II and 2018 aged 94. MILES Pamela Louise (née Clio. Died 20 February 2018 aged Thomas) 1931-45. PO Wren 95. STREET Kathleen (née Rogerson) Instructor Special Duties. Served WWII Wren Std (O). Served HMS Stanmore/Eastcote. Died 21 May Varbel and Nuthatch. Died 23 2018 aged 95. February 2018 aged 94. The Wren 43

STOKER Peggy Frances (née HERBERT Shirley (née Gettings) Harrall) WWII. L/Wren Naval 1949-52. Wren Meteorology. Stores. Served HMS Allenby, The Wrens’ Prayer Served HMS Heron and Pembroke III, St Angelo, Alexandria Sanderling. Died December 2017 and El Alamein. Died May 2018 Almighty and most merciful God, aged 86. aged 93. the protector of those who go down to the sea in ships; JACKSON Mary Clare WWII. THORNTON Mary Eileen, known Bless we beseech thee, Wren. Died 18 March 2018. as Terry (née O’Hanlon) 1943-46. all the women who serve Wren Wtr. Served HMS Drake, beside their brethren in the McCARTHY Elizabeth 1942-46. Mastodon, West Leigh and Royal Navy. Served HMS Landrail, Fullerton, Stockheath. Died 17 March 2018 Bless also, we beseech thee, Dundonald and Prestwick. Died aged 94. all the members of the 2018. Association of Wrens TOLHURST Eveline June, known and women members of the Royal McCLURE Caroline (also Quin) as June (née Gubbins) 1943 – 46. Naval Reserve. 1979-1980. Wren. Died 1 January Wren Std (O). Served London and Bind them together in loyalty and 2018 aged 58. HMS Daedalus. Died 25 May 2018 fellowship; aged 92. in danger protect them; McNAUGHTAN Pauline Ethel in doubt and temptation guide and (née Shaw) 1942-45. 3/O Cypher. TOOK Elsa Peridot (née Howkins). uphold them, Served Greenwich. Died 25 March Died 31 March 2017. and grant them at all times 2018 aged 95. the help of thy grace. TOWNEND Joan Eileen. 1940- Through Jesus Christ our Lord, PETHERAM BSc Elizabeth 46. PO Wren Meteorology. Amen Mary Milton, known as Betty. Served Singapore, Sri Lanka and Wren RO and 1/O Admin. Served Plymouth. Died 23 January 2018 in HMS Raleigh, RNAS Culdrose, Michigan USA aged 103. HMS Dauntless, Faslane and Portsmouth area. Died 10 June TRAVERS Ailsa Berrie (née NON MEMBERS 2018 aged 86. Elder) 1945. Wren Air Mechanic (L). Served Lee-on-Solent and BAMFORTH Rosemary (née Ince) PITTARD Vivienne Georgina 1943- Arbroath. Died 25 January 2018 1941-46. Served Bletchley Park. 45. Wren. Served Greenwich. Died aged 94. Died 17 April 2018 aged 93. 7 February 2018 aged 94.

VOICE Joan Alma (née Gowland) BOULTWOOD Joyce (née Winch- TWITTY Marjorie (née Amess) 1943-46. L/Wren Steward (O). Furness) WWII. Wren. Billeted at 1944-1945. Wren Boats Crew. Served HMS Victory, Mercury and Southend Pier. Died March 2018 Died 14 February 2018 in Canada Dryad. Died 7 April 2018 aged 93. aged 97. aged 93.

WILSON Helen (née Lynch) 1943- CRAIG Evelyn Clara (née Irvin) WARREN Rosemary (née 46. L/Wren. Died 26 February 1941-46. PO Wren Coder. Served Harris). 2/O Admin. Served 2018 aged 98. Wigan and Bletchley Park. Died 3 RNC Greenwich, HMS Raleigh, March 2018 aged 101. Dauntless, Vernon, Lascaris, WIMSETT Audrey Valerie (née Liverpool and WRNR. Outstanding Brickwood) 1944-45. Wren Wtr. CRESSWELL Judith. Died August sportswoman (Service hockey and Served HMS Pembroke III and 2017 aged 87. hockey & lacrosse for Ireland). Hornet. Died 2 February 2018 Died February 2018 aged 84. aged 95. FELLENDER Audrey Joan (née Morgan) 1943-44. Died 21 April WILSON Kathleen Dorothy WRIGHT Kathleen Brenda (née 2018 aged 95. (née Eden). Wren. Served HMS Lockwood) 1943-46. Wren Wtr (G). Vanguard. Died 11 March 2018 Served HMS Pembroke, Westcliff, FOLEY Barbara (née Balch) aged 94. Leigh, Turtle, Marlborough, 1960’s L/Wren Wtr (P). Served Mercury and King Alfred Died 9 HMS Vernon and RMB Deal. Died WILLS Kathleen Frances (née March 2018 aged 93. 20 February 2018 aged 75. Morgan, formerly Goldsworthy) 1942-47. Wren Switchboard YOUNG Joan Mary (née Bean) GODWIN Dr Mary Helen (née Operator. Served Mill Hill and 1942-46. Wren. Served Dover, Rose) 1944-46. Died 16 March Devonport. Died 30 May 2018 Columbo, HMS Wasp, Lynx and 2018 aged 92. aged 94. Lanka. Died 5 May 2018 aged 94. 44 The Wren OBITUARIES Joanna Booth (née Guthrie) 1913 - 2017

Joanna (better known as Joan) Booth (née Guthrie, formerly Wilson) died on 3 December 2017 aged 104 years. Joan was still living alone, running two homes, with mobility to climb stairs and walk short distances and with all her faculties. She died peacefully and with great dignity in Ewelme, Oxfordshire. Joanna was married twice, first to Major James Wilson who she met at Dover castle in 1942 and who was tragically killed in the bay of Taranto, Italy in 1943 when his ship hit a mine and secondly to Dan Booth, a business man. Dan died in 1962 leaving Joan a widow for a second time. She spent most of the 1970s and 1980s accompanying the world famous pianist, Vlado Perlemuter on his global recital tours. Joanna was an accomplished pianist, and had it not been for the sudden death of Joan with First Sea Lord Admiral her mother when she was 17 years, she would have Sir Mark Stanhope attended the Royal Academy to study the piano. She was a fluent German & French speaker and was employed at Dover & Portland Bill, in WWII listening into German shipping. She finally collected her wartime medals from none other than the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope and Minister for Veterans, Andrew Robathan, in May 2012 at the Admiralty, London. The First Sea Lord explained that this was the first presentation of medals he had ever made in the name Joan in the WRNS of George VI. Theresa Booth (Niece-in-law & goddaughter) Jean Aikman (née Kirkwood) 1920 – 2017

Jean, a Life member of the Association (L758), who died aged 97, was born in Folkestone, Kent. Her family moved to Stafford where she went to school, later she attended the Edinburgh College of Domestic Science on a career path to become a dietician but the war disrupted her plans. She joined the WRNS in 1941 and served until 1947, reaching the rank of 3/O. Her Service was both at home and overseas, including a year in Mombasa, Kenya. After the war she worked in London at St Mary’s Hospital and for Unilever before meeting and marrying Bill Aikman in 1950. Jean’s married life was mostly spent in Manchester where she contributed to the community giving her time to both civic and cultural associations. In 1959 Jean began 36 years of service with the Citizens Advice Bureau. She was also heavily involved with Victim Support and, as a result, was awarded the Paul Harris Medal by the Didsbury Rotary Club. Jean during her Service years Jean moved to Edinburgh in 2014. She was married for 66 years and had three daughters. Margaret Aikman (Daughter) Pamela Miles (née Thomas) 1922 - 2018

Pamela served in the WRNS from 1931 to 1945. She was a PO Wren Instructor serving at Stanmore/Eastcote on Special Duties. As a Life member of the Association of Wrens and a member of Bristol Branch I was invited to the Service of Celebration of her life at St Mary Magdalene Church, Stoke Bishop, Bristol, and I felt honoured to do so. It was a wonderful service and well attended. Although I had not personally met Pamela all people present made me very welcome and I felt her WRNS Service was fully acknowledged as was mine. Pamela dedicated her life to her faith as an active Christian. Unfortunately she lost her father and sister at a young age and after four years of marriage her husband James died suddenly, leaving Pamela to cope with a family business. Heather Butler-Smythe Pamela in the WRNS