No. 395 Summer 2019 The Association of Wrens and Women of The Royal Naval Services PATRON: Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal PRESIDENT: Mrs Alison Towler SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT: Mrs Anthea Larken CBE

VICE PRESIDENTS: Mrs Marion Greenway 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 Mrs Janet Crabtree Miss Andrea Crook Mrs Pat Farrington 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 Sue Dunster Mrs Rita Sayers Mrs Karen Elliot Mrs Lisa Snowden Mrs Lyn Gannon Mrs Georgina Tuckett Mrs Barbara McGregor Mrs Jackie Whitmarsh Miss Alison Moffatt

Subscriptions: Membership renewal for 2019/20 payable by 1 April 2019 Annual membership for UK members £13 or 5 years £60 or 10 years for £110 Annual membership for overseas members £16 or 5 years £75, or 10 years for £140 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 Please be aware that photographs and news submitted for publication to The Wren magazine will not be posted on the AOW website (www.wrens.org.uk) and the AOW Facebook page (not the ‘Wrens Facebook Group’) without the express permission of the member submitting the item. Personal information i.e. addresses, e-mail addresses or telephone numbers WILL NOT BE INCLUDED in the magazine, on the AOW website or on the AOW Facebook page unless members give specific instruction that they wish their personal details to 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: 2019 Christmas Fundraising Dinner Application Form AOW Sales Catalogue and Order Form Book of 2020 Grand Raffle Tickets

l-r: Katharine Lovegrove (Administrator), Rita Hoddinott (Hon Treasurer), Lin Burton (Administrator) and Georgina Tuckett (Trustee/Editor) CONTENTS Hunting through old issues of The Wren (looking for information on the ‘Ramsay Wrens’ going 2 Chairman’s Letter back a few years!) some interesting comparisons sprung to the eye – 3 Important Information 20 years ago we only needed two pages to notify deaths of former Wrens, now it is usually 4 pages. 5 AOW’s new President Wedding Anniversaries took up a lot more space 7 PRO Report as well! They had to be typed up and placed quite close to each other to fit them on the page. When 7 Standard Bearer’s Report we say typed pretty much everything had to be typed from manuscript. Emails save us a lot of 8 Branch and IG Reports work! Also we used to get more letters and photos 12 2020 Scuttlebutt from serving members which was a real surprise! Where have all our serving ladies got to? Is it that 13 USA Reunion 2019 you sea goers are too busy to write? We know you have good comms on ships so please email 14 Wrens Out Walking Launch us. We’d love to hear from you, please tell us what 15 People and Places you are up to, where you go and what life is like at sea. It’s not that the rest of us are nosy we really, 21 D-Day 75 Special Feature really want to know what we are missing. Well that was the past! what have we got for you 27 Festival of Remembrance 2018 for the present? As always the info from HQ 30 Royal Naval College Greenwich contains things you need to know but may not want to read so do at least look at the paragraph 32 HMS Queen Elizabeth visit headings in case there is something you need to respond to this summer. Branch reports, wedding 35 Naval Servicewomen’s Network anniversary notices are all there too. Plus your 36 WRNS BT AGM letters and reports of different events particularly AFD. Celia has excelled herself and really worked 38 Victory Walker update hard to obtain D-Day stories from as many of our WWII ladies as she could get hold of so do look 41 Letters out for those pages. 42 Where Are You Now? The future? well future issues are entirely up to you so start writing!! 43 Anniversaries The Editorial Team 45 Obituaries Front cover: WOW walkers at St Mary le Strand Church. 6 July 2019. see p 14. Photo credit: Susan Emery 47 Deaths Back cover: HMS Queen Elizabeth visit 7 June 2019 see p 32. Photo credit Crissie Proudley 2 The Wren CHAIRMAN’S LETTER A warm and sunny welcome to the Summer issue After a few days in Weymouth of The Wren magazine. The end of an era occurred it will be all whistles blowing on 18 May when, after 20 years as our President, for the Steam Train Ride to Commandant Anthea Larken CBE stepped down Minehead - the precursor for and her successor Alison Towler is now in situ. This our 2020 celebrations - how is the first time in the history of the Association that many of you can remember your President and Chairman have served in both sleeping in the luggage racks the WRNS and the Royal Navy - true ‘Blue to Gold’. on an overnight ‘leave train’ Having said that - we must never forget that our journey from Lossie going Jill Stellingworth Association foundation and heritage is built on ‘Blue’ south - I can - and it was Chairman - and recently it was good to see and hear some of very comfortable! Rolling on our veteran members playing their part in the D-Day the rails, next comes Wrens Out Walking, starting in commemoration events - even Donald Trump couldn’t London and ending at the Tower of London - ‘off with get a word in edgeways! Plus a 100-year old Wren our heads’ - but perhaps it might just be ‘feet up’! met Prince William at the D-Day celebration in the Perhaps on this note I will allow you to rest a while - NMA. Longevity is our backbone! but not for long - the Association needs all of you to do Continuing the ‘Blue to Gold’ theme - it is encouraging your bit - what do you want for the future? Come on to see that an increasing number of female RN - let’s hear your views. We need Trustees - for without personnel are joining the Association. Over the past them we cannot survive. We need Branches/Informal 3 months I have attended a couple of meetings of Groups to organise Out of Town Meetings from 2021 the Naval Servicewomen’s Network (NSN) - their onwards - we don’t want to end our ‘reunion’ days in strapline is to Share, Inspire, and Empower - all aims 2020. We are looking to the future - to a horizon that we can also look to achieve within the Association. It changes from Blue in the night to a Gold in the early is important that we work closely with the NSN - we morning sunrise - let’s grasp the day - let’s give it all can support them and they can support us. A number we’ve got - Blue to Gold will be our motto and both will of areas are under discussion but as yet it is too early be intertwined to ensure a continuing and flourishing to publicise them until we have a firmer understanding Association of Wrens and Women of the Royal Naval and basis from which to leap - but I can assure you it Services. will not be a leap into darkness and benefits will occur A ‘dining-out’ dinner, attended by Vice Presidents, and for all of us. From this issue of The Wren onwards, the past and current Council/Trustee members was held NSN will be providing an article to talk about today’s in the Mary Rose Museum on Friday 17 May to honour life on board - a life most of us could only dream and Anthea’s Presidency. This was followed the next day wish for - it will be fun to do the comparisons of your by the Out of Town Meeting, hosted by Portsmouth service life versus their service life - although I am Branch, which was the best ever attended OOT meeting sure that some things never change? Their current (150+ members). A presentation was made to Anthea NSN Chairman (Cdr Rachel Smallwood) has been before Debbie Whittingham, the Deputy Governor of invited, and kindly agreed, to be our Guest Speaker the Tower of London, gave a most interesting talk - at our AGM on Friday 13 December at the UJC - so and she was seen again in the following weeks in a let’s give her a resounding welcome as only we know repeat of the TV series on The Tower. Portsmouth how best to do. Branch arranged an evening dinner which brought the This is the time of cream teas, summer lunches - and weekend festivities to an end - well done Portsmouth meetings - and more meetings - so my diary is full. I Branch. recently attended a lovely strawberry tea party with Jill Stellingworth Greenwich Branch - managing to fit in a quick visit to the Painted Hall and view its restored ceiling. If you cannot get there yourselves - they do a remarkable fine jigsaw which shows all its glory. This was to be Trustee Election 2019 followed by a weekend visit with Solent Branch to the Only two nominations were received for this NMA. I understand from a former Wren volunteer up year’s election to fill two places. As a result no there (Sue Elliott) that despite the recent torrential ballot will take place and Mrs Kathy Rolls and Mrs rain our garden stayed afloat - what else would one Vicki Taylor are duly appointed with effect from expect from the female side of the Navy! Then came 13 December 2019 until the date of the AGM in Bournemouth and their Branch and lunch meeting - 2022. could they really hope to surpass last year’s occasion? 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 MEMBERSHIP YEAR All communications for the Association should be sent The membership year runs from 1 April to 31 March. to HQ with a SAE if a reply is required. and will apply to all members who join between 1 April All cheques and postal orders must be made payable to and 31 December. With their membership enrolment the ASSOCIATION OF WRENS. Overseas members letter they will also receive a copy of a previous are requested to send sterling money orders or pay by edition of The Wren magazine (subject to availability). credit/debit card. Payments may also be made using Members who join between 1 January and 31 March debit or credit cards via the website or by telephoning will have their membership expiry date extended to HQ. 31 March of the following year to allow them to be Please do not send cash through the post. There is allocated a full year. They will also receive a copy of a also no need to send separate cheques for a donation, previous magazine (subject to availability). member’s subscriptions and insurance etc. As long as the individual amounts are clearly stated it can all be YOUR MEMBERSHIP NUMBER on one cheque. This can be found on your membership card and the address sheet which comes with The Wren magazine. CHANGE OF ADDRESS If your membership number starts with an A Notification should be sent to the Administrator at: you are an annual member and need to make a [email protected] or by post. payment on or before 1 April annually. If your membership number starts with a F MEMBERSHIP CARDS you have paid a five year subscription. You do not Replacement cards are available from either the need to made a payment unless you wish to make Administrator or via the website at £1.99 each. (Please a donation. We will remind you when your five year note it is not necessary to send in your card when subscription expires. renewing your subscription). If your membership number starts with an L you are a life member and do not need to make a DEATHS payment unless you wish to make a donation. It is most important to inform the Administrator of a If your membership number starts with a T member’s death. Records have to be amended and you have paid a ten year subscription. You do not need delivery of the magazine stopped. Failure to inform HQ to make a payment unless you wish to make a donation. can easily result in unnecessary distress to surviving We will remind you when your ten year subscription relatives and friends. There is no charge for a death expires. announcement or an obituary entry in The Wren. The informant will be sent a notification containing the ANNUAL RENEWAL BY BANK PAYMENT The current membership fees are £13.00 for UK death announcement. Email notification of deaths residents and £16.00 for overseas members. If paying should be sent to: [email protected]. annually by Standing Order please ensure you have A copy of the issue containing the death notification notified your bank of the correct amount and the and/or the obituary is available to the deceased payment date (on or before 1 April). Please ask your member’s next of kin on request. Further copies can bank to include your name and membership number be obtained for a donation of £3 each to cover postage. as an identifying reference. If you have a standing order set up to make this payment, please check DATA PROTECTION your bank statement to verify that the subscription The Association database exists to maintain has been paid. You can now set up an on-line membership details only. Member’s details are those Direct Debit payment through www.gocardless. that have been supplied by the individual member when com by entering the following link in your browser joining the Association and from subsequent information https://pay.gocardless.com/AL0001XF4ZPV5E provided by them to HQ. This information is not used If renewing by a credit/debit card please ensure that for any other purpose and the database is protected by the details of the card are written clearly. Payment password access. Any member may request a copy of may also be made by bank transfer. Please contact their data by writing to HQ enclosing a SAE. HQ for details if you wish to pay by this method. 4 The Wren INVITATIONS TO EVENTS BRANCHES & GROUPS The AOW is fortunate to receive invitations for members If you are finding it hard to recruit for your Branch, to attend some very exciting events; Buckingham please contact the Administrators who will be very Palace Garden Parties, visits to Highgrove House, canal happy to contact non-Branch members in your area trips, Founders Day at the Royal Chelsea Hospital and to see if they would like to join you. There may be a Christmas parties in various locations. Details of events charge for this to cover postage costs. are forwarded to all Branches and Informal Groups. Some members who do not belong to a Branch, or If you don’t belong to a Branch or Group but would did belong to one which has since closed, continue like to be made aware of these opportunities please to meet up with others on an informal basis. In this contact HQ to advise. Some events are exclusively for case the Association would like to formally adopt members who are in receipt of a War Pension or an such Informal Groups and thereby offer them the award from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme benefits of being included on our website; have their so if you are in receipt of either of these please let us own Association email address, write a report for the know. (Preference will, on occasion, be given to War magazine and receive information and invitations. If Veterans). you would like your group to be adopted in this way please contact HQ. Not all members of an informal CENOTAPH CEREMONY 10 NOVEMBER 2019 group need to be Association members but we will Tickets are essential for those taking part (but not for require a named contact who is a current member, spectators) and are available for current Association the name of the group, the number of members (both members only. Please note tickets are not transferable. AOW and non-AOW) and frequency of meetings. The list for members to request a ticket for 2019 has These details will then be presented to the Trustees now closed. If you have applied for a ticket you will be for formal adoption. notified of the outcome by email by 31 August. If you have not provided an email address please contact HQ after DISSOLUTION OF BRANCHES & GROUPS this date to find out if you have been allocated a ticket. Branches who become Informal Groups are, under the Constitution of the Association, in effect dissolved WIMBLEDON TICKETS and should therefore take action in accordance with A number of tickets are available to members for this Section 9j of the Constitution which states: ‘In the event each year courtesy of the Lest We Forget and event of the dissolution of a Branch, all assets of the The Not Forgotten Associations. If you are interested Branch shall be realised and all debts and liabilities in attending please contact HQ. Tickets are available discharged, any remaining funds shall be disposed to current Association members only, one per member of as agreed by the Branch membership’. The advice and are allocated via a lottery type draw. of the Association Headquarters should be sought regarding the ultimate disposal of relevant archives AOW MEMBERSHIP OF THE ROYAL MARITIME and women’s service memorabilia (WRNS/RN). CLUB (Formerly the Home Club). The AOW has an Annual Membership of the Royal BRANCH INSURANCE Maritime Club; mention it when you book and you Branches are required to pay £13.00 annually will get a discount. The current discounted rates are to provide Public Liability insurance for Branch £96.00 per night for a standard room and £106.00 for business and social activities wherever held - Limit a superior room (double or twin). The cost of a single of Liability £5,000,000. Where appropriate this room is £52.00 per night. (Children aged 3 to15 at includes parading the Standard but not the Standard £14.00). All rates include breakfast. Prices quoted itself, see below. Informal Groups requiring Public are effective from 1 April to 2 December 2019. For Liability Insurance should contact the Treasurer for further details please contact the Club direct on 02392 entitlement on payment of the required premium. 824231.

INSURANCE OF BRANCH STANDARDS PORTSMOUTH HISTORIC DOCKYARD Insurance for Branch Standards is available from The Association has arranged for a discounted ticket HQ, through the RNA, at a cost of £5.00 per annum for members. If you show your AOW membership card (running 18 March to 17 March inclusive). This (credit card type) at the ticket office you can buy aDAY covers fire/loss/damage anywhere in the world ticket, giving entrance to the Museum of the Royal whilst in transit and includes both the Standard and Navy, all historic ships (excluding the Mary Rose*) and the ceremonial equipment. An excess of £100 will Harbour Tours, for £10 each for yourself and up to a apply to any claims made. further 4 friends. You must visit together. For example, Please apply by completing the relevant section on you and 2 friends would pay £30.00 in total, i.e. £10.00 your Branch Return or contact HQ. each. Day tickets are not usually sold to the general public. (*A separate ticket must be purchased if wishing to visit the Mary Rose.) There is no discount on yearly WAR MEDALS tickets which are sold to the general public. Information is available at www.gov.uk/guidance/ the-ministry-of-defence-medal-office. Alternatively contact HQ for assistance. The Wren 5 DONATIONS THE WREN Heartfelt thanks for your kind donations to the All items for consideration for the next edition (due Association. Each one is greatly appreciated and helps out in December) must be with the Editor no later the Association work for the benefit of all the members. than 30 September 2019. All items submitted for The Please accept this acknowledgment in appreciation of Wren magazine are considered by the Editorial Team your generosity. Individual letters of appreciation will and inclusion in the magazine is at their discretion. It only be sent for donations over £25.00 due to the rising is regretted that no personal communication will be cost of postage. entered into. Submissions can only be returned if a All donations can be gift-aided if you are a UK tax payer, SAE is enclosed. thus increasing the amount donated. Please send to [email protected]. LEGACIES BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY NOTICES Like the life-blood of any charitable organisation, the Notices are charged at £5.00 per entry. Association of Wrens relies heavily on subscriptions and donations to fulfil its role of celebrating past ADVERTISING RATES achievements, preserving history and traditions, Members advertisements are charged at 15p per fostering esprit-de-corps, supporting the work of the word. There is no charge for ‘Where Are You Now’ WRNS Benevolent Trust, and assisting with the relief requests or Obituaries. of necessity and distress amongst both serving and retired female members of the WRNS/WRNR and TALKING WREN RN/RNR by referring them to the appropriate Service A recorded version of The Wren magazine is available charity. free of charge to members who are registered blind. The Association’s main expenditure arises from Please apply to HQ if you would like to receive it in costs in relation to the above objectives – these are this format. It is produced on a memory stick by the primarily HQ staff costs, meeting costs, and costs Portsmouth Area Talking News (PATN), therefore, the associated with the production and despatch of The appropriate equipment is required e.g. a computer, Wren magazine. laptop, or a speaker (which is available from PATN While costs are constantly monitored and controlled in costing £15 or £25). Please contact the Administrator order to minimise any annual losses to the Association, for further details. Memory sticks are returned to it is also true that unfortunately each year subscription PATN post-free by reversing the address label on the income is decreasing and we become more reliant on wallet. fundraising donations and legacies to continue our work. THE WREN MAGAZINE & AOW WEBSITE By remembering the Association in your will you can Please be aware that photographs and news ensure that it will continue to thrive and benefit those submitted for publication to The Wren magazine who follow in your footsteps in the Naval Service. will not be posted on the AOW website (www.wrens. A legacy will also mean that you can take advantage of org.uk) and the AOW Facebook page (not the ‘Wrens the tax privileges that are available to encourage such Facebook Group’) without the express permission support, namely the reduction or even elimination of of the member submitting the item. Personal the tax payable on the balance of any estate and are information i.e. addresses, e-mail addresses or themselves totally exempt from inheritance tax. telephone numbers WILL NOT BE INCLUDED in A legacy is a specific sum of money left in your will. You the magazine, on the AOW website or on the AOW do not need to let the Association know your intentions Facebook page unless members give specific as it is understood that the business of making a will can be a very sensitive matter. For information a will instruction that they wish their personal details to be can be made by yourself, however, we would advise included. that you consult a solicitor or use a will service to Items offered for inclusion on the website should ensure your will is valid. be made initially via HQ at [email protected] or Please consider leaving a legacy to the Association – 02392 725141. we do rely on and need your support.

Looking for Service Records?

MOD SERVICE RECORDS For guidance on how to apply for Service Records visit: https://www.gov.uk-get-copy-military-service- records Service Records up to 1926 - available from the National Archives: http://nationalarchives.gov.uk/help- with-your-research/research-guides/womens-royal-naval-service-records-1917-1919. (Tel: 020 8876 3444) Service Records (Ratings and Officers) from 1926 to present day contact: Disclosure Cell, Navy Command Secretariat 4, West Battery, Mail Point G2, Whale Island, Portsmouth PO2 8DX. Tel: 02392 628672/8670/8671/8667. 6 The Wren Captain Alison Towler Royal Navy - From Blue to Gold and Beyond … Entering the gates of HMS Raleigh with a sense of pride but much trepidation in the summer of 1987, my expectations of a career in the WRNS and Royal Navy were limited to say the least. A couple of years’ time-filling before walking down the aisle with the man of my dreams was all my aspiration. How wrong I was! Depending on your view-point, it was the dawn of an age of ‘enlightenment’ for the Armed Forces as far as women were concerned, but the beginning of the end of life as they knew it for those then serving under the motto, “Never at Sea”. I recall having been asked during the selection process whether I would be prepared to bear arms and serve afloat, the positive responses to which had come naturally. Determination not to be funnelled along the established path for women of that time fuelled my insistence on early professional training. Thus began the trend of service towards the front line with men and little contact with my fellow Wrens. Within 5 years I was preparing for my first deployment on board Type 21 Frigate HMS Active, where I was to be the only woman on board. Overcoming the scepticism of many of the men, particularly I have to say, Senior Rates – some of whom were still refusing to salute female officers – and the outright hostility of wives and sweethearts, was a challenge. But I played ship’s hockey, yelled as loudly as any as a Section Base Officer, proudly bore a sword in public (previously unheard of) while leading our contingent on the march through Liverpool at the Battle of the Atlantic commemorations, batted down helicopters - hopefully with some degree of grace – and was in fairly short order adopted by the ship’s company as one of them. Happy times indeed. The Navy was opening many doors to women at that time, and I left my first steamer for the joys of legal training in London and life not only in the S&S branch but as a barrister. It was only then the illegality of the restrictions placed on women and inequality of opportunity became apparent to me. But the tide of change was by then in full flood, such that by the time I returned to sea in Supply Charge in 1998 in HMS Norfolk, serving alongside at least 20 female officers and ratings, distinction between men and women of the surface fleet was barely discernible. There was still much to do, and thereafter, working at Navy Command and Head Office (aka the MOD), I was fortunate indeed to be at the centre of many policy and legislative changes that made life for women and disadvantaged groups far more fair in the long run. The transition from 2/O WRNS to Lt RN and beyond came relatively easily to me. I know it was not so for very many Wrens, and latterly with time to look up and around rather than constantly “doing”, I have come to appreciate far more readily the sacrifices and loss experienced by so many whose expectations were dashed as doors opened to such as I. But the women who went before me were the real trail blazers. Without the vision of the inestimable company of our wartime Directors Dames Katharine and Vera through to Commandants Larken and Spencer, many of us would not have had the opportunities we enjoyed during our years of Service and beyond. Along with meeting the needs of her time, vision for the future was clearly part of Dame Katharine’s make- up, no doubt prompting her to found this Association in 1920. The preparations for our Centenary next year with its varied programme of what promise to be memorable and exciting events underline the vibrancy of the Association, and the commitment of our Trustees and members to take it forward. I see 2020 marking an exciting juncture and springboard into the future. Coming hot on the heels of the fabulous WRNS Centenary in 2017, it will be an important opportunity for members, including those not part of the Branch and informal group structure, to celebrate our heritage and commitment to one another. I do encourage all who are able to participate as much as possible. Thereafter there will be much to do to keep the Association strong and its members flourishing under its support in a modern world. It is a huge privilege to have been invited to take on the role of President of the Association at such a pivotal point in its history. I would like to thank my predecessor, Commandant Anthea Larken CBE, for her sage counsel during our handover period, and her continuing support to me and to the Association as Senior Vice President. I wish her every success in her continuing endeavours, and commit myself to your service. Captain Alison Towler Royal Navy – President of the Association of Wrens The Wren 7 PRO REPORT Many of you will have The worst weather of the last few months occurred as realised that I’m gradually we dodged the huge puddles at Victory Gate and then handing over elements made our way to the ship. However two hours later we of the PRO role which emerged onto the flight deck and up onto the ‘ski-jump’ has gradually grown over as the sun struggled to shine feeling triumphant that the years and evolved we’d survived the ladders, the lengthy flats, and the into quite a mixed bag of weather! responsibilities, both exciting What’s next? More publicity to attract new members and challenging - and time- via a project to identify museums where our flyers can consuming! This is work in be put on display; military, community and specialist progress moving towards museums would all be worth contacting. Please let me Vicki Taylor taking over the know if you have any suggestions, or better still, make website News page as she contact yourself and become part of the team! Celia Saywell MBE can double-up with the AOW Celia Saywell MBE 01792 641747 / 07794 800272 FB page. Jackie Whitmarsh [email protected] or will be keeping the Noticeboard and Events up to [email protected] date and will generally manage the whole website. Events management and support will be a team effort with Lin and Katharine packing up the goods and Lyn Gannon and Sarah (WRNS BT) recruiting volunteers to help at the stall. This is latterly proving STANDARD BEARERS to be quite a difficult task, please consider supporting your organisation. We are very fortunate that Sarah REPORT (WRNS BT) provides the gazebo and liaises with the RNRMC when transport and support on site are required. Thanks to the staff and everyone who volunteers to make these events a success. I’m currently continuing with media enquiries of which A great Out of Town there have been many this D-Day 75th anniversary. meeting at Portsmouth Year. Also collating memories for the special D-Day in May. Thank you feature shared by those who were serving in June Portsmouth Branch. 1944, by phone or by transcribing accounts.The I met a lot of ladies at standard of handwriting by the ladies in their nineties the OOT meeting. I puts me to shame! The research requests seem am sorry I don’t know to be increasing and Georgina is a good back-up your names, but thank for the research - ‘everyone’ wants to write about you for your kind ‘the Wrens’! We have to put a lot of people ‘right’! words and support. All of the PR material is now up to date, a 4 page Looking forward to application form, A5 flyer/poster, and two sizes of this summer as your adverts for publications, either hard copy or online. National Standard Recently we’ve been mentioned in a French digital Bearer. Hoping it is magazine ‘Quest’ (thanks to Marie Scott’s award!), not too hot, but dry. and in an Evening Standard supplement. We are Attending NAFD booked to feature in the National Armed Forces Day Salisbury, RNA publication and have adverts in the Northumbrian Biennial at Whitehall, Hospital Guide, and Country Life magazine, as well (dates in my last as the usual Naval magazines. I hope this reassures report). Please come those who query whether we spread ourselves along if you can. widely enough and please bear in mind that I continue to attend advertising COSTS us! All members are welcome these parades in our to display our flyers in their local outlets, please let campervan, where the office know if you’re interested. I’ve heard that possible - much easier Barbara McGregor is covering the country, and even than booking hotels, overseas, with a snowstorm of 2020 stickers! etc. Best day of the last few months was, at very short Keep our Standards notice, organising a group of 16 to visit HMS Queen flying high. Elizabeth, courtesy of the CO and WO1 (AC) Jenny Chris Walker Scrivener, plus several ratings (who were really anxious to go on weekend, but were very helpful and courteous!) 8 The Wren Branch ReportS Wellingborough, Kettering and District Branch reports should consist of no more than 120 – 130 words Our small branch of nine dedicated members expanded this year as we welcomed two new members. We have not including details of meeting enjoyed monthly activities, including a delicious cream arrangements. tea, a BBQ with a bring and buy, lunches out, visit to a garden centre and an excellent Christmas lunch at Knuston Hall. Belfast We attended and celebrated the surprise 90th birthday of one of our members, Pauline Perry. Sadly, we attended the funeral of a local Wren, Margaret We have had a very quiet year. We still meet up Hodgson. regularly for tea, cake and a good catch up. The Our Chairperson, Jo Wright, stepped down this year Master Mariners very kindly invited us to come to their after many years at the helm and we thanked her for monthly lunch held in a local Yacht club. Some of us all that she did for our branch, holding us together have attended a few times and have been made very whilst we were in danger of not existing, through lack welcome. of members. Andrea Treeby has stepped up to the We meet on the first Saturday of the month (September mark as Chairperson and we welcomed her as our till May) in the Mission to Seafarers at 1500. new leader. Contact Ann Blachford on 02891468613 Contact [email protected], if you would like to or email [email protected] join our merry little bunch, ranging in age from 59 (I’m the sprog) to 96 – you would be most welcome. Ipswich Kay Sandell Branch Secretary We have met with an Association member from Stowmarket and enjoyed lunch with Cambridge and Norwich groups. We will be with Cambridge for lunch in mid June. Sadly, one of our members died last November - Peggy Bailey will be greatly missed as she joined in all activities. A new member, Lyn Sturgess, has been welcomed from the WRNR. We attended the Ipswich Remembrance Parade and joined with the RNA for their Annual Dinner and had a pleasant time at our Christmas lunch, with those who are not always able to come to meetings. We meet at 12 St Margaret’s Green, Ipswich, at 1400 on the second Monday in the month. Sonia Worrall Wellingborough, Kettering and District members Stafford and District

We had our annual Bring and Buy in April, a ‘Picnic in the Park’ enjoying the glorious weather in May and lunch at Trentham Gardens in June. In October we Fundraising for 2020 were delighted to welcome Val Freeman of Adelaide Thank you! Thank you! Thank You! Branch who was visiting relatives in the UK. In Huge thank you to the following for raising November we had a show-and-tell of stitchery, soft toys and knitting all beautifully made by our ladies funds and to all the individual donors and also attended the Remembrance Day Service - Edinburgh and District Branch and Parade in Stafford. Christmas was a low key - Pembrokeshire Branch event with just an ordinary meeting rounded off with - Wellingborough and Kettering Branch complimentary mince pies. - USA Reunion June 2019 Our meetings are held in the Bird in Hand Pub, September to May on the third Tuesday of the month - The Steam Train Excursion with outside activities in June and July from 1300 – - Wrens Out Walking 1500. Sue Johnson (Chair & Secretary) 01785 220891 The Wren 9 INFORMAL GROUPS Fareham Our Coffee Mornings continue to attract, on average, 43 ladies each month. Since our last report we have had a trip out on the Solent and up the Beaulieu River to view Bucklers Hard from the water on a beautiful hot sunny June day. In September we had a trip on a steam train on the Watercress Line. Our Christmas lunch was as successful as ever with almost 70 members and guests attending. Once again, this year, we held a lunchtime annual skittles; it was a fierce competition!! We have just had a trip to the Blandford Fashion Museum; stopping for lunch en route. The Museum was in a charming Georgian house and after a talk and a wander around the displays we had tea and cake before departing. We meet on the first Tuesday of the month at the Ferneham Hall, Fareham at 1000. Please come along if you would like to join us on a regular basis or if you are visiting the area. A warm welcome awaits you. Contact Barbara Mason 01489 600031, [email protected] Lytham St Annes

Our ‘designated baker’ Dorothy Haynes departed to Devon but our latest member Dee has taken over the ‘mantle’ and her very edible cakes and biscuits have been enjoyed by all. In May the group and friends enjoyed a visit to Port Sunlight organised by Rosemary Southern. After a week of rain and wind we were blessed with a beautiful sunny day. Several ladies were heard to say “we must come back” it is such an interesting place. Sister Isabel is off on travels to Malaysia to join in the celebrations to mark the 60th Anniversary of the start of a school she worked in for the local children. We concluded the Spring Season after our June meeting with lunch at the Glendower, now ready for the summer. Sheila Nicholson 01253 402415

Events - lack of volunteers At events taking place around the UK (as listed in the Spring 2019 issue - page 35 - and on our website) the Association tries to have a stall which not only advertises and promotes the Association but also sells our sales items. Unfortunately, it has not been possible to find enough volunteers to man a stall at either Yeovilton Air Day or Portsmouth Families Day. This is extremely disappointing in that the Association will not be represented at either of these major events. Please support your Association by giving a couple of hours to promote us - and to enjoy time with friends - on a fun day out at future events. Thank you. Chairman AOW 10 The Wren The Wren 11 National Armed Forces Weekend Armed Forces Day 2019 Salisbury The Association of Wrens and the WRNS BT were allocated a stand at Salisbury Armed Forces weekend, which was manned by lots of volunteers. It was a very hot, very busy weekend and AOW goods were sold and more importantly, lots of AOW applications were handed out, so hopefully some new Associations members will be forthcoming. The AOW relies on our Trustees and volunteers to man the stand, so thank you ladies: Friday – Sarah Ayton & Lyn Gannon Saturday – Sarah Ayton, Lyn Gannon, Kathy Rolls, Lisa Snowdon and Cathy Sheldon Sunday – Lyn Gannon, Lisa Snowden and Georgie Peters Lyn Gannon Sale of Goods Trustee Plymouth The weather reports all talked about the temperature in France and other parts of Salisbury Europe but up on Plymouth Hoe it was on a par with, if not hotter, than anywhere in Europe. The AOW stall was busy from 0900 onwards whilst six members marched with the rest of the Veterans. As is now the norm volunteers to set up and run the stall came from Plymouth IG, Drake and Exeter Branches, many thanks to all those “Jennies”. Members not able to help out stopped to speak and see how we were doing. Numerous former Wrens along with serving and veterans visited – however the minute they admitted they did not belong to the AOW at least one, and sometimes two, of us were out the front talking to them about the AOW and making sure they had both local branch and group details and how to join. Hopefully this will result in some more former and serving ladies joining us. The day started with a memorial service and wreath laying followed by the parade of Plymouth standards and Veterans marching then various displays ranging from the local schools “mini” Field Gun Competition, inter-service Field Gun competition, Plymouth Pipe-band, RM Unarmed Combat, Rock Choir and Military Wives Choir ending at 1700 with displays by the Navy Wings Sea Fury, RAF BBMF Spitfire and the RAF Red Arrows Aerobatic Team. A good day out for families and for those who still had the energy and stamina, the evening continued with a concert featuring the RM Plymouth Function Band and various tribute bands. Nancy Hill Gloucester Cheltenham Branch were at Gloucester’s Armed Forces Day, based around Gloucester’s Historic Docks. ‘Up spirits’ l to r, Laura Leonard, Nikki Bodkin, Jane Evans-Hoon, Brenda Adams, Jo Storey, Jocelyn Harding. Gloucester 12 The Wren 2020 Scuttlebutt ! Latest Gossip ! WOW Not just Wrens Out Walking but how things are dinner that evening in the Royal Scots Club. Sunday moving on with planning for our milestone year and morning a church service at Canongate Kirk Church proving that you are all ready for a party!! after which free time to explore the sites of Edinburgh. The steam train Application forms will be included in the Spring 2020 numbers exceeded all edition of The Wren. expectations, we had For our first event in March at the FAA Museum, booked 2 coaches of several rooms have been reserved at The Hollies the train to provide Hotel at Bower Hinton. A booking form for this is on the 128 places but the website and also available from AOW Headquarters. reserve list got so Fundraising for the monument has been amazing and long we had to book a thank you to all who have donated so far. The names extra seats in a third and service details of all donors will be included in a carriage. By the time bound volume as a historic record of our Centenary. you get to read this Plans for Wrens Out Walking (WOW) in various the event will have happened, we hope for a lovely parts of the country with Barbara McGregor are taking summer’s day at the seaside. A thank you to Kathy shape so join in and walk a little or a lot to spread Carter for all her hard work in organising the trip and the word that Wrens are celebrating our Centenary. our bag of treats! You can’t go to the seaside without WOW was launched with a walk from Greenwich to having some rock sweets. The Tower of London on 6 July 2019. No sooner had the Spring magazine ‘hit the streets’ Fundraising when the applications for our Centenary Year launch of dinner at the Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton on Saturday 21 March 2020 started arriving in HQ. Within 4 weeks we were three-quarters full (maximum number 180) and there is now a reserve list. This will be a very special evening celebrating who we are, our heritage and our future. Blue and Gold Together to show that although women in the navy have changed their blue badges for gold we still share the same spirit and enjoy a good party! A Grand Raffle could win you £1,500, £1,000 or £500 Application forms for the unveiling of our Centenary not to mention lots of other prizes. Books of tickets are monument event on Wednesday 10 June 2020 will be now available so please help by buying and selling as in the Winter edition of The Wren and will again give many tickets as possible. priority to Association members. Although this event The 2020 Out of Town Meeting will take place on will accommodate 320 members, demand for places is Saturday 16 May 2020 in the Exeter area, (more expected to be great as branches and informal groups details to follow), which will include an accommodation have already started planning to attend. Don’t forget option. Watch out for details in the Winter edition of we will also be organising an accommodation package The Wren. and details of this package will be available as soon as Apart from our three National Events we hope possible. branches and informal groups will organise an event The event will centre on The WRNS Garden at the in their local area. This can take the form of anything National Memorial Arboretum with a service in the you think would appeal to our members. Portsmouth garden (in the NMA Chapel in the event of inclement Branch have already expressed their interest in weather), and the unveiling of our commemorative organising a 2020 event. Also, York Branch have now monument followed by a reception and lunch in the arranged a weekend in York from 11 to 13 September new NMA events centre. The design of the building 2020. This will include a service at York Minster at gives a panoramic view of the National Memorial and 1300 hours on the Saturday, followed by a high tea is beautifully appointed for the reception and lunch. It at a local venue. Friday and Saturday evening get will be a set meal with dietary option. togethers are also planned. Further details including Friday 2 to Monday 5 October 2020 accommodation to follow. Our finalé event in Edinburgh will be an action-packed A complete diary of events will be kept in HQ and weekend with a reception on the Friday evening in we ask that anybody organising an event to please Edinburgh Castle courtesy of the Governor of the contact the office so that it can be recorded on the Castle Major General M Riddell-Webster CBE DSO. 2020 planner ensuring that events don’t clash. The Association AGM on Saturday afternoon and Carol Gibbon Chair 2020 Committee The Wren 13 Wrens Reunion in the USA June 2019 After months of planning we finally got to Shepherdstown in West Virginia to attend the Wrens reunion in the USA, 3 from the UK and 8 former Wrens now living in the States plus one American Naval Lady. Most of us had been communicators in the WRNS so we all spoke the same language! We had an amazing time and were very grateful and appreciative to Carol Asam whose inspiration it had been to arrange this wonderful reunion in her family’s beautiful hotel in Shepherdstown with wonderful views of the Potomac River. Most of the girls arrived on Sunday 9 June and that’s when the party started! A full itinerary had been arranged by Carol. Monday - Antietam Battlefield, Tuesday a breakfast meeting with the Rotary Club from Shepherdstown with each of us giving a brief history of our time in the WRNS, which they all appeared to enjoy. That morning we were joined by a lady named Mrs Margaret Olcott who was 103 and who had served during WWII as a Wave. She was the equivalent to a Bletchley Girl. On Wednesday we went to a place called Harper’s Ferry where we had a private tour of the National Park. It was famed for the John Brown raid on slavery. Wednesday we all boarded a coach to go to Luray where Carol and her husband had another Hotel called the Mimslyn Inn. After lunch we visited the amazing Caverns, which were quite breath taking. We finished the day looking around a small motor museum housing some very old cars. Thursday we all went to Summit Point Raceway where we were able to ride in a Crown Vic ex Police Car driven round at high speed. Some of the girls also got to ride in a Mazda MX5 while others including myself, had an opportunity to ride in a Maclaren 570S sports car again driven at ultra high speed. Another amazing experience! That afternoon most of the girls departed to their respective homes. What wonderful memories and experiences which we will never forget, all thanks to our time in the WRNS and our membership of the Association. We cannot thank Carol Asam enough for her inspiration and her organisation. Not only did she plan this amazing reunion but she also promoted the Association of Wrens and even had some application forms just in case any of the girls were not members! She also raised a considerable amount of money for the AOW by purchasing several items from the Centenary collection of sales items and then offered them to the girls to buy by having a silent auction. In all we raised 178$ (£140) which will contribute to the Centenary Monument at the WRNS garden next year. All in all, a splendid and very generous offer by Carol A. If you would like to see where we were all based visit: www.bavarianinnwv.com. Carol Gibbon

Thank you for your unfailing support since I came up with the concept idea for a reunion in the USA, what an amazing group of ladies attended. Most had never met before and one even drove over 8 hours, by herself, to join us without knowing a single person that was going to be there. Needless to say, we all became instant friends! I would also personally like to thank everyone who not only made the journey from far and wide but graciously accepting my agenda and embracing everything with such enthusiasm and congeniality. What an incredible few days we spent together and in l to r Averill Carroll (Palm Beach USA), Melanie Arnott (Mattoon Illinois the end we all lingered, saying our goodbyes USA), Dorothy Bowers (Palm City Florida USA), Denise Duggin-Smith over and over, no one wanted to be the first (Alexandria, Virginia USA) Mary Hawthornthwaite (Cheltenham UK), in their car to drive off. Thank you ladies for Catherine Rosbottom (Louisville, Kentucky USA) Sue Cullen (Poole,UK) making this event such a success just by being Carol Asam (Shepherdstown, West Virgina USA), Beverley Rome you, former Wrens rule! We can all be located (Arlington Virginia USA), Carol Gibbon (Swindon UK),Gayle Donovan. in areas of USA, anyone else out there who (Suffolk Virginia USA) would like to make contact we would love to hear from you. Marci Woolston (DC USA) also attended Carol Asam 14 The Wren Wrens Out Walking (WOW) Launch - London - Saturday 6 July 2019

Donations can be made via Justgiving.com/ Associationofwrens

At the inaugural WOW event in London we enjoyed a wonderful day. The objective was to raise awareness of the AOW 2020 celebrations, to raise funds for the AOW charity and to bring former members of the WRNS together with women of the RN today – Blue met Gold and believe me when I say it was magnificent on all accounts. From ORNC Greenwich where we were invited into the Painted Hall, Greenwich Chapel and sat on the WRNS bench we then moved onto Yeoman Warder Gary Burridge, exCPO RN warmly hosted the group HMS Belfast via the Thames Clipper at the Tower of London where Ngaire treated us to tea and cake in the Officers Mess. Moving swiftly onto the IWM we stopped for a picnic in the gardens taking photos in front of the 15 inch Naval guns of HMS Ramillies, Roberts and Resolution. Next onto the UJC who kindly hosted us supplying more tea, coffee and cake, we continued our journey along the embankment to the SOE Memorial Garden to witness the inspiring stories of Violette Szabo. Continuing onto Westminster and up via Birdcage Walk we arrived in front of Buckingham Palace where our able Naval Photographer, Sue Emery, managed to stop all the visiting public in order to take a photograph of our troop of walkers – well done Sue. Walking down The Mall, through Horse Guards arches into Westminster we arrived at The Women of the World War II Memorial. Luckily for us the Pride celebrations meant the road was blocked off and again we were able to take advantage of the opportunity to stand right up close to the monument. Attempting to ensure we remained on time we continued toward St Mary Le Strand to be greeted with tea, coffee and even more cake that was really appreciated by us all having walked nearly 10 miles at this stage. Remaining on schedule, still with sufficient energy to get to the finish line in the Tower, we soldiered on to West Gate to be met by a Yeoman Warder who introduced us to the history of the setting, taking yet more photographs and hosting us in the Yeoman’s Mess. A truly perfect day which we hope will motivate others in the AOW to organise many more events nationally. Barbara McGregor Steam Train Excursion Thursday 4 July The sun shone and 142 members and their guests gathered at Bishop Lydeard station to board a steam train bound for Minehead. The West Somerset Railway had never coped with such a large single party and initially there was a little confusion over boarding the train, for which they have apologised, but we were soon on our way with lunch served as we left the station. The catering manager and his staff, predominantly volunteers, moved up and down our carriages working tirelessly to ensure we all had wine or a soft drink to accompany our lunch. There were scheduled stops along the way and a chance to view the Somerset countryside as the chatter and decibel level rose. Minehead’s station is sited virtually on the Promenade and soon we had all spilled out into the sunshine, and thankfully a wonderful breeze, to taste locally made ice creams or to visit the little harbour or simply walk along the Promenade. Pitch and putt golf was popular or just soaking up the sun and all too soon we had to be back on board the train for the return journey where a magnificent clotted cream tea was laid ready for us. A wonderful trip, with enormous thanks to Kathy Carter for all her arrangements and to her team of helpers assisting with boarding, selling raffle tickets or braided keyrings and generally ensuring everyone was happy. A great day much enjoyed and a thanks to everyone on the trip who helped raise over £1,100 for 2020 funds. Barbara Bignell, Carole Southall and Sue Dunster Well done everyone. Rita Hoddinott about to board the train The Wren 15 PEOPLE AND PLACES From Bus to Palace I first met Janice Slater (Switch Op Janice Evans 1953-57) on a local bus going to Nottingham in 2016. It was pretty crowded so I picked one of the few available seats and pulled out my copy of The Wren. “Excuse me” said a little voice “but where did you get your magazine”. Well only a former Wren would make such an enquiry so we chatted away and swopped notes and I ripped out the page with joining information and gave it to Janice. We said our goodbyes and went our separate ways. Fast forward to April 2017 and a reception given by the Sheriff of Not- tingham for WRNS100 and who should be there but Janice! She had joined the AOW and now attended Nottingham Branch meetings which I was now also able to do. So a friendship was formed and we only live round the corner from each other! We may have served at different times (I was a Writer (S) from 1968-73) but our experiences were much the same (say no more!) We have been to many events together since that bus ride, culminating in our visit to Buckingham Palace on 23 May for the Not Forgotten Association Garden Party. What a journey that bus ride led us to! Carole Southall (L/Wren (S)) and Carole Fisher

Air Mechs Reunite From a casual remark over a cup of coffee last September we three girls, Annie Griffiths, Lynne Cranie and my- self, Terry Taylor, decided to try and organise another reunion, only 26 years after our first Air Mechs Reunion for girls who had joined up before the end of 1980. After a bit of planning we finally got together for a second time on Saturday 8 June and it was certainly worth waiting for. What a fabulous night, 52 ladies gathered together and the evening just flew by. Reminiscing and remembering faces and friendships from those wonderful, wonderful days. What a fantastic bunch. Terry Taylor 16 The Wren Valentine’s Day Rose of Honour sees Wrens Commemorated at Sultan A rose of honour was planted at HMS Sultan on Valentine’s Day to remember Wrens who had lost their lives while serving in the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS). The Rose, donated by the Solent Branch of the Association of Wrens, was planted in a memorial garden which was constructed by the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Angling Association, and runs alongside Fort Rowner Moat. The formation of the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS) took place in 1917 under the initial leadership of Dame Katharine Furse. In 1990 the Royal Navy recognised that Wrens in service were not being used to their full potential and asked for volunteer WRNS Officers to go to sea, with the initial group of 20 joining the type 22 frigate, HMS Brilliant. By November 1993 the Women’s Royal Naval Service in which 4535 Wrens had been serving, was disbanded with all members encouraged to serve at sea. The Rose which was selected for the garden at HMS Sultan was ‘The Wren’ Rose, which had been specially commissioned in 2007 as part of the 90th anniversary commemorations of the WRNS, with the variety launched at the Chelsea Flower Show that year. The Association of Wrens was formed in 1920. With HRH The Princess Royal as its Patron, the Association still offers its services to Wrens who wish to keep in touch with friends and colleagues from service days. Over 4,000 women members from both the UK and overseas share a unique camaraderie based on their determination L to r Sue Capocci and Cdr Jules Philo that the spirit of the service is kept alive. Photograph: PO Photographer Nicola Harper Members of the AOW, including Solent Branch Secretary Sue Capocci, were among those present at the planting ceremony. Sue, who had served as a Wren between 1976- 1990 said: “Wrens performed so many important roles within the Women’s Royal Naval Service and we are honoured that HMS Sultan have allowed us to plant this rose as a poignant reminder of those who gave so much for us all.” HMS Sultan Executive Officer, Commander Jules Philo said: “It’s been wonderful to welcome so many of our local members of the Association of Wrens to HMS Sultan for this special commemoration. The WRNS contributed so much towards shaping today’s Royal Navy. Their rich history is full of interesting stories which are just as inspiring to our Service women with the limitless opportunities they now have. I am delighted that we are able to recognise their sacrifice and achievement in this way.” Fife and the Rosyth Military Wives Choir Fife Branch had the honour and privilege of enjoying an evening of a fun filled talk incorporated with several musical numbers from The Rosyth Military Wives Choir at our April meeting. It was amazing to hear the wonderful and beautiful sounds made by 8 ladies. We opened our Branch meeting up to family and friends, so they too, could enjoy this very special experience. The choir reinforced the physical, mental and spiritual benefits of how music and being part of a choir, can help your general wellbeing. They are looking for new recruits, any Scottish members who are interested in finding out more, contact: rosyth@ militarywiveschoirs.org or (google ‘Military Wives Choirs’ for contact details in other areas near you). Our Branch members are looking forward to their summer meal at the end of June and some ‘sea time’ as we enjoy a folk night sailing on the Forth, aboard ‘The Maid of The Forth’. We should hopefully see the current construction progress on the Aircraft carrier, The Prince of Wales. If you would like to join our branch, we generally meet the last Wednesday of each month at Rosyth Civil Service Club 7.30pm. For further information contact Yvonne Thorpe, [email protected] The Wren 17 Mary Shipton in Charge of HMS Monmouth Crew

This photo was taken on Saturday 30 March after 120+ members of the crew of HMS Monmouth had exercised their freedom of the town and marched through their own ship’s crest (The Monnow Bridge) behind a RM Band. It was fabulous. After the civic reception, I as Chairman of Monmouth RNA, was taking some of the lads to the Conservative Club where we were hosting them. A photographer, Peter Garwood leapt out in front of us and took this photo. Made my day!!!! Mary Shipton

Edinburgh & District Branch Summer Outing – 10 June 2019 The Edinburgh & District Branch of the Association were blessed with a beautiful June day for our summer outing 2019! 11 Branch members (Carrie Anderson, Anne Cameron, Sharon Cox-Kaszuba, Karen Elliot, Nicola Finlay, Anna Innes, Jennifer Lang, Liz Skinner, Kim Strachan, Kath Taylor, Carol Thomson) and visiting Association member from America (Margaret Tedrick) enjoyed a lovely visit to the Palace of Holyrood House, Edinburgh. The Palace is the official residence of HM The Queen in Scotland and there are many items from the Royal Collection on display there. Using our Defence Discount Service cards we were able to gain entry free of charge – a bonus! We wandered through the Palace and the grounds which are beautifully maintained and ready for this year’s Royal Garden Party. Two Branch members, Mary Goodall and Margaret Runcie, who were unable to join us on our June outing will be at the Palace in July, attending the Royal Garden Party representing our Branch. We hope they’re blessed with a beautiful day too! After our visit to the Palace, we wandered part way up the Royal Mile to the Canon’s Gait Kitchen for a bite to eat and some refreshments. A lovely afternoon was had by all. The visit to the Palace of Holyrood House was the first of three summer outings this year; the second being a visit to the Aircraft Carrier Alliance Visitor Centre, Rosyth Dockyard on Saturday 29 June; and the third is a tour of the City Chambers, Edinburgh and afternoon tea with the Right Honourable Lord Lieutenant of Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Frank Ross. The Ladies able to attend each of these trips are thoroughly looking forward to them. Karen Elliot 18 The Wren The London Supper Club Swansea Branch at the Market! The London Supper Club met for the first time in Janu- 30 May 2019 ary 2019 and eight founder members enjoyed a Burns Night Supper at The Civil Service Club - a great start. Further to this inaugural meeting it was agreed that we would meet every other month on the second Thurs- day of the month in January, March, May, July, Sep- tember and November. Our next supper in March was at The Victory Services Club where we hosted two guests, both visiting AOW members, and increased our group members to nine. Our May supper took us to Ping Pong in Covent Garden where we all enjoyed Dim Sum and Cocktails, the latter enjoyed free as a perk of signing up to their newsletter. Our next supper in July will be held at Piccolino in Mayfair.We have en- joyed additional events, billed as ‘Supper Club Extra Portions’, where we have tried Korean Fried Chicken and then retired to the Civil Service Club to enjoy ‘Fizz Friday’ where particularly keenly priced Pink Prosec- co flows as readily as the conversation. Future ‘Extra l to r Penny Taylor, Penny Marner, Dot Daulby, Natalie Portions’ events will include a link up with the Essex McCombe, Celia Saywell, Margaret Leatherland Wrens Informal Group to have a private tour of Trinity House in February 2020. St Anne’s Informal Group The venue changes from meeting to meeting and Some of our group asked if we could visit Port we generally meet at 6.30pm for a 7pm sit down. Sunlight Village on the Wirral. Instead of our monthly For further details and to join the group please gathering ten of us with six friends hired a mini bus email [email protected] and went to Port Sunlight Village on May 13th. We were blessed with the weather and a conducted tour of Lord Leverhulme’s wonderful purpose built village for his workers was enjoyed greatly. Some wanting to return as it is such an interesting place. Rosemary Southern

The Inaugural Burns Night Supper l to r: Rosie Stewart, Suzie Johns, Janet Pierpoint, Veronica Radakin, Annette Caputo, Shelagh Denny, Janette Crisp, Siobhan Hanlon. STOLL helps Veterans find long-term social housing • Stoll is the UK’s leading provider of supported housing for Veterans. • We provide award-winning, high-quality housing at social rents and support services that enable Veterans to live independently. • For more information visit www.stoll.org.uk About the Veterans’ Nomination Scheme The VNS matches Veterans in need of housing with an appropriate home and has now found housing for more than 500 Veterans. We are calling on more Local Authorities and Housing Associations to join the VNS and allocate properties to Veterans and help to reduce homelessness among the Veterans community. The Wren 19 A Rose Between Two Thorns I thought I would bring to your attention a Garden Party at Bucking- ham Palace for the “NOT FORGOTTEN ASSOCIATION” service- men and women injured during service in HM Forces. I have just celebrated, at the age of 83 years young, 113 years of 4 generations of the RMLI to RM Corp since 1906, I was escorted by my daughter Heather, a day we will always remember, I thought the picture taken of all three of us said, “A ROSE BETWEEN TWO THORNS.” You may like to publish it as these two ladies said they receive your mag- azine so they may have the photo if printed. Donald M Ligertwood RMA. Royal Marines Historical Society 609.

“Jenny Wren” Who would have expected returning from Easter leave on Tuesday 23 April to HMS Drake, to find an Eddie Stobart Lorry parked on the Parade Ground/car park? That is exactly what they did find, due to Gill Chapman’s comment some time ago about her “bucket wish list”. Thanks to Pat Clinton, Frances Townsend and Lyn Gannon, amongst others, Gill, along with her family, friends and some serving female Writers, spent a few hours climbing in and out of the cab and being driven round the area outside the WO&SR’s Mess. Tea and coffee started the visit off, followed by photos and interviews with various media sites, lunch in the WO&SR’s Mess, followed with even more photos and media interviews. Gill was presented with an Eddie Stobart miniature lorry, named Jenny Wren of course, mug, mouse-mat and other memorabilia. All this was achieved via John Dickson, from the Eddie Stobart Group, the driver of “Jenny Wren”, the co-operation of NBC Devonport, Cdre Peter Coulson, HMNB Commander, Colonel Simon Chapman RM (no relation), the WO&SR’s Mess President, WO Gordon Hannah and of course the staff of the mess. Pat Clifton

Exeter Branch 70th Birthday A good excuse for a buffet and cake is never to be ignored and the branch did not pass up the opportunity. Along with some guests we enjoyed a birthday celebration, reminiscing about previous birthdays and members who helped the branch continue over the years. We continue to meet on the first Thursday of the month at the White Ensign Club from 1200 onwards. For further information please contact [email protected] or [email protected] Nancy Hill 20 The Wren Fareham Ladies Do it in Style! D-Day Southsea Parade 6 June 2019

l to r: Anne Paternotte, Kathy Cockcroft, Denise Shepherd, Carrie Hands, Sue Stephens, Anne Miller, Val Gleave and Barbara Mason. As a result of fundraising that we did last year and continue to do again this year for The Not Forgotten Association, the Fareham Informal Group received a very kind invitation for some ladies to attend their Annual Garden Party held at Buckingham Palace in the presence of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester. We decided to go in style! The limousine arrived and we had a group photo taken and then l to r Gail Foster and Val Gleave the driver gave us instructions on how to get in and out of the vehicle in a very ladylike manner … knees together!! We journeyed with 60s music playing and drinking a few bubbles. Upon arriving in the vicinity of Buckingham Palace, the driver pulled over into the inside lane to ask a policeman where he could drop us off. The policeman duly stopped the two outside lanes to allow the limousine back out into the flow of traffic and directed us to the area between The Queen Victoria Memorial and the gates into Buckingham Palace; we couldn’t have got any closer. Another photograph outside the limousine with the Palace in the background – the VIPs had arrived!! We had the most fantastic time at the Garden Party – mingling amongst the guests, talking to and having photographs taken with the celebrities, listening to the band, eating sandwiches, cakes and strawberries and cream and soaking up the grand atmosphere. After Beat the Retreat it was time to depart and make our way back to the limousine in exactly the same spot where we had been dropped off, I really don’t know how the driver managed it. All eyes were on us: Anne Paternotte, Kathy Cockcroft, Denise Shepherd, Carrie Hands, Sue Stephens, Anne Miller, Val Gleave and Barbara Mason. There were more bubbles for the journey home. We had such a special memorable day. Fareham Jennies did it in style!! Barbara Mason, Fareham Informal Group The Wren 21 Remembering D-Day 75 years on

I have received a most rewarding response to my call for anecdotes and photos from those ladies serving during the D-Day period – thank you all very much. Some of the reminiscences are short extracts from longer pieces but all will be kept for posterity. On reflection, to receive your careful handwritten contributions has been a privilege and joy in this age of hasty emails. I have also enjoyed those to whom I’ve spoken and have discovered just how resourceful and feisty former Wrens can be in their 90th decade. BZ to you all. Celia Saywell MBE Public Relations Officer

Patricia Davies (Owtram) Wren Special DutiesY Suzanne Sparrow (Cole) stationed at Abbotscliff Listening Station for PO Wren Boats Crew intercepting German coded message. Increased Coxswain HMS Defiance. activity as 5 June drew near, 1/0 Walker WRNS “We were trained as collected the Orders for the 5th, but it was the 6th seaman, learning all about when they all went out onto the cliff-top (including knots and drill in HMS many Officers who had rushed out of their quarters) Drake,” said Suzanne. “It to see the last of the convoy passing, the Mulberry was really exciting I was harbours and the landing craft still visible as they working out of Flag Staff made their way to ‘Hellfire Corner’. steps in the Dockyard before moving around to Saltash passage near Alice Collins (Carpenter) Wren Writer (Pay) the Tamar Bridge, to the Drafted to Didsbury Manor RN Pay Office near Landing Craft base”. The Windsor. The Wrens shared a very swish house base was essential for with the gentrified lady owner who lived in one wing the construction, care and with her 22 King Charles spaniels, and were invited maintenance of many of to Windsor Castle to see Princess Elizabeth (HM the small boats used on the Queen) and Princess Margaret perform in their D-Day, as well as training Christmas pantomime. Alice then went to Alexandria a-d embarkation point for so reports from D-Day were received in the Mess the troops that sailed to over there! Normandy.

Marie Scott (Garcia) Wren Switchboard Rosamund Wootten (Wharton) Wren MT Driver Operator served HMS Victory RNB Portsmouth. “Leading up to D underground at Fort Day I took Ships’ Log Books up to Thatcham, Southwick. Part of nr Newbury. Nearing D-Day I remember the a watch with three roads were congested with tanks and driving to Wrens, three ATS, Thatcham the fields each side of the road were full and three WAAF. of tents and field kitchens together with thousands They had one day off of troops for miles, so we knew D Day was near. a week, mandatory to When the bombardment started we could hear go to church parade it in Portsmouth. Some of the MT Drivers were and divisions once a taken for duty to drive ambulances at night to month so only three take the wounded off the LCT’ (Landing Craft) to days off in reality. hospitals to the north of Portsmouth. Memories Conditions working underground meant Vitamin D which stay are ‘the smell of battle”. This is an deficiency was a concern so the girls had to sit in a evocative account from Rosamund, she doesn’t circle around sun-lamps to build up their resistance. include that she had to find her way in the dark, Marie says “The sight of the great fleet of ships no streetlights, signposts, or maps when a new assembled at Portsmouth was awe-inspiring”. The Wren, but was glad to have an exercise book with British Force landed early and Marie could hear hand written notes from her predecessor! Her the sound of battle through her headphones when day started at 6am refueling the vehicle, checking receiving VHF messages from the Sword Beach tyres etc, 6 days a week. Commander. 22 The Wren

Grace Friar (Crombie) Wren Officers Steward at the RN Auxilary Hospital Kingseat, Newmachar, Betty Withers (Boulter) Aberdeen in the Surgeon Rear Admiral’s L/Wren Cook (Senior residence. After a VIP meeting all the civilians Rates RM Mess) were sent on leave with just four Ratings, two at HMS Northney Hayling armed Guards and Grace left. They were pledged Island (a requisitioned to High Security, not able to leave the grounds or holiday camp (!), for have any communications with those outside for Combined Ops LCTs. three weeks. After D Day they were awarded extra Worked in a galley which leave for services rendered. Grace has given her had been a seaside Red Cross/RN I.D. card for the AOW archive. café with a flat roof. One day when all leave had been stopped they were confined to the building, Red Cross card not to go out or look out of belonging to the window. They could Grace Crombie hear footsteps going Betty Frances Withers issued at nee Boulter age 18 HMS RN Auxillary back and forth on the Dragonfly 1943 Hospital roof. A mess-man said Kingseat, “Go on, Jenny, look under Newmachar, the blind” and Betty saw General Eisenhower and Aberdeenshire FM Montgomery. The cooks were told to make a 18.6.1942 late meal for the men before they went out in the convoy.

Mary Mears (Smith) Wren SDO Watchkeeper Doreen Searby (Murphy) Wren Cook Fort HMS Sparrowhawk, RNAS Hatson, Orkney. From Southwick where, as Duty Cook she had to be January the FAA squadrons were training for the up at 3am to cook breakfasts for the survivors attack on Tirpitz. All leave stopped from March who came in, and were then sent out again. She 1944. In early May FM Montgomery visited to worked on until the late morning. She was based give a pep talk in the assembly hut. Although the at The Towers on the top of Portsdown Hill and weather in the English Channel at that time was remembers the wonderful views of ships in the not good, in Orkney it was glorious! harbour filling in from shore to shore and the sky full of planes.

Mary H Mears (née Smith) 1943-46 Margaret Boggis Wren Boats Crew joined Hatson Orkney with HMS Abatos, Force Pluto. We were ferried brothers Eric RNVR to work across the River Itchen which ran on and George RNR cables between Southampton and Woolston. September 1944. Project was to lay a pipeline under the Channel Gourock Scotland to supply fuel to the invasion troops. As D Day – the only time we approached security got tight, phone calls three met while we and letters censored. Every bit of ground was were in the services. occupied with tanks and launches and barrels of foul dense smoke to be ignited if enemy planes came near. Cinemas were crowded and there were dances on the South Parade Pier. One night there were no queues, all the men confined to Edna Courtney (Cole) PO Wren Radio Mech. camp. The sea in the Channel was rough, many Arbroath, Condor and RAF Defford where RAF and suffered from sea-sickness on the way across. A RN flight crews worked together. Edna joined the few hours later the hospital ships started coming Association at the age of 99 years and 3 months back; walking wounded and stretchers were put in February this year after seeing our advert in The on trains and whisked away. Highworth Link magazine. The Wren 23

Jean Atkins (Aitchison) Met Wren at Met Office Pauline Sperring (Tanner) Wren MT Driver HMS Lynx, Dover, working in the tunnels under HMS Victory HM Dockyard to Bletchley Park. MT the castle – just two Met Wrens and one RN Drivers went right into the nerve centre of the D Officer who was also the Flag Lt for the Admiral. Day planning at Fort Southwick and along the Shelling was fairly frequent, odd air raids and coast at Portsmouth, HMS Vernon, and the MTB flying bombs. The Americans arrived, leave base at HMS Hornet collecting boxes of coded restricted, then all leave stopped. A matelot asked messages for B.P. A young woman on her own, if she’d seen the barges in the harbour, he said no signposts, no street lights, 6 days a week, the “Look closely, the sides are made of tarpaulin”. round trip in one day. She had 4 days off a month, It was a ruse for the ‘mock’ invasion ‘Operation one of which had to be taken as Church Parade Fortitude’. Jean says that the weather situation so only three really. ‘broke’ all the rules delaying the date from the 5th to the 6th.

Brenda Rose Wall Wren Officers Steward/Writer Met Chapman Lady Elizabeth Scott (Betty) at HMS Pembroke (Monteath) Wren I. HMS Nemo was an enclosed holding area Communicator for the Invasion force. with mixed nationalities, and Secretary to Dutch, American Landing Craft troops and RN the Staff Officer Commandos. Rose went out for a ‘ride’ in a LCT at HMS Beehive, and got drenched! She mentions HMS Europa and Felixstowe where the MTBs. Rose celebrates the ongoing ‘love and she typed sailing friendship of the Wrens’. orders for the MTB’s on rice Doreen Dew (Terry) Wren SDO Watchkeeper paper and wasn’t HMS Hornet end of the pier Yarmouth I.O.W. They allowed to leave were confined there for two weeks - four Wrens, two the base until on TPs, two visual signallers during D Day period. the flotilla had The George Hotel was the mail office.and we saw sailed. “When lots of men coming off the little boats. Doreen sadly secret briefings took place I was ushered from lost her brother in the Overlord Invasion, he was the office and on one occasion was aware of an Intelligence Officer – she has visited his grave a group of commandos with very camouflaged in Bayeux many times and met HRH the Princess faces. I couldn’t help but feel nervous for them. Royal there on the 50th anniversary of D Day. Later at HMS Hornbill where a secret American unit was based, invitations to tea were enjoyable and on one occasion General Eisenhower was Doreen Galinski (Tilling) Wren Writer (G) present and I was introduced.” Doreen was due to join up on D Day but this was postponed and she joined on the 7 June 1944 at Nonwy Maw (A Davies) HMS Victory PV Wren Headingly, Leeds as a Writer (G). After 2 weeks Nonwy’s first choice of Radio Bombe Operator she moved to London and slept in the corridors Mech was not accepted and she was drafted to on mattresses trying to dodge the bombs. She Bletchley Park Outstations at Gaynor Manor and then served at Civilian Shore Wireless Service Stanmore until after the Invasion. On being re- near Chelmsford, at the Redirection Centre at categorized her strong interest in physics was Westcliffe on Sea and was discharged from Largs at last recognised and she was transferred to (Scotland) in January 1947. She recalls being Radio Mech training, at Walthamstow College, taken into London and being outside Buckingham Crosby Hall and Leydene Signal School, before Palace on VE Day. going to the Port Wireless Office in Rosyth! Nonwy is currently advising Douglas Burcham re the WRNS Mill Hill Training Deport building – Margaret Sheffield (Campling) PO Wren Writer see page 42. It was this generation’s Dauntless. HMS Pembroke & Naval Party (ANXF) Admiral Ramsay’s offices at Gillingham, Chatham, in the tunnels. She heard that the Admiral wanted Wrens Connie Gregory (Mathews) Wren Officers to replace the sailors at his HQ in France and she Steward HMS Tormentor Warsash, near River volunteered before being asked (thus losing her Hamble where the Landing Craft crews were chance to take a Commission). She crossed the trained and the Commandos for Operation Channel on the MV Prince of Wales to France in Overlord. Connie decided to change category August 1944 with 20 Wrens to HQ Courseilles, later and joined a Teleprinter Operator Course. then Rouen, then Brussels, then Minden. Attended Her fingers still work magic - she plays the piano Armistice Day Parade in Brussels 1945. as an entertainer on the SS Great Britain. 24 The Wren Enid Coxon (Young) Leading Wren Writer (Shorthand Typist) serving in the London Docks – affiliated to the Port of London Authority for the PWTO in the Royal Albert Dock. Post D-Day I joined Naval Party 1500 in August 1944 and served as a Leading Wren in Arromanches, Normandy and Calais, until the end of the war. As one of the few women who took part in Operation Overlord in Normandy, on 28 August 1944 I set sail with a group of fellow Wrens, all Writers or SDO Watchkeepers, on the HMS Ulster Monarch which moored alongside the Mulberry harbour. We were taken to the beach, from seven miles offshore, by landing craft. By the time we arrived nearly 3 months after D-Day, the beaches had been partially cleared of sea defences but the sight of clothing and equipment, forage caps, bits of tunics, berets lying on the sand was a stark reminder of the heroism and sacrifice which had been displayed not long before. On shore there were still mines not yet defused and sad scenes of dead horses, and snipers, in small outlying pockets of German resistance and major resistance in Caen and elsewhere. Arromanches was the home for the WRNS in Naval Party 1500 at the L’Oasis Hotel, now Arrotel. This French villa was the Quarters - three to a room, bare floor, and just green canvas camping equipment with no hot water for washing ourselves, or our clothes. However the NAAFI rations were transformed by our French cooks! As time passed, we were allowed to take a bath on the two big ships moored at the end of the Mulberry Harbour – this involved us going in pairs, climbing a ladder from the pontoon (which was going up and down on the swell) whilst carrying a suitcase and towel – and I could not swim!. The fields opposite our quarters were full of Army tents and we were woken each morning by Reveille – I can hear it now. I worked in the Sea Transport Office - the Naval Officer was Commander Chappel - in La Rue de la Mairie, some distance from L’Oasis. German prisoners of war had been put to work mending the roads and I had to run the gauntlet of the wolf-whistling grey-capped prisoners on my way to and from work. My typewriter and all the office equipment such as filing cabinets etc were just as the Germans had left them – I can still remember the orange paper we continued to use for minutes and notices. All activity at Arromanches was concluded in December 1944, and most personnel were transferred to Calais where I lived until my return to England. I left Calais and travelled to England back from France on a train ferry on 8 May 1945 – the very last day of the war – VE Day. Whilst I was returning to England for Officer Training at Greenwich, my Wren colleagues were leaving Calais and going on to Minden in Germany, and as a last farewell to Calais we were taken on a circuit of the town on a fire engine, with all bells ringing! I remember the warm welcome given to me by the ferry crew that day, but my arrival in the Wrens quarters in Rochester was a complete contrast - almost all WRNS personnel had gone to London to join celebrations in Trafalgar Square and elsewhere and I knew nobody in London. So I set to and tackled the washing up that had been so thankfully abandoned – supper had been kippers, I think. I was promoted to PO Wren in November 1945 whilst at Lowestoft and subsequently gained a commission at Greenwich in February 1946. I served as 3rd Officer in Portsmouth RN Barracks responsible for War Gratuities, and, later, at HMS Nuthatch, Anthorn in Cumberland. I left the WRNS, E D Coxon (Young) HMS Ulster Monarch August 1944 (3rd from left) after 7 years, in July 1949

D-Day 75 - Marking the 75th Anniversary of the Sale of WRNS Collectibles Normandy Landings Members may be interested to know that 1944-2019 a package entitled: ‘WRNS Collectables, Published on behalf of Paraphernalia, Memorabilia and SSAFA. Ephemera: a glimpse of one Wren’s life.” Copies available costing is currently being advertised on ebay, with £10 from Nigel Huxtable, photos. Interested bidders can apply for a Royal Naval Association comprehensive list of contents. Postage HQ, Room 209, Semaphore will be free. Tower (PP70) HM Naval base, Proceeds will be donated to the WRNS BT. Portsmouth PO1 3LT [email protected], 02392 92723747 The Wren 25 Special Awards, Commemorations and Presentations 2019 on behalf of all those Wrens who served during World War II

Suzanne Sparrow (Cole) Veteran Wren with the youngest rating Enid Coxon (Young) Veteran Wren meets HRH the Duke of from HMS Drake at the Boscawen memorial. RN photo Cambridge at the National Memorial Arboretum on 6 June 2019. photo by kind permission of the NMA Suzanne Sparrow (Cole) th Enid Coxon (Young) Daughter, Liz Matthews told us On the 75 Anniversary of D-Day at HMNB Devonport, “I arranged to take Mother to the National Memorial Cmdre Peter Coulson, HMNB Commander invited Arboretum for the D Day 75 commemoration service. To Suzanne to lay a wreath at the Boscawen Memorial at our surprise, after contacting the British Legion to ensure HMS Drake, along with the youngest Naval Rating on we would be welcome, she was provided with allocated the Base. She said “I think it’s important to remember seating and an arm band which allowed us to be part the part HMS Drake and Devonport played in D-Day of the day. After the wonderful service and then coffee and the young men who left there in 1944 for Normandy, and biscuits, HRH the Duke of Cambridge was able to and the D-Day beaches in France. It is a great honour meet some veterans as he was leaving, and Mother was to be asked to lay this wreath and I am very proud of my among those who were able to shake his hand and talk wartime service as a Wren Boats Crew Coxswain.” to him. We were very proud of her and we all had a very memorable day.

Patricia Davies (Owtram) Veteran Wren receives her Award Marie Scott (Garcia) Veteran Wren receives her award from the French Ambassador Jean-Pierre Jouyet, at Pegasus Bridge 6 June 2019 from the French General. on 18 June 2019. Photo Inspire Management Photo Getty Images Marie Scott (Garcia) was awarded the Chevalier de Patricia Davies (Owtram) was presented with her l’Ordre National de la Legion d’Honneur in June 2019 Chevalier de l’Ordre National de la Legion d’Honneur by and has appeared in many BBC and other programmes, the French Ambassador on 18th June 2019 at the French her story has been featured in many magazines including Embassy in Kensington Gardens. She has appeared the French Quest digital version. Supported by the Taxi in countless BBC and network programmes as well as drivers’ Charity of London, she joined other Veterans on speaking at many events throughout the UK. Pat’s sister the MV Boudicca sailing to France and was presented Jean served abroad with the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry with her award at Pegasus Bridge, Ranville. (FANYs). 26 The Wren “You will see something that no one will ever see again, and I reckon you have earned it” Rita Pearson - Boats Crew Bowman of the ‘Atlantis’ HMS Drake 1942 - 45 I was posted to HMS Drake, Devonport as Boats The following morning we crew and operated from the moored Flag Ship HMS were ‘tannoyed’ to report Paris. We were a crew of four, coxswain, sternsheet- to sick bay – much to our man, engineer, and Bowman. Our boat, named the surprise. On arrival we ‘Atlantis’ was quite large and could carry 25 men ‘to found 2/0 WRNS Officer and from’ their ships when going on their day shore and a medical Naval Officer leave which was part of our varied duties. who reminded us that we On the run up to the Invasion it gradually became were subject to the Official obvious that preparations were being made, firstly it Secrets Act and the matter became noticeable that the movement of ships was in hand would come within decreasing; when they came in, they stayed in and that Act. There was also an most movement only related to the changing of berths RNR Officer present who or anchorage. This, of course, found us increasingly explained that it was going to busy. It meant longer trip time delivering mail, signals, be necessary for us to work etc and extra matelots to be ferried. Other subtle for 48 hours on consecutive changes were noted; ships that had been at sea duty and asked if we would for 6 weeks or so, no longer ‘dressed overall’ with a be willing to take some pills paying off pennant, or did the traditional display run. that would keep us awake Rita Pearson Secondly, usual practice was to hand signals to the throughout the period, in order to do this without Officer of the watch for signature, and suddenly we tiredness. He said it was entirely voluntary and we were told they had to be signed for by the Captain could refuse but of course we didn’t! We were given which meant having to tie up and wait for this to be brief medical examinations and then 2 pills, and we done. It increasingly became a bit like ‘the Forth then knew with certainty (as we thought) that the Bridge’, almost as soon as we returned to base, more 5 June would be the day of the Invasion. signals awaited us and we were back on our run However when we returned to base around midday on again. the 4th instead of work waiting we were told to ‘Stand Rumours, of course, were rife and none of us doubted Down’ and go to the mess for a meal. In the mess whatever our jobs, that the ‘balloon was about to go everyone was subdued, anxious and worried – trying up’, as was the saying at the time. As the port steadily to find out anything that was going on. Rumours had filled up, what was always a bit difficult and at times it that something had gone seriously wrong and the nerve-racking, was manoeuvring between and around invasion had been called off, giving rise to a great deal ships in the pitch black night, with their riding lights of anxiety. (It was years later that it was officially said down low and the general overcrowding, it became that it was the fault of the weather – we never knew something of a nightmare. As the bowman, I was the real reason at the time). Later in the afternoon, required to sit on the bow attached to a lifeline, giving we were called to the sick bay again and as we signals to the coxswain like a policeman directing approached we could hear the angry sounding Officer traffic! Ships would suddenly appear out of the dark saying that ‘ due to unexpected circumstances he had that hadn’t been there earlier in the day, and the one to ask us if we would take further pills to enable us to that you had gone out to, was not where it was in the do another full 24 hour duty’ When we said ”yes’”– the morning, and had to be found elsewhere. Naval Officer said to the Medical Officer, “They have I suppose today’s description as the day neared would all agreed” and the MO replied “I don’t care, I won’t do be, ‘at times manic, but controlled’. In due course it unless I am ordered by the Chief Medical Officer and all shore-leave was cancelled. I can’t remember the responsibility will be his”, and we left. exactly when this happened to the men but on arrival Early evening we were called to the sick bay again on 2 June we were surprised to find the ‘Atlantis’ when only the 2/0 WRNS and the Medical Officer were deserted with no sign of our relief crew (we worked present. He asked if any of us had changed our mind 24 hours on/off). When the Coxswain went to find and when we said “No”, without a word he gave us all out where they were she was told that our shore- one pill each and when we had taken them he walked leave was cancelled and the relief crews had been out. withdrawn. We were to operate the usual practice of From then on again we worked non-stop until we saw 4 hour on/off, coxswain pointed out that unless we the Chief waiting for us when we returned from our had an extra crew member this was impossible as it boat trip just after 1am on 6 June. He was standing at meant working one short all the time without proper the top of our rope ladder with a large pile of mail bags manning of the boat or the look-out, etc. Fatal at and we thought there was still more last minute mail night. This she had told to the 2/0 WRNS who kept to deliver. Instead of which he called us up and giving an occasional eye on us, (the CPO was responsible us each a pile of the large sacks, said “Don’t ask any for our work) and she said she would report the questions, you are coming off the ship with me and if situation. (We later learned that the relief crews had there’s any talking to be done it will be done by me, so been given various craft to increase the capacity). keep your mouths shut”. The Wren 27 Nobody challenged us as we walked to the Sorting We then went to the mess for breakfast and just as Office building without a word. A postal van was nearby we were finishing, 2/0 came in and asked us how we and he opened the doors and spread out his sacks were and having been told we had had no ill-effects, onto the van floor and said,” Right get in, lay out on the she told us that transport was being arranged to take floor and I’m going to cover you over with your sacks. us to Quarters. Don’t you dare move or say a word until you are well We would be off-duty for 48 hours and were to report to clear of the gate and he will drop you off on The Hoe. the Regulating Petty Officer when we got there. In fact Don’t thank him when you get out because he doesn’t she was waiting for us and said that her orders were know you’re there! Go as close to the edge as you can to see that we were to turn-in immediately and remain and sit and wait and you will see something that no in our bunks until she decided we had had sufficient one will ever see again, and I reckon you have earned sleep, and that was an order! We were horrified, we it”. had already talked about what we would do during our He then covered us over, shut the doors, banging on 48 hour off-duty period! So there we were for much of the side and we were off. On arrival we did exactly as the day, confined to our bunks, although wide awake we were told and sat in the pitch black, wet and cold, after a good sleep, until eventually the RPO gave way not knowing why we were there. We seemed to be and let us get up. That was followed by a boring day sitting there for hours and then as dawn broke everyone and a half confined to Quarters with nothing to do began hurrying out from all the offices on The Hoe and when we were only too anxious to get back to work. the same as us,began getting as close to the edge as When we did return to work – the Invasion had become was possible. It was clear that they were ‘in the know’ known as ‘D-Day’. and ‘that something was about to happen’. Just as it got lighter across the water we heard the Royal Marine Band playing ‘Eternal Father, strong to save’ and everyone around us, and ourselves, were wiping their CONGRATULATIONS eyes. Then appeared the most incredible sight of the battleship, two cruisers, and an Aircraft Carrier leading Congratulations to WO1 (Physical Trainer) a huge convoy of every class of warship, escorted Natasha Pulley and CPO Engineering Technician by destroyers, and followed by an American cruiser (Communications Information Systems) Helena with a flotilla of liberty boats and other craft, escorted Gail Ward for the award of the MBE in the by their own ships. After that there were two huge Queen’s Birthday Honours List. American fully loaded cargo ships and other smaller merchantmen. Finally there came from our view what Also to Marie Scott (neé Garcia) and Patricia looked like a ‘ribbon’ of landing craft. It was the most Davies (neé Outram) for the Award of Chevalier amazing and inspiring sight, never to be forgotten. We de’l’Ordre Legion d’Honeur for their part in D-Day almost couldn’t believe our eyes, emotions ran high preparations. and when the battleship reached the lighthouse in the Sound, the RM Band started up again with ‘Land Congratulations to AOW Member WO1 Lynne of Hope and Glory’, I don’t think there was a dry eye Joyce MBE on her retirement after 40 years of on The Hoe. We hitched a lift back on the dockyard Service in the RN. Lynne joined the WRNS at transport wondering how we were going to explain why the age of 17 and after her basic training at HMS we had been ashore. In the end we decided that our Dauntless has served in HMS Pembroke, HMS best bet was to march confidently then continue up Collingwood, RNAS Culdrose, HMS Raleigh, the gangway and if questioned say we had come from HMS Drake and COMSTRIKEFORNATO in Wrens’ Quarters and were reporting for duty. We need Naples. not have bothered, no one took the slightest notice and it was when we got to the Atlantis we first noticed the eerie silence throughout the port, and its emptiness.

Liberty Boat ‘Atlantis’ with Rita on board 28 The Wren A Wren Remembers - Betty Jenkins (née Burnett) In summer 1943, when World War II had cast a shadow over everyone’s lives, asking for a single ticket to Mill Hill sounded to Betty as if she would never be returning home. It was the start of her service life in the WRNS. Arriving at the Training Centre she was kitted up with a navy overall, and remembered attending lectures on ‘esprit de corps’, how to recognise rank and salute when appropriate, and having to perform all sorts of household tasks such as scrubbing the stairs - every third morning at 5am. Next, stationed at Crosby Hall, she started on an intense training course to be a Radio Mechanic at nearby Battersea Polytechnic. Like other Wrens Betty had memories of being drilled in Battersea Park, and an occasion when only half the squad heard and responded to the quietly-spoken command of ‘About turn’! Despite studying hard each evening (which Ronaldsway Nissen hut 1944-5 meant passing up free tickets to theatres and concerts that were on offer to service personnel), Betty was only just making the grade, so she switched to Supply and successfully completed the short training course at Highgate. From a holding centre at Worthy Down, Betty was drafted to St Merryn Fleet Air Arm Station in Cornwall. She had very fond memories of her year in Padstow, the beautiful scenery and the kindness of the local people, despite the over-crowded hotel accommodation – eight or more Wrens to a hotel room - and shortages of water and beer – the latter especially when the American troops arrived. Other memories were quite dramatic, such as witnessing attempts to lift the fog in bad weather to enable aircraft to land – an operation that involved burning material first soaked in petrol. When a sailor on the petrol point was overcome by petrol fumes and was recuperating in the sick bay, it was decided to put a Wren on the job and Betty took his place refuelling aircraft. Her most exciting memory was of the Invasion Fleet in June 1944, passing along the horizon from Scapa Flow to France, she said it looked like a bumper to bumper traffic jam, going all day, probably all night too as they were still passing the next morning. By November 1944, Betty was a Leading Wren and drafted to RN Air Station at Ronaldsway on the Isle of Man, once again issuing petrol to the aircraft. There she remembered living in Nissen huts with a grand bunch of girls and taking every opportunity to explore the island. On a Saturday night they would take a train, she described as resembling Stephenson’s Rocket, into Douglas where they would see a film, eat egg and chips, and go dancing in the Villa Marina. Her final period of service up to the end of 1945 was in Air Stores at Culham, Oxfordshire. Betty’s WRNS service took her to lovely places that she felt privileged to visit. She loved the camaraderie of being in the forces and the opportunity to break out from secluded family life, later recognising that the war was a big event for her generation that marked a turning point in women’s lives. Betty was a member of the very active and sociable Tunbridge Wells branch of the Association of Wrens. At the last lunch-time gathering she was able to attend, when they were down to only 4 or 5 Wrens, the group still caught the eye of a child at another table who could see their spark and asked what connected them! And they were only too ready to talk about their lives in the Wrens. Based on Betty’s own words about her time in the WRNS, by daughter Linda Jenkins.

Attendance at Princess Marina’s Memorial Service Westminster Abbey 25 October 1968 I was privileged to be the Wren selected from HMS President to attend Princess Marina’s memorial service. The photo is one of 6 taken by the Royal Marine’s photographer at CGRM. They had never seen me in uniform before because we had to wear civvies to work. They were quite impressed and ordered me onto the roof of the Old Admiralty Building, where the photographic session took place after the service. I still have the actual programme itself as well. My Mum burnt the sausages while she spent ages trying to find me on the TV broadcast, but it was hopeless because the cameras were looking down on a sea of flat white hats! Kathleen Bramwell Ed Note: for the younger members of the AOW HRH Princess Marina was the Commandant-in-Chief of the WRNS before HRH The Princess Royal. The Wren 29 Hoy Polloy - Orkney WRNS Remembered Cardiff Branch of the Association of Wrens recently had Two copies of Hoy a branch meeting and I happened to mention that I had Polloy, June and August been to the Orkneys on holiday. 1945. Whilst there, I visited the museum in town, (opposite Hoy Polloy was the title St Magnus Cathedral) and found a reference to a lady of the Women’s Royal called Margaret Baikie who was the only WRNS officer Naval Service (WRNS) to serve wholly in the Orkneys during WWII. There was also a painting by a lady called Marjorie magazine for HMS Linklater for Margaret Baikie. I thought this was a lot of Prosperpine, the naval fun and obviously the artist was a very talented lady. It base at Lyness, Hoy. might be that some members are thinking of going to Affectionately known the Orkneys and it would be a shame if they missed as the Wrens, WRNS the museum, but doubt they would as it is in the middle personnel first came of the town. As another point of interest, there is a to Orkney in 1939, but memorial to HMS Royal Oak in the cathedral opposite were not posted to which is lovely to see as well. Lyness until January 1943. At most there were 1,500 , Cardiff Branch Philippa Pickford members of the WRNS serving in Orkney, with nearly 700 stationed at Lyness. Women with an aptitude for telecommunications were selected from all over Britain and sent to Orkney to serve in the Signal Station at Wee Fea, overlooking Lyness. At its peak, it handled 8,800 call per day. WRNS also made up the majority of the staff at the Naval Headquarters and served as cooks, stewards, secretaries, clerks, drivers and mechanics. Wooden accommodation huts for the WRNS were erected on the side of Wee Fea hill and called Haybreak Camp (also known as ‘The Wrennery’). The huts consisted of ten bunk beds down either side, a small wooden chest of three drawers for clothes and a peg for a coat. The adjoining hut had a washroom Margaret Baikie (far right) at HMS Sparrowhawk, Hatston with toilets and four baths. Several huts were linked by a covered passageway. For the first two years at Lyness the WRNS personnel were kept completely separate from servicemen and sailors. The rules were later relaxed, and Wrens were allowed to attend dances and go to the cinema. There was also plenty of opportunity for sports, which included netball, hockey, squash, croquet and badminton. The copies of Hoy Polloy were donated by the family of Geraldine Kew, née Reardon, who was editor of the magazine.

1944 Calendar painted for Margaret Baikie by Marjory Linklater 30 The Wren

Girls Nautical Training Corps - were you a member? Perusing “Blue Tapestry” again my thoughts went the man who for four years refused to even consider back to the Association’s affiliation to the Girl Guide a Girls’ Unit. Joy, the Wren, had two daughters and I Association then later the formation of the Sea Guides asked her if she could casually ask over the garden later the Sea Rangers. So many senior WRNS Officers fence if the Hove Sea Cadets had a girls section, next became active members forming Units throughout the day “message received and understood”. Next Unit Country, including Dame Vera Laughton Matthews. Committee meeting ‘Any other Business’ - it has been 1939 and with the onset of war, many of these young decided to form a Girls Unit. By then as my husband women joined the WRNS, most of them experienced had become the Commanding Officer I could not in boat handling. command the Girls Unit. In 1950 aged 14, I joined the Hove Sea Rangers crew My son, Paul, joined the Royal Navy in 1975 as a SRS Anson. We boated at Shoreham Harbour and communicator. New entry training at HMS Ganges were very fortunate to be able to train the Hove Sea and Class Leader. Then on to HMS Mercury, drafted Cadets, pulling in whalers was quite an effort! I also to HMS Fearless, later Hermes and finally HMS trained on the MTB630 – the Sea Ranger training ship Sheffield, leaving to marry just before the Falklands at Dartmouth and TS Foudroyant at Portsmouth. War. In 1954, aged 18, I joined the Women’s Royal Naval Ten other Hove Cadets joined the Royal Navy the next Volunteer Reserve becoming a Wireless Telegraphist. year, 1976, with a constant entry from the Unit into the I made friends with Joan McNeill – a remaining RN yearly and some girls joined the WRNS. friendship. We trained at HMS Sussex next door to Back to the Girls Unit – help is needed – where is Joan the previous HMS King Alfred and Newhaven RNVR, McNeil, now Joan Attwater? attending courses at Chatham. Joan was asked and agreed she would help with the I joined the Wrens Whaler crew competing against start up of the local Girls Nautical Training Corps. other Units, rifle shooting, netball, swimming, cricket Before long she was Officer-in-Command of the and hockey were all competitive sports. We enjoyed Girls Unit. Having been with me in the WRNVR and social events. One I attended was at the Army Drill since then a Guider and District Commissioner of Girl Hall with more than one Unit there and we went to Guiding. the wrong one. It was a dance and not easy wearing By now Joan and I were members of the Brighton beetle crushers. There I met my husband – he said it and Hove Branch of the Association of Wrens and was the black stockings that attracted him! We married became Life members. The local Branch had existed in 1957 and I left the Reserves in 1958 when my son since 1947 and, due to the age of a lot of the original Paul, arrived. members, closed in 2007. We were proud to have In 1970 Paul joined the Hove Sea Cadets – now TS Jane Rossiter (Wren no 1 in 1939) as a member and King Alfred. My husband and I joined the Parents President. “Rossi” in Memory – the lectern cloth now Committee. My husband joined the Unit as an Instructor in St Mary le Strand, Church, London. (I had converted him to thinking Navy over the years.) I My youngest daughter Clare, born in 1984, was chaired the Parents Committee and started my efforts awarded the Dame Vera Laughton Matthews bursary to form the Girls’ Unit. in 2005 which was a great financial help through her At that time my six year old daughter had joined masters degree. the Brownies RC, and the Brownie Guider was The Sea Cadets came to the Association of Wrens moving away and the pack was going to close. Yes, monthly meetings to make the tea at stand easy – first I volunteered to take over having been a Girl Guide. the girls and later joined by the boys! It became tea 18 months later, the pack meeting at the top of my chat enjoyed by both age groups. Joan and I often road (C of E) celebrated their 50 years and then was reminisce, so many memories! Marching with the closing. Well what is one more Brownie pack? So I ran Royal Marines to Brighton Marina’s opening by HM that one too. The Queen we were the guard of honour. Another The Sea Cadets had no seamanship instructor but occasion at the marina we went to sea on the jetfoil, were willing to let a female instruct and teach boat a new service to France from Brighton. A Board of work, if I was willing! Yes I was – wanted to get a Girls Trade certificate was required before passengers Unit started and this was a step in the door. could travel. To achieve this we had to abandon ship I had returned to work in the Science Department of at sea and jump off the ship into life rafts offshore- we a large Hove School and walking along the corridor a were the first raft away drifting out to mid channel. We door opened and there was a familiar figure – a former realised we had been forgotten – much later a launch Wren from HMS Sussex. A quick thought – she lives found us and towed us back. next door to the Chairman of the Unit Committee – The Wren 31

We enjoyed safer exercises on HMS Fittleton, tender to the RNR. The cadets took part in gunnery practise off the Isle of Wight. It was a great experience for the cadets, finally mooring alongside at Southampton. Affiliated to HMS Sussex RNR Division, the cadets often stewarded at Wardroom events. The band also played on many occasions at HMS Sussex, led the Armistice day parades and local Lions charity events and many others. Rifle shooting was another activity when both Joan and I had to qualify as small bore instructors. I trained the pulling crews on Sunday mornings for many Regattas. Good job I had an automatic cooker – we still had Sunday lunch. I also instructed Sea Cadet boatwork at HMS Raleigh and HMS Excellent and attended command courses at HMS Osprey. I was appointed, by Captain Bairdow, Commanding Officer of HMS Sussex and Unit Chairman as Commanding Officer of Hove SCC Unit, the first female Commanding Officer of the Unit. Joan retired in 1981 and I retired in 1996. Joan and I had our reward in holidays touring European islands with Christina Edwardes for eight years meeting many other Association members. Diana Heward née Salisbury Lt Cdr (SCC) RNR (submittted by Joan Attwater) 32 The Wren HMS Queen Elizabeth Visit 7 June 2019

L to r: Carol Allen, Wendy Lagden with WO1 (AC) Jenny Scrivener l to r AB CIS Ellen Lind and LET Lorna Hay HMS Queen Elizabeth (tour leader) with 2020 gin balloon glass. with the Wrens picture and AOW flyers.Photo Crissie Proudley Photo Crissie Proudley My First Outing with the AOW A whole lifetime ago I joined the WRNS (October 1975 to be exact) and experienced the best 3+ years of my life before leaving on marriage (as was the custom in the day) to my ex-RN former Stoker, now civilian, hubby. Fast forward to 2017 (having worked for Cunard, become a parent, enjoyed a career in Education and in the Fire Service, then retired) I was drawn to revisiting my past connections with the Service that literally changed my life. So, I joined the AOW and Solent Branch and havenʼt looked back. Slowly, slowly I have been making connections since, meeting people and keeping up with everyone on social media and I have been made to feel so very welcome and accepted, despite my lack of years served and the fact I knew no-one. Last week (the day after D-Day 75) without having time to think twice, I found myself included in a small group visiting HMS Queen Elizabeth in Portsmouth Dockyard. It proved to be a day of ‘firstsʼ for me all of which were most rewarding! This was my first organised outing and I was worried about not knowing anyone but keen not to miss out on such a wonderful opportunity. As it turned out there were a couple of girls from my Branch there so it was good to see some familiar faces and by the end of the day Iʼd spoken to most of the group (and what a lovely bunch of ladies they were - chatty, funny and interesting). In addition this was my first experience of being on a Royal Navy vessel, having been a Wren at a time when women didnʼt go to sea. I was struck by the number of female sailors we saw and the variety of branches they were active in - an amazing change since my day when we used to be outnumbered 25-1 ashore and offered the more traditional female roles (to be a mechanic or photographer was considered ‘adventurous’!) I may have nothing to compare it to, but my first visit onboard HMS Queen Elizabeth has to be described as awesome! For those that have served at sea I’m sure they just take it in their stride but really, the sheer scale of it was breathtaking, made all the more apparent when standing in the main hanger and walking around the flight deck. In keeping with that scale, the passageways along some of the 19 decks were never ending. The Chinook held fast in the huge open space could have been accompanied either side width ways by two type 23s! The four galleys were something to behold in size, cleanliness and organization; it was bewildering to me that catering is such an under staffed Branch. The medical centre/shipʼs hospital seemed so much more than a sickbay! A reception, triage area for immediate minor treatments or onward processing to a GP system; a surgical table, a recovery ward, an isolation ward, an in-house X-ray machine, a dental practice and obviously the ability to Medivac if needed. Wow! In stark contrast I found the hub of the ship, the ops room, to be on a more intimate side (perhaps because of the calm and subdued lighting) and I was pleasantly surprised at the size of the ratings cabins which I imagined being overcrowded, cramped and with at least three high bunks. Instead, we saw a cabin of 8 (four bunks) which appeared both comfortable and homely. We then stopped for a breather in the small but perfectly formed mess area complete with the one of the Stokes Gallery cartoon WRNS painting, in situ, which we’d presented to both female junior ratings messes. So, I have successfully dipped my toes in the water and will soon be adding to my portfolio of ‘Wren’s Events’ by participating in the Solent Branch National Arboretum weekend later in the month, and then the Dauntless Reunion at Hayling Island in October. My life changing experience in the mid 70s is now changing and enriching my life again as I head for my 70s! Kym Carr (née Pogson) W131559D Wtr(G) 1975-78 The Wren 33 Thoughts after our visit to HMS Queen Isle of Wight Informal Group invited Elizabeth - some things never change! alongside Isle of Wight RNA to visit The decision to allow Wrens to serve on board was HMS Queen Elizabeth - 1 March 2019 ahead of the curve for this country. Times were A group of representatives from the Isle of Wight changing and people’s attitude to equality and diversity was evolving but we were in a transition phase. At the Association of Wrens Informal Group visited time the ships were not set up for women on board and Portsmouth Dockyard and were privileged to be the transition phase meant there was a delay before guided around HMS Queen Elizabeth by Commander equality could be implemented. This was a difficult Charles Guy RN. time as everyone adjusted - non seagoing Wrens, We toured virtually the whole of the ship and were volunteer for sea Wrens and RN women. treated to a walk on the flight deck. We also seated Life is a now a rich tapestry of diverse equality, where ourselves on the bridge where Commander Guy RN diversity is embraced and equality is a given and explained the nature of the ship’s role in the Royal that showed when seeing life on board the Queen Navy and what life onboard is like ‘these days’. Elizabeth. A 21st century Royal Navy. A truly amazing visit was followed by a trip around Despite these changes and advances, some things never change: Portsmouth Harbour aboard a slightly smaller - the Naval sense of humour had not changed in dockyard vessel hosted by Commander David any way and was evident in full force Hilton RN (Base Services Manager) HM Naval Base - wine and beer are still cheap! Portsmouth. We were able to view HMS QE from sea - and the new starter initiation tasks were being level and raise a glass to celebrate. upheld in true tradition Thank you to all for making this a special day. Sarah Holmes (née Harris) Stores Accountant Claire Barker 1988-92. Treasurer Portsmouth Branch 34 The Wren

The Old Royal Naval College King William Walk London SE10 9NN

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal attends Gala Dinner in the Painted Hall HRH The Princess Royal was Principal guest of honour at a very special Gala Dinner in the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College on 15 May 2019. The event hosted by The Greenwich Foundation, celebrated the completion of the conservation of Thornhill’s 20-year masterpiece, over 40,000 square foot of art, often called Britain’s Sistine Chapel. Guests enjoyed a dinner reception preceeded by Beating Retreat in the grounds of Old Royal Naval College by The Royal Marine Band and Corps of Drums, CTCRM, Lympstone. HRH The Princess Royal was present to take the salute attended by Admiral of the Fleet, Sir Ben Bathurst and representing the First Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Jeremy Kyd. Young people from the Greenwich, Deptford HRH The Princess Royal taking the salute at Beating the Retreat and Rotherhithe Sea Cadets were on parade and on hand to greet dinner guests who included senior personnel from the Royal Navy. The Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich reopened to the public on 23 March 2019 after a two-year conservation project funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund amongst other donors, which has brought its magnificent painted interior vividly back to life. Adults £12 / Under 16s Free / Students & Concessions £8.50. ‘Pay as you wish’ every first Wednesday of the month. All tickets are valid for unlimited re-entry up to a year after purchase. The Wren 35 Message from the NSN Chair Commander Rachel Smallwood MBE MA MSc Royal Navy Thank you for inviting me to contribute to The Wren magazine in my position as the Chair of the Naval Servicewomen’s Network. The aim of the NSN is to improve the lived experience of all Naval Servicewomen, and I am responsible to 2SL for all NSN activities. In addition to providing leadership and direction to the NSN committee as required, to ensure a consistent approach I support a wide variety of events and outreach opportunities, including speaking engagements, media interviews, ensuring links with other internal and external Networks, and ensuring the NSN voice is heard. It was my huge honour and privilege to take over from Cdre Ellie Ablett as Chair in December last year. Cdre Ablett did the most fantastic job to establish the NSN from scratch in 2013, and I am relishing the opportunity to carry on her good work. Having joined the Royal Marines as a Musician in 1996, I was never a Wren, but I am continually grateful to those who have served with such dedication and professionalism before me, who proved themselves capable and paved the way so that I can enjoy a fulfilling career, with no limits in the Naval Service that I love. And so far, my career has been very varied! I joined the Royal Marines Band Service having graduated with an Honours Degree in Music from London and a Performance Diploma from the Royal College of Music. Following a challenging time learning how to play and march at the same time, I played Principal Horn in the Royal Marines Band Portsmouth and enjoyed travelling the world extensively, playing in many impressive venues at home and abroad. In 2000, I commissioned into the Army as an Education Officer. In addition to teaching Defence Studies and Management Studies, I became the lead for specific learning difficulties, a subject I specialised in for my PGCE studies and which also led me to study Cdr Rachel Smallwood MBE Psychology with the Open University as I became particularly interested in Chair Naval Servicewomen’s removing all barriers to learning and performance to enable everyone to fulfil Network their potential. In 2003, I transferred my commission back to the Royal Navy and following a short spell at BRNC I was privileged to be a Phase 1 Divisional Officer at HMS Raleigh, which remains my most rewarding job. I then went to sea for 2 years as Fleet Education Officer to Devonport Flotilla. Since then, I’ve worked as a Training Needs Analyst, and a Staff Officer in NCHQ pers area. This period involved the launch of the Naval Servicewomen’s Network and the Naval Maternity Coaching Scheme. I set up and led the Coaching Advisory Team for the Maritime Warfare School, and was OIC of all Naval Learning and Development Officers. Following the Advanced Command and Staff Course, I was promoted to Commander and was assigned as the Director of Training Services for the Joint Intelligence Training Group, and I’m currently working in MOD Main Building in Whitehall, as the Training and Education Policy lead. When I’m not in London, I live at home on the Isle of Wight with my husband, Tony, who took early retirement from his role as Royal Marines Director of Music to be a househusband and look after our son, Tom Anthony, who has just turned 8 years old. I’m delighted to be strengthening the links between the NSN and the AOW; we are working together for mutual support and benefit. I’d like to offer a heartfelt thank you to you all for your Service, and for your support to me and to the NSN Committee, as we do our best to influence change, both big and small, that aims to improve the lived experience of Naval Servicewomen. We’ll keep you posted on our progress! Cdr Rachel Smallwood MBE Update on HMS Dauntless As newly appointed Senior Naval Officer, I wanted to take the time to provide you with an update on how your Ship is progressing and thank you for your continued support. Our friends provide a vital role in helping the Ship return to life and in the past have provided generous support to her crew. We are immensely grateful to you. HMS Dauntless is now undergoing a major regeneration after several years in harbour. Whilst the ship has continued to provide the Royal Navy with a first class training ship and proficiently hosted many high profile events, we want to get back to sea. Crew members continue to grow quickly (numbering 125 as I type) with much of our junior cadre having just passed out from their initial training. Over the next few months we are focused on re-building HMS Dauntless’ esprit de corps both internally within the crew and externally with our friendly affiliates. The challenge ahead is great, but I am confident that we will rise to meet it. As an example, there are 476 compartments onboard that we are working with our industry partner to bring up to standard prior to summer. This is taking place in parallel to the regeneration of our power and propulsion, domestic systems and Combat System. Our motto ‘Nil Desperandum’ definitely applies! Looking ahead, we hope to move onboard the ship over summer with a headmark of sailing for our Post Upkeep Sea Trials in October. This will be a significant cause for celebration as it will be the first time that HMS Dauntless has set sail since late 2015. We will keep you abreast of our progress! Lt Cdr Steve Lovatt RN Senior Naval Officer 36 The Wren WRNS BT Annual General Meeting Once again Transport for London tried to conspire against us and with 5 minutes to spare, the last 30 guests managed to make their way to the Library Room, Trinity House in advance of HRH The Princess Royal’s arrival. WRNS BT Chairman, Cdr Heather Rimmer MBE, RN invited our Patron to speak and she commented on the fact that while social media can be very successful in bringing people together nothing really beats that personal face to face interaction. Cdr Rimmer presented the Annual Report and Treasurer Cdr Liz Walmsley RN, finished with the enviable task of walking our guests through the Trust’s L to R HRH The Princess Royal, Marie Scott and Jacqui Sadlerby. finances. After the business of the Photo courtesy of Glynis Shaw meeting finished, guests enjoyed an emotional presentation from our Victory Walker, Cdr Jane Allen RNR, who spoke of her adventures, high and lowlights as she walks around the coastline of Britain in a huge effort to raise monies for the WRNS BT and the RNRMC. Lt Cdr Jane Pizii RN concluded with an amusing and RNR related, vote of thanks. A full report will follow in the next edition of The Wren Sarah Ayton General Secretary WRNS BT

WOMEN’S ROYAL NAVAL SERVICE BENEVOLENT TRUST The WRNSBT is your Trust and a registered charity, a completely separate organisation from the Association of Wrens, although both are now based in Portsmouth. To be a member of the Trust you must have served in the WRNS and transferred to the RN before November 1993, or served in the WRNS 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 Tel: 02392 655301 email: [email protected] website: www.wrnsbt.org.uk The Wren 37 The ‘Lost’ Words More than 200,000 people have signed a petition calling for the Oxford Junior Dictionary to reinstate nature-related words such as “acorn” and “bluebell” which have been replaced by modern words such as “blog” and “chatroom”. The long list of omitted words includes adder, dandelion, cowslip...and WREN! It was decided to host an exhibition honouring these ‘lost’ words at The Lettering Arts Centre, Snape Maltings, Suffolk in the spring of 2019 and to that end the UK’s leading lettering artists/stone and wood-carvers were invited to create pieces especially for the show. We were each invited to choose one word from the list, and given my previous happy and creative association with the WRNS (through the design and sculpting of the WRNS 100 monument sited at Portsmouth Cathedral in 2017), how could I not choose ‘wren’ ? My wren was hand-carved in one piece of Welsh slate, the bird being roughly life-size and chiselled in low relief, with the carved lettering being finished with 2 layers of fine copper leaf. It was my intention to create a piece in which both the bird and the written word looked as if they might fly away at any moment...as wrens have a habit of doing, and as the word itself has already ‘flown’ from the Oxford Junior Dictionary. The exhibition ran from March to May 2019 and was the most successful show at the Lettering Arts Centre to date. Although now finished, copies of the catalogue are still available and plans are already underway to re- stage the show in Cambridge later this year with brand new artworks being created to replace those that sold. In my busy stone-carving studio, commissions take up the vast majority of my working life, so it was a welcome change to create something different, especially for an exhibition that vividly captured the public imagination: and if it hadn’t been for my association with the WRNS perhaps I wouldn’t have approached it with such enthusiasm and gusto either? Furthermore, as a happy conclusion my carved wren sold to a former Wren! A new one has been carved (this time from Portland stone) and is awaiting it’s outing later this year at the next Lost Words exhibition. Robyn Golden-Hann (sculptor) July 2019 38 The Wren Victory Walker Nearing Land’s End Commander Jane Allen, the Victory Walker set off from HMS Victory on 21 October 2017 to walk anticlockwise round the coast of mainland UK, raising money for two naval charities, the WRNS BT and RNRMC. In her last update she had clocked 4,000 miles in North Wales and was heading towards Pembrokeshire hoping to be back in England by mid-March. Suddenly, just as The Wren magazine went to print, Jane suffered an accident. She takes up the story from here. I’d made good progress along the central coastline of West Wales, passing through Aberystwyth and Cardigan where I met some AOW members just before starting the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. I’d been particularly looking forward to this path. Overall, walking conditions were good and I rounded St David’s Head in glorious weather, shortly after I’d spent some time watching young seal pups on a beach below my cliff path route. After the beautiful wide sweep of St Bride’s Bay, I headed towards Milford Haven with its deep-water channel, where oil tankers and gas carriers are regular visitors to this incredibly busy port. By now I’d clocked over 4,300 miles and things were going well, but it suddenly changed. On a sunny February afternoon, in a field outside Pembroke’s oil refinery, my right boot clipped a small rock hidden in the grass; in a split second I tripped and was thrown downhill where I lay screaming with pain. I knew my right arm and shoulder were badly injured. In all, seven hazy and very painful hours passed by with the Haverfordwest Hospital’s A & E team trying to solve the problem. Unable to take any more pain, I was eventually admitted to theatre under general anaesthetic. Once there, my severely dislocated and chipped right shoulder was manipulated back into position. The surrounding tendons and muscles were left very badly shredded and bruised. We both knew it could have been worse, but I also knew the Victory Walk was now ‘on hold’. It immediately became clear that living in the Victory Van was not practical. Therefore, we were forced to rent an apartment in Milford Haven while we waited to see how the situation unfolded. My right shoulder joint and its chipped bone needed 3 weeks to mesh together, and this was done by making my arm immobile. It was during this incredibly painful and disheartening period that the Pembrokeshire AOW Branch, headed by Kathy Llewellyn, invited Frank and I along to the branch’s monthly meeting. Here, a warm welcome was given to us both and I received a generous donation for the Victory Walk. It meant such a lot at that very dispiriting time. While off the road, Kathy provided us with a lifeline, as did Jeanette Martin and Linda Brown, who both gave us a huge amount of support. A huge thank you to Kathy and all her members who helped me on my way again. Not long after returning to the Victory Walk, I was forced to take another break as I’d agreed to speak at the WRNS BT AGM at Trinity Receiving Victory Walk donation from Pembrokeshire AOW Branch House, London. Last year I’d naively agreed to be guest speaker at the 2019 AGM, thinking I’d have completed the walk months before. Wrong! Again, an AOW member, Helen Ladds, based outside Llanelli, came to our rescue. She agreed we could leave our Victory Van parked on her drive for two days while we were in London; she also provided us with a taxi service to and from the railway station. Her assistance helped reduce the stress as I knew I couldn’t give a poor presentation to Her Royal Highness at Trinity House! I finally crossed back into England via the old Severn Bridge on a very hot, late May Bank Holiday Saturday. This was my last major river and bridge crossing of the entire walk. Back in England I breathed a great sigh of relief and immediately headed down the Severn, stopping to meet Connie Gregory, a lively 95-year old WWII Wren who is a member of Bristol AOW Branch. After an extended and tough time in Wales, my visit to Connie was a great way to conclude the 722 miles I eventually walked in Wales At the time of writing I’ve recently clocked 4,800 miles, having passed Minehead where I started the 630-mile South West Coast Path. This National Trail will take me around Land’s End where I’ll set my final easterly course for Pompey. I look forward to meeting further AOW members along the way. The Victory Walk is raising money for two Naval charities, WRNS BT and RNRMC To donate go to www.Virginmoneygiving.com/victorywalk17-18 To find out more about Jane’s Victory Walk go towww.victorywalk.uk

. Veterans The Wren 39 Victory Walker Association of Wrens When Jane was in North Devon in early June I took the opportunity to combine a visit to my brother and a meet- Annual General Meeting up with Jane. While she was walking from Coombe Martin to Woolacombe I took the ‘Victory Support’ out 2019 for lunch and then we met Jane at the end of her day’s To be held on Friday 13 December at 1400 walk – a very tiring walk as there were many ascents Gascoigne Suite, Union Jack Club and descents along that coast line. Jane is recovering well from her accident but is still having to spend an Followed by hour each day doing physio exercises. I admire Jane’s determination and self-discipline as each day, along The AOW and WRNSBT with her 10-12 miles walking, she has her physio to do Fundraising Dinner and both she and Frank are keeping a daily log of their at 1830 for 1900 journey which is written up each night – they are now Application form included in this magazine on volume 8! The photo shows us at the rear of the support vehicle with the latest magnificent mileage total and Jane enjoying my homemade chocolate cake Carol Service Janet Crabtree Saturday 14 December 2019 at 1330 St Mary le Strand Church All welcome, no tickets required

Stenographer Reunion 13 September 2019 At Royal Maritime Club, Portsmouth. All former Writer Shorthand ladies welcome contact Jan Vanson 02392 552889 for details.

To All East Anglian Wrens The Cambridge Informal Group will be holding a lunch at the Gonville Hotel, Gonville Place, Cambridge on Saturday 16 May 2020 to celebrate 100 years of the Association of Wrens. Anyone interested in attending please contact Jenny Hannah either by email: [email protected] or by phone 01954 214488 Book Review Memory Lane – A Love Story by Lilian Harper Phibbs A wonderful story! The diary entries of Wren Lilian Harper and her Canadian Naval husband are interwoven so that you know what each of them was doing on a particular date – you also get to find out what she thought of him the first time they spoke! I won’t give the game away anymore but this book gives a true story of the ups and downs of life in WWII and is a real delight to read. ISBN 978-1-77136-679-3 Available from Amazon £13.80 Proceeds to the WRNSBT.

The Wren 41 Still Friends after 51 Years Following your article in the Spring edition of The Wren, I would like to tell you that my friend Carol Ly- LETTERS ons née Todd and myself Christine Mead née Jones are still long distance friends as I now live in Sussex and she is in Lincolnshire, but over the years have Portsmouth Out of Town Meeting spent jolly good times together. Thank heaven now for Thank you to the Portsmouth Branch team for giving us technology!! such an outstanding, well organised, fun and fabulous The connection between us and the article is that weekend for the Out of Town meeting. At the meeting ‘Mike’ was the Leading Wren MT running the transport all reports were given but it was the WRNSBT report office at RNAS Culdrose in 1968 when we joined the given by Heather Rimmer which hit home for me. service, she was also the killick in charge of Exmouth Life has its twists and turns and last year was one mess where both Carol and I were billeted. Carol unforgettable. I fell over my own feet in the garden and was a Dental Assistant. Fond memories!! fractured my pelvis and shunted my replacement hip May I also take this opportunity to wish both Mike and of 4 years. To avoid invasive surgery it was suggested her hubby many congratulations on their ruby wedding that I rest in hospital for at least 6 weeks! This was anniversary. reduced to 23 days but then at home, 7 weeks in a Christine Mead [email protected] wheelchair, crutches, walking sticks etc. During this time my oldest son Iain, every day, drove backwards Uniforms and forwards from his own home to see me and In response to Pamela Miley’s letter in the Spring amassed a very large fuel bill. 2019 edition of The Wren, I would like to assure her I never thought I would need help, but I did and the that second hand uniforms were put to good use by WRNSBT gave it and I thank you all for such wonderful the Girls Nautical Training Corps. I was a member support. It was really necessary for me to attend the from 1962 until I joined up in 1967. Later the GNTC Out of Town weekend without any aid (except for became contingents within the Sea Cadet Corps. I my friend Ann’s arm occasionally) and I did, so I am rejoined the GNTC in 1989 and the girls continued walking again, albeit slow. to wear suits until full integration when they went Also may I say just how much I enjoyed Debbie into square rig. I am still with the cadets as Lt (SCC) Whittingham’s talk, such a great boost to ‘Women in RNR. Those uniforms were very much appreciated the forces’. I look forward to all our AOW future events and well cared for and we were proud to wear them. and thank you again. Marion Willett née Lenke Jakki Dickson-Smith née Bell Not Long to Christmas! 1963-74 Regulating Chief Wren Well, it’s August already and the Christmas brochure is here. I know that some of you will soon be scanning the items and filling the form in. As always there are lots of goodies - there’s plenty D-Day and Uniforms to choose from, something for all your Wren and RN Two items caught my extra attention in the Spring friends, so start your Christmas shopping now. We 2019 magazine: have cards, mugs, notelets, earrings, bags, books, 1. D-Day – I was 9 years old, living at Netley Abbey badges .... DIARIES .... we have ordered more this near the big military hospital (my father was in the year, but they do go quickly. We have to strike a RAMC). Every day was (normal) to us; sirens, air balance between ordering enough, yet not too many - raids, a different landscape in Southampton where you just can’t sell diaries after December. We have hip I went to school, hospital troop trains and night time flasks, decanters, glasses .... my goodness you could raids. However there was a great deal of activity, much probably get half a bottle of gin in the balloon glass, vehicle movement and (even to a youngster!) tension although it wouldn’t leave much room for the tonic! in the air. It turned out to be pre D-Day. In a few weeks time I shall get a call from the office. 2. WRNS uniform, three moments spring to mind! “Can you come and do some packing, we have lots At issue time, suit jacket and skirt being hastily of orders?” I shall hasten to the office, into my little swapped by stores as they ‘fitted too well’. cubby-hole, surrounded by shelves laden with goods, A heat wave and being denied ‘off jackets’ because boxes, packages, envelopes and start to pack up the apparently bras were visible through our white shirts. orders, wrap up the breakables, stick on the labels. Pity By the way, detachable paper collars were the only the long-suffering postman who collects the mailbags, way to avoid ‘red scars’ either side of one’s neck. hangs them on his bike handlebars and trudges off My father enquiring of my First Officer if he could buy to the Dockyard post office. He never grumbles no me a quality ‘barathea’ uniform. As he was somewhat matter how many we give him. taken aback by the rating issue ‘hairy serge’. I try my best to get them all done correctly, but inevitably Ah well!! How did we survive such‘hardships’? there will be one or two mistakes, so my apologies in Really enjoy the magazine – but as usual – where is advance. Just phone or email and we’ll put them right. the ‘class of 1954-58’ – it can’t have been only me!! Merry Christmas ordering ....from Santa’s little packing Molly Bury (née Maltby) L/Wtr(ST) 112212 elf! Julia Clark 42 The Wren WHERE ARE YOU NOW? Constance Mary Maud Holland Victory 196 – Evelyn Clouston I am trying to find Evelyn Clouston as she was then, (née Carter) 1943-46 (Writer). She was from the Orkney Islands and had Bletchley Roll of Honour 13254 never been to England before – and then there was I am seeking anyone who worked with, or remembers me – a Welsh speaker and never been to England someone speaking of, the following persons: Miss before (only St John’s Lane at Liverpool for my Constance Mary Maud Carter or Edward (Ken) WRNS interview – 1965! We shared the same cabin, Kennedy Holland. Constance met Edward in Ceylon and not used to speaking English, I found it difficult and in 1946 in Ireland. They were my mother and to understand the Scottish accent and likewise for father-in-law and I am researching their lives. her, she couldn’t understand me – I would burst into Constance served at HMS Pembroke and HMS Lanka Welsh until I realised where I was. I always wondered from 1943-46. I would very much appreciate any what happened to her whether she settled down, information from someone who might have served got married etc. If anyone knows her whereabouts with them or knew them. – please contact HQ who can pass on my telephone Charles Stewart number. Jeannie Owen-Jones 718 N 67th St. Seattle Washington, USA 98103 Were you a Probationary Wren [email protected] at Mill Hill? Audrey May Manning (née Allen) We have received a request from Douglas Burcham Born 3 March 1926 who would be grateful for any information or photos from former Wrens who trained at Mill Hill from 1942 Enlisted in 1944 in Sunderland – 46 which was being built for the National Institute of My mother, Audrey Manning, Medical Research on the Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London. is now 93 and not in the best It was one of the first WRNS Training Depots, HMS of health, indeed she is in Pembroke III. He has fond childhood memories from hospital at the moment with 1950 when the completed building was opened by a heart condition and the King George and Queen Elizabeth. The Mill Hill site prognosis isn’t the best. has been sold to Barratt Homes for housing and sadly I’m in the process of the NIMR building has been torn down. However, the recording and filming her planning permission includes a look alike central block recounting her stories so hopefully the green copper roof should reappear on and history from across the north London skyline by 2022. Please send any two centuries. I would be details you may have to HQ which will be forwarded very grateful if anyone could with your permission. help with any memories, stories or pictures from this time . Audrey trained at Balloch and also near Dundee. She served at Lyness and various posts in Orkney. She mentioned being an Officers’ wardroom telephonist before becoming qualified signaller (two flags on arm) and served in a signals room. She also mentioned Hoy and a base inside a hill? She sailed on HMS Rodney (very rare) to Rosyth in May 1945 celebrating the end of the war in Europe. She was amazed to see the port lit-up as they hadn’t seen lights due to black-out. She has memories of her time during training and serving in admin and being very proud to achieve ‘flags’ on her sleeve for being a communicator. Andrew Manning 0790816653 NIMR in c1949 © Medical Research Council – Looks a little sad while being fitted out for opening in 1950 Barbara Riches I was wondering if anybody knew my late mother, Barbara Riches. She was accepted for the WRNS in 1943 and started her training in Mill Hill, London. I know she had to have her very long hair cut off at Monsieur Raymond in the West End (known as Mr Teazy Weazy) because it didn’t fit under her hat. She was sent to work on the Enigma Machine at Bletchley Park. I know she was also based at Devonport too, perhaps Plymouth. I know she was excused squad drill because she didn’t know her right from her left. My mother told us very little of her work even when she was allowed to. It would be wonderful to have contact with someone who knew her. Please contact me via email, as I am currently working in Germany until the autumn - thank you. Hilary Rogers [email protected] The Wren 43 South Dorset Branch Tribute to last ANNIVERSARIES Founding member Monica Jey Tarrier (formerly Anderson née Anderson) Platinum Wedding Anniversary In 1950 Monica Anderson (née Anderson) was out shopping WARNER - BOUTS on 3 June 1949, in Wolverhampton, with her husband in Weymouth, Max (RAFVR) to Pamela. Still in S.W. Dorset. Dorset when she had a chance meeting with friends who had served in the WRNS. They got Diamond Wedding Anniversary talking about how Bournemouth had started their own Association SAYCE – DEVESON on 28 March 1959 at Eastry, of Wrens Branch and it was about Kent. L/Tel Derek Sayce to AB Wren Ann Deveson. time Weymouth had one too. A Met in HMS Mercury 1957 when on course. Living in notice was placed in the local Dorset Evening Echo Henfield, West Sussex, since 1985. and the first meeting of Weymouth and District Branch The editorial team note that this appeared previously in the Spring took place on 22 November 1950. The minutes from 2019 edition under the incorrect heading of Golden Wedding. that meeting record 26 former Wrens attending, a The team apologise for this error. committee was formed and Monica was voted in as Treasurer. Golden Wedding Anniversary Monica was Weymouth born and bred. She joined the WRNS as soon as she was able to, aged 18 in BROWN-MARDLE on 16 August 1969 at All Saints 1944 along with many other former pupils from her Winchester, LSA Barry Brown to SA(V) Janet Mardle. school. Monica said “All the older girls were joining Now in Ilchester Somerset. and we couldn’t wait. It was the uniform – it was very glamorous!” After training in Balloch she worked in 100th Birthdays Supply (Air Stores) and had jobs in London, Leeds, RNAS Daedalus, RAF Ford, Burscough and St Before we celebrate the Association’s centenary next Merryn. After the war Monica was demobbed in year, 10 of our members are celebrating their own 1945 having reached the rank of Leading Wren. She centennial. With congratulations to: married her first husband Mike Anderson, who worked with her father in a bank, and remained in Weymouth Leslie Carter, surrounded by their friends. She was aware that many Renee Barton (née Stroud), ex servicewomen had moved to Weymouth with their Kathleen Baines (née Marsh), husbands in the years after the war. Monica recalls Joan Pollard (née Martin), “At the time there was rationing and no phones so Muriel Tredinnick (née MacPherson), you couldn’t just call someone and arrange to meet Irene Bellamy BEM, up. ”The Association of Wrens Branch proved a place Irene Yuill (née Roberts), where you could meet people with similar interests Edith Sington (née Drake) and similar background. A lot of the ladies were and Mabel Howes BEM (née Mallett) pregnant or had young children. It was somewhere we could go and talk.” Monica proved to be a keen and who will all reach their 100 year milestone as this active member over our 69 year history holding many edition of The Wren goes to print. positions within the Branch which subsequently got renamed ‘South Dorset’ along the way. After Mike Anderson died in 2002 Monica married 99th Birthday again in 2007, aged 90 to Roy Tarrier, a life-long friend of Mike. Unfortunately Monica was widowed again 3 years later. After a short illness Monica died in January this year survived by her son, daughter, grandchildren and one great granddaughter. 15 members of the Branch and the Branch Standard attended her funeral Mass in February – an expression of how much Monica was respected by the Branch. We will sorely miss her knowledge, not only of the history of our Branch, but of the local area. She really was ‘Miss Weymouth’ and without Monica there may not have been a South Dorset Branch. We are currently discussing the possibility of placing a memorial bench somewhere in Weymouth where the branch could congregate once a year for a picnic or something and call it ‘Founders Elsie Vickers celebrating her 99th birthday with her friends Day’. from Greenwich Branch. Elaine Smith 44 The Wren The Wren 27 Jean Rooke (née Valentine) In July 2011 Jean had the honour of demonstrating Jean was an only child, born in Perth Scotland in the Bombe to Her Majesty the Queen and The Duke 1924, who joined the WRNS in 1943 in a fit of pique of Edinburgh at a special ceremony to unveil the new because her application to join the WAAF as an MT memorial to the wartime code breakers. In recent driver had been turned down. This was probably due years Google has maintained a close relationship to the fact she was only 4ft 10in and would not have with Bletchley Park because of Alan Turing’s work on been able to drive big army trucks. Having never algorithms and early computer science. It raised the been out of Scotland before, she was sent down to funds to buy the Turing Papers when they came up Bletchley Park to work on the Bombe, the famous for sale, allowing them to remain at their rightful place Enigma decoding machine. She suspected that the at Bletchley. reason she was chosen for this work was that on her As part of its ‘Arts and Culture’ series Google, in application form she wrote about her love of cryptic conjunction with GCHQ, interviewed Jean at Bletchley crosswords and lateral thinking, which were the sort Park and a short film describing her time there can of skills they sought in people they felt would be ideal be found on YouTube (see https://artsandculture. code breakers as well as mathematicians, linguists, google.com/usergallery/KgJiGzFM8t1iLA) Typing and chess players. It was only once she was there it “Jean Valentine – Bombe Operator” in a web browser was realised that the one ton machine was so large also reveals a number of interviews and a film of Jean th that Jean couldn’t reach the top row of rotors, so a demonstrating the ‘Bomb on the 60 anniversary of small platform had to be built for her so she could D-Day in 2004, the image of Jean as a young Wren operate it. was used on a postage stamp issued by the St While still only 19, Jean was posted to Sri Lanka after Vincent & Grenadines islands. being trained on Japanese codes and ciphers, her She took part in the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow job being to decipher the Japanese meteorological with Fiona Bruce in 2010 and in the 2012 edition of reports and teleprint the results to various Fleet Celebrity Master Chef from Bletchley where the three Reconnaissance Units in the Pacific. This was where finalists had to prepare a dinner to honour the code she met Clive, a Royal Navy Seafire pilot, and they breakers who worked there during the war. She were subsequently married in Colombo. also featured in the Alan Turing episode of Absolute Having had to sign the Official Secrets Act, Jean Genius of Dick and Dom on CBBC! never talked about what she did in the war, even to Jean did many radio interviews over the years and her parents, until the mid-Seventies when the first of spoke at meetings of the Women’s Institutes, the the books came out about the vital role of Bletchley Association of Wrens and Royal British Legion Park during the Second World War. She started to branches. attend the veterans’ reunions, and was asked if she She worked closely with the author Sinclair McKay on would become one of the volunteer guides to show background information for his books, including The the ever increasing numbers of visitors around the Secret Life of Bletchley Park, and joined him on stage Park. Over many years, up until her late eighties, for a question and answer session at the Henley Jean guided hundreds of tours of up to 35 people at Literary Festival. a time. She always spent a little extra time on each Jean lived in Marlow for many years but her later years tour at the re-build of the Bombe, where visitors were were spent in Henley-on-Thames, where she was an able to get first hand knowledge, and a chance to ask active member of Phyllis Court Club’s Scrabble group questions from someone who actually operated the and attended many Royal British Legion events in the machine during the war. town. In October 2009, the then Foreign Secretary David Jean passed away peacefully on Friday 17 May 2019 aged Miliband, presented Jean and a number of other 94 at Acacia Lodge in Henley-on-Thames. She will be sadly veterans with a special medal from GCHQ in missed by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren recognition of their wartime service. and many friends. The Wren 45 OBITUARIES Jean Monroe (née Lister) 1935 - 2019 Jean is survived by her husband of 60 years, Cdr William D. Monroe III, USN (Ret), sons David and Tom, daughter Janine, 1 grandson, 5 grand-daughters and 4 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son William D. Monroe IV. I met some of her fellow Wrens while we were together, while she served at Phoenicia on Malta where we met in 1958 while I was there flying with our Navy, and later when several visited with us in the US and others also came to America to live. Jean served in the WRNS as a SBA and spent much of her time at Phoenicia looking after patients in ambulances. William Munroe Elsie Violet Baring (née Redding) 10 May 1923 – 10 May 2019 Elsie Violet Baring passed away peacefully on her 96th birthday, in the nursing home which she had been residing in for a few years. Elsie joined the WRNS in 1942 and served for 4 years as a shorthand typist, reaching the rank of PO Wren. Elsie’s civilian employment from 1948-1984 was with the NHS in the London area, being responsible for patient services in various large London hospitals. Between 1985 and 1989 Elsie as a Senior Nurse Manager, worked at the Marie Curie Foundation and the Royal Free Hospital assisting with the implementation of computer systems into hospitals and standardising patient records. Elsie joined the London Division WRNR as a Third Officer in 1952 and served until 1969 when she retired as a Second Officer. Elsie was awarded the Reserve Decoration for her long and active Service in the WRNR in 1970. Elsie was also very active in the Association of Wrens over many years. She was a member of London Branch and served on most of the different committees of the National Association of Wrens – she was National Chairman 1986 -1988 and a Re-union Chairman in the 1990s. Her funeral service was held at Putney Vale Crematorium on 28 May 2019 – representatives from the Association were present, for which Elsie’s niece, Jane and her family were so pleased, as Elsie’s time in the WRNS, WRNR and the Association of Wrens was so important to her. Eleanor Patrick

Joyce Bridgeman (née Dobell) 21 November 1923 – 30 April 2019 Joyce Dobell joined the WRNS and after training at Mill Hill in London and then Blundell Sands, near Liverpool, she was stationed at Cholmondeley Castle in Cheshire from 1943-1946 with a group of about 25 Wrens. This was a Royal Naval Auxiliary Hospital, HMS Eaglet and she was a switchboard operator responsible for sending signals up and down the country and she had a messenger to run messages. Joyce remembered her time at Cholmondeley Castle with a great deal of pride. The Signals Dispatch Office had taken over Lord Cholmondeley’s Flower Room in the Castle and he would regularly bring in flowers for the office. Joyce would make occasional calls for Lady Cholmondeley who was a Superintendent WRNS. Joyce was delighted when her daughter and son-in-law arranged for her to have a private visit to the Castle in August 2014 for a trip down memory lane. She described the visit as magical being met at the door and being shown around the rooms which had been her home all those years before. Joyce also met Lavinia, Dowager Marchioness of Cholmondeley at that time. She was also able to visit the nearby Barmere House, where she was subsequently billeted when more beds at the Castle were required by the hospital! Jackie Crawley Jessie Haynes (née Brown) My mother Jessie served in the WRNS from 1943 to 1946. She died on 19 March 2019 at the age of 95. She joined the WRNS in May 1943 and trained as a teleprinter operator at HMS Pembroke III (Mill Hill) and HMS Cochrane (Rosyth) before being posted to South Africa - HMS Assegai in Durban and HMS Gnu in Cape Town. She met my father, Wally, on the troop ship that took her to South Africa, the Empire Trooper. They were married in Edinburgh in January 1946 when she left the service. Jessie attended many annual Wrens reunions and special services, most of them with Eileen Kelly (died 2010), who she first met in Cape Town and who became a lifelong friend. The oldest programme I can find is for the 1954 reunion at the Royal Albert Hall and the most recent, 1997 at the Royal Festival Hall. Ian Haynes 46 The Wren Margaret Hope Gosse OBE WRNS 20 June 1936 – 21 October 2018 Hope retired from the WRNS in July 1989 as Chief Officer having spent a most en- joyable and highly successful career since her first day of service. The WRNS provided not only a very rewarding professional life but also excellent sporting opportunities, at which Hope excelled, gaining her ‘colours’ in hockey, crick- et, tennis, squash, skiing, and rifle shooting; She was a also great horsewoman.Her great ability at sport gave her huge personal enjoyment and contributed enormously to the WRNS. Hope joined HMS Dauntless in November1954 and after basic training was drafted to HMS Curlew and then Gamecock for ‘part 2 basic’ and then ‘technical’ training as an Air Mechanic. After passing out as a WAM(E) her first job was in the Aircraft Repair Section in HMS Seahawk in June 1955 and from there to the Firefly Mk 7 of 796 Sqdn. In December 1956 she was drafted to HMS Falcon, RNAS Halfar, Malta 728 Sqdn where she worked on Sturgeons, Meteors and Devons; her claim to fame was to start both Merlin engines of the Sturgeon simultaneously, a feat even aircrew found difficult On return to the UK in 1958 she went to HMS Fulmar and then HMS Condor for ‘Killicks’ course and conversion to airframes and engines. It was during these drafts that Hope ‘discovered’ her love for Scotland and hill-walking, which became a passion for the rest of her life. Then back to HMS Seahawk, this time as a L/WAM(AE) followed by another draft to HMS Falcon from 1960 to 1962, this time to the Sea Princes of 750 Sqdn. During this draft she became very involved in the Saddle Club and had the opportunity to play polo with the RN team. By now an Acting PO Wren, Hope’s final draft as an Air Mechanic was to Station Flight at HMS Sanderling until her promotion to Third Officer in March 1963. After passing out from RNC Greenwich at the end of 1963 her first appointment was Assistant Unit Officer and Sports Officer in HMS Mercury. As she rose through the ranks her appointments as Second Officer took her to Admin Officer HMS Drake (1967), Assistant WRNS Unit Officer HMS Seahawk (1968), the staff of Naval Home Command (1969) and WRNS Unit Officer HMS Condor (1970). She was promoted to First Officer in 1971. Hope was working on the staff of Director WRNS when in 1974 she was given a ‘5 minutes’ notice’ appointment to Officer-in-Charge WRNS at HMS Pembroke. In 1976 she was WRNS Unit Officer in HMS Neptune moving to HMS Heron (1977-79). Hope was promoted to Chief Officer after the Staff Course in 1979 and was back again at Naval Home Com- mand, this time as the Command Families Officer which proved particularly challenging during the Falklands conflict. In 1984, Hope was appointed as Staff GNTC Offi- cer within the Sea Cadet Corps, an appointment at which Ode to a Wren she excelled and was suitably marked by the Award of the Sunsets come and go OBE in 1989. The tides ebb and flow Hope led a very active retirement with her partner Doro- thy, who she met on the squash court in 1977. They took We have grown old up cycling and made several long-distance trips, including Gone are the days when we were brave one from Dover to Durness. They also did lots of hill-walk- ing in Scotland. These were tremendous achievements and bold in terms of planning, preparation and execution, not to The Union flag fluttered in the breeze mention stamina and endurance. Over the last couple of years Hope fought bravely with the Sunset ritual a pleasure to see effects of Parkinson’s disease and in the summer of 2018 had a stroke from which she never recovered. Hope was Discipline shaped our lives and ways a truly remarkable person and she will be sadly missed by And we’ve lived to fight another day all who knew her but that sadness will be far outweighed Thanks to the Royal navy by the happiness, joy and love that she gave to all with Up spirits! whom she came into contact. In March 2018, Hope reached the top of her last Scottish To march behind a Marine lives with you hill, albeit by Landrover, with her two brothers and ate a forever picnic lunch beside a frozen loch. especially when married to one for 50 Her funeral took place in Sedlescombe on 5 November years! 2018; donations may be made to St Michael’s Hospice, Hastings. L/Wren Nancy Cady No 29449 th Bob Gosse (now Nancy Botham in her 97 year) The Wren 47 BELSEY Elizabeth Muriel, known COSBY Edna Pearl (née Mays) as Betty (née Pottage) 1944- 1947-50. Served HMS Dauntless, DEATHS 47. L/Wren Special Duties and Fieldfare and Sanderling. Died 12 Wtr (G). Served HMS Pembroke February 2019 aged 94. With all our notices of III, V, Beaver, Royal Arthur and members passing away, there President. Died March 2019 aged DEAG Dorothy Joan (née Carter) will be many who have shared 93. 1943-46. PO Wren Bomb Range years of friendship and others Marker. Served Macrihanish, Kings only a short acquaintance. BENTLEY Winifred Ruby, known Lynn and RNAS Eglinton. Died 25 Each one will be sadly missed as Ruby (née Clarke) 1942-46. April 2019 aged 95. by family and friends and the PO Wren Wtr (G). Served HMS DODSON Bethia Moore, known as Association would wish to Excellent, Nile and Victory. Died Bett (née Reid) 1942-46. L/Wren. record our appreciation of 27 March 2019 aged 98. the loyalty and commitment Served HMS Cochrane II, Merlin, given to the Association. BREN Jean (née Fryer) 1942-46. Warren, Faraway and Pembroke L/Wren. Served HMS Pembroke III. Died 10 May 2019 aged 95. III, Skirmisher, Assegai, Afrikander Christine (née Hewson). DOIG Barbara Annie (née Gimson) ADAMS and Drake II. Died in New Zealand Wren. Served RNAS Culdrose and 1942-45. PO Wren Fleet Mail. 8 June 2019 aged 96. Lossiemouth. Died 3 April 2019 Served Mill Hill, HMS Wellesley, aged 74. BRIDGEMAN Joyce Isabelle (née Varbel and Monck. Died 23 Dobell) 1943-46. Served RNAH February 2019 aged 94. Irene Jessie (née ALEXANDER Cholmondeley Castle (HMS Snelson) 1946-68. Chief Wren DUNHILL Joan Margaret (née Eaglet). Died 30 April 2019 aged Stores. Former Treasurer of Rhyl Ridgway) 1943-45. Wren. Served 95. Branch. Died 10 April 2019 aged HMS Spartiate II, Eaglet and Monk. 90. BRIDGES Hazel Molly (née Blake) Died 12 April 2019 aged 94. 1948-51. Wren Steward (G). Rosemary Doreen ANDREW Served RNC Greenwich, HMS EADES Alice Madeline (née (née Wyatt, formerly Dale) WWII. Nuthatch and Raleigh. Died 15 Carpenter) 1941-45. 3/O. Served Wren Telegrapher. Served Isle of April 2019 aged 90. Portsmouth and Edinburgh. Died 9 Man, Scotland, Windsor and HMS February 2019 aged 99. Vernon. Died 10 June 2019 aged BROWN Elizabeth Ann, known 94. as Ann (née Morgan) 1971-83. FAINLIGHT Barbara Yetta (née PO Wren Radar. Served RNAS Samuels) 1943-45. L/Wren. Jean Mary. Died 13 ARSCOTT Lossiemouth, Portsmouth, HMS Served Eastcote, Stanmore and June 2019. Northwood, Gannet, Singapore, Devonport. Died 6 April 2019 aged BALDWIN Ann Grant (née Rosyth and RAF Turnhouse. Died 92. George) 1949-52. Wren SA (V). 12 February 2019 aged 64. Served HMS Dauntless, Ceres, FRANKLIN Ursula May (née Pembroke and Victory. Died 5 April CHAPPLE Patricia June, known as Evans) WWII. L/Wren. Served UK 2019 aged 90. June 1942-1962. Wren Catering. and Germany. Died 14 June 2019 Served Malta and Scotland. Died aged 92. BARING RD WRNR Elsie Violet 28 March 2019 aged 93. (née Redding) 1942-46 WRNS. FRESHWATER Pamela Ann, PO Wren Shorthand/Typist. COCKRILL Heather Ellen (née known as Pam (née Plowman). WRNR 1952-69 2/O. Served Brick) early 1960s. Wren Wtr Wren Telegraphist. Served HMS HMS President. AOW National (G). Served Chatham, RNAS Cabbala, Blackcap, Condor, and Chairman 1986-88, Vice President Lossiemouth, Malta, Plymouth Daedalus. Died 1 March 2019 and member of London Branch. and Portsmouth. Died 15 January aged 95. Died 10 May 2019 aged 96. 2019 aged 74. GEE Violet Louvain (née Potter). BARNETT Sandra (née Heath) COLCOMBE Joan Florence (née Died early February 2019 aged 1977-81. Wren Wtr (G) Served Rudd, formerly Hemmings) 1943- 102. HMS Dauntless, Pembroke and 46. Wren T/P Operator. Served Centurion. Died 19 January 2019 HMS Pembroke, Lucifer and GIBBONS Glenys Elaine (née aged 57. Dipper. Died 18 September 2018 Chambers) 1942-46. Wren Wtr aged 93. (Confidential Book Corrector). BAVINGTON Doris Miriam (née Served Great Yarmouth, Hereford, Cook) 1942-45. Wren Switchboard COLLIN Jean Mary 1944-47. Wren London and Lowestoft. Died 9 Operator. Served Staines and Fort Wtr (G). Served HMS Spartiate II, February 2019 aged 96. Southwick. Founder member of Beaver, Pembroke I and III and Bedford Branch. Died 7 April 2019 President. Died 3 November 2018 GILBERT Ruth Joyce. Wren. Died aged 95. aged 92. 20 February 2019. 48 The Wren GILLIES Joan (née Smith) 1943- JENKINS Betty (née Burnett) NASH Mary Charlotte (née 45. Wren Steward (G). Served 1943-45. Wren. Served RNAS St Fairhead) 1945-46. Wren Cook. HMS Badger. Founder member of Merryn, Ronaldsway and Culham. Served HMS Daedalus and Grimsby & District Branch in 1973. Chairman of former Tunbridge Bedhampton. Died 24 February Died February 2019 aged 94. Wells Branch. Made lifelong friends 2019 aged 91. through war-time service. Died 26 GOVER Beryl Blanche (née January 2019 aged 97. NOTTAGE Hester Muriel (née Pickering) 1943-46. Died 3 May Rigler) 1942-46. 2/O Cypher. 2019 aged 93. JENKINS Georgina, known as Served Italy. Died 16 November 2018 aged 96. GUTTERIDGE Jean Beryl 1943- Georgie and Gina (née Wilkinson) WWII. Wren Regulating. Served 47. Wren Wtr (P). Served HMS Isabella (née McCubbin) Mill Hill. Member of Cambridge OAKTON Cochrane, Rooke, Dolphin and 1942-45. PO Wren. Served HMS and Chatham Branches. Died 2 Condor. Died 2 May 2019 aged 94. St Christopher, Dolphin and February 2019 aged 96. Vernon. Died 4 February 2019 Gladys Louise, known HALLIDAY aged 96. as Kay (née Kelly) 1943-45. Wren JONES Norah (née Kitchen). Died Wtr (P). Served HMS Pembroke I. 4 May 2019 aged 91. PACKWOOD Shelagh Jean 1952- Died 4 November 2018 aged 95. 60. PO Wren Signals. Served KENT Barbara (née Doherty) RNAS Culdrose, Malta, Eglinton HARDY Elizabeth (née Williamson) 1943-46. L/Wren Wtr (S). Served 1945-48. Wren Wtr. Served Mill and The Admiralty. Died 4 May HMS Squid. Founding member of 2019 aged 87. Hill, RNAS Evanton, Glasgow, RN Isle of Wight Branch in 1973. Died Hospital Sherborne, HMS Scotia, 14 December 2018 aged 95. Royal Arthur and HMS Victory. Died PARKER Winifred, known as Freddie (née Harris) 1943-46. 17 February 2019 aged 91. Joyce Mary Pamela (née LAKE Served Bletchley Park, Eastcote Clapham) 1944-46. Wren Wtr. and Lowestoft. Died 21 February HAYNES Jessie McLellan (née Served HMS Pembroke, Hornet 2019 aged 94. Brown) 1943-46. Wren T/P and Victory. Died 12 February Operator. Served HMS Pembroke 2019 aged 93. III, Cochrane, Assegai and Gnu. PERRY Olive (née Brooks). Died Died 19 March 2019 aged 95. 19 May 2019 aged 97. LANCASTER Brenda Mary (née Bracegirdle) 1950-54. Died 20 HILL Betty May (née Anstiss) 1941- Constance Elizabeth, known February 2019 aged 91. PINK 45. L/Wren Cook (O). Served HMS as Connie (née Clayton). Died 5 Royal Arthur, Midge, Myloden, St May 2019 aged 92. Clement and Pembroke I. Died 20 LECKENBY Audrey Adelaide (née April 2019 aged 96. Gould) 1943-46. Died 2 December POWIS Edith Catherine, known 2017 aged 94. as Catherine (née Smith). Wren HILL Judith Elsie (née May). L/ Steward (O). Served Skegness Wren Air Mechanic. Served RNAS LOW Sheila Noel (née Trevor). and Corsham. Died February Yeovilton and Lossiemouth. Died Wren Wtr Y Branch. Served 2019 aged 93. 2019 aged 78. HMS Flowerdown, Winchester, Anderson and Colombo. Died 17 POYSER Jean Winifred (née HIRONS Joan Mary (née Le February 2019 aged 95. Huggett) 1944-46. Wren. Served Masurier) 1960s. Wren Electrical Stanmore and Portsmouth. Died 5 Engineer. Served Malta. Died 27 MACGREGOR MBE Barbara June 2019 aged 93. June 2019 aged 81. Mary 1943-47. Served Burghfield, HMS Drake, Cabbala, Lochinvar, PROBART Joan Elsie (née HODGSON Margaret (née Taylor) Barnes) 1943-46. PO Wren 1943-46. L/Wren Wtr (P). Served Vernon and Pembroke III. Died 28 February 2019 aged 94. Air Mechanic (E). Served HMS HMS Pembroke, President III, Fledgling, Vulture, Kestral, Windsor and Chelsea. Died 15 May Nightjar and 744 Squadron. Died 2019 aged 96. MCGILL Marjorie Elizabeth (née Simmonds). PO Wren. Served Mill 7 April 2019 aged 98. Maude Violet (née Hill, HMS Caledonia, Roseneath, HUGHES Lily (née Shortt) 1941- Spencer) 1944-47. Wren PV. Osprey, Sanderling and Fort READ 42. L/Wren Supply (FAA Stores). Served Tullichewen Castle, Ballock, Southwick. Died 30 May 2019 Served HMS Cochrane II and Eastcote, Bletchley and Plymouth. aged 91. Died 1 May 2019 aged 94. Condor. Died 14 May 2019 aged 99. MONROE Jean (née Lister) 1953- JAMES Gwawr Yvonne (née 58. Wren SBA. Served RNH Patricia June 1945-50. Jenkins) WWII. Wren Bomb Chatham, HMS Ceres, Victory and RILEY L/Wren. Served Mill Hill, HMS Range Assessor. Served HMS Phoenicia. Died 21 March 2019 Dryad, Victory and Gannet. Died Pembroke III, Vulture, Merganser aged 83. and Crimmond. Died 7 March 2019 17 April 2019 aged 91. aged 92. The Wren 49 RITCHIE Estella Margaret (née SIMCOCK Winifred, known as Hepburn) 1944-45. L/Wren Boat Freda (née Radmore) WWII. PO NON MEMBERS Driver. Served HMS Paragon, Wren Wtr. Died 6 December 2018 BRYDON Joan Margaret (née Mount Stewart and Paris. Died 4 aged 96. Smorenburg, formerly Rodden). April 2019 aged 95. Wren Air Radio. Served HMS Ariel SPICER Dorothy Mabel (née and South Africa. Died March 2019 ROBINSON Elisabeth, known Forder) WWII. Wren Stores. aged 83. as Steve (née Stephen). L/Wren Served Portland. Died 4 November Telegraphist. Served HMS Mercury, 2018 aged 95. CHORLEY Kathleen Joanna RNAS Lossiemouth, St Merryn, (née Stradling) 1944-47. Served Halfar, Eglinton and Londonderry. THOMAS Jean Mildred (née Bletchley Park and HMS Cabbala. Died 2 June 2019 aged 88. Stone, formerly Wright) 1942-44. Died 19 February 2019 aged 93. Wren Wtr. Served HMS Pembroke ROBINSON Joyce Elizabeth (née and Nemo. Died 20 March 2019 DUNN Kathleen (née Jeffers) White) 1949-53. L/Wren Signals. aged 94. WWII. Wren. Served Bristol. Died 22 February 2019 aged 94. Served HMS Dauntless, Mercury, Vulture and President. Died 28 THOMAS Silvretta (née Kear) GLENN Barbara Alice WWII PO April 2019 aged 91. 1944-46. Wren. Served HMS Wren. Served in Fleet Air Arm Pembroke III, Victory and Wildfire. Dartmouth. Died 2 May 2019 aged ROE Dorothy Kathleen, known Died 24 April 2019 aged 93. 102. as Kay (née Makinson) 1944-46. Wren Wtr PV. Served Eastcote, Eileen (née Everett). HARPER Jean (née Grayson) TRIGG 1953-57. Wren Wtr (S) and Bletchley Park and Burghfield. Wren Cook. Served Mill Hill, HMS Died 9 March 2019 aged 92. Stenographer. Served HMS Victory, Jackdaw and Lochinvar. Dauntless, Ceres, President, St Much valued member of Sydney ROOKE Jean Millar (née Angelo, Phoenicia and Chatham. Branch. Died 8 May 2019 aged 93. Valentine) 1943-45. Wren. Served Died 22 February 2019. Bletchley Park, Colombo and HMS Daphne Christabel HATTON Diane (nee Gregory, Anderson. Died 17 May 2019 aged WARBURTON Pamela (née Kenward) 1949- formerly Broom and Paynes) 94. 53. PO Wren Education. Served 1988-92. L/Wren Steward. Died 7 May 2019 aged 51. RUST Lily (née Drummond) RNAS Daedalus, Yeovilton, HMS 1952-59. PO Wren. Served HMS President and Victory. Member of KANE Katherine Bridget (née Dauntless, Caledonia, Sea Eagle, Exmouth Branch. Died 5 March Montgomery) 1941-45. Served Condor, Mercury and Harrier. Died 2019 aged 89. Portsmouth. Died 9 May 2019. 15 May 2019 aged 87. WEBB Kathleen Florence May LANE Audrey (née Johnson) SALT Marie (Nee Higgins) 1955- (née Ward) 1943-45. Wren WWII. Air Traffic Controller. Served 57. Wren Air Mechanic (A). Served Messenger. Served Chatham. Isle of Man. Died 22 May 2019 aged 93. HMS Dauntless, Gamecock and Died 24 April 2019 aged 96. Gannet. Died 14 February 2019 LEWINGTON Evelyn Jean, known aged 87. WILSON-BARNETT Rose as Jean, (née Bowie) 1942-45. L/ Margaret, known as Margo Wren Radar Operator and M/T SANDERSON Jean, known as 1956-64. PO Wren Regulating. Driver. Died in Canada 27 May Jeanne (née Naylor) 1946-49. Served HMS Dauntless, Ceres, 2019 aged 98 Wren Signals. Served Burghfield, Collingwood, Raleigh, Excellent, Eileen Elsie (née Petersfield, St Merryn, HMS Phoenicia, RM Depot Deal and MUSSCHOOT Scotia, Leigh, RNAS Eglinton, Coombes) WWII. Wren. Died 28 RMB Eastney. Beloved member February 2019 aged 96. Chatham and London. Died 19 of Kingston Branch. Died 9 March January 2019 aged 92. 2019 aged 81. MURRAY Hilary 1973-78. Wren RO. Served Fort Southwick and SHARP Margaret (née Spring). Sheila Agnes Gibraltar. Died in New Zealand 28 Died 4 March 2019 aged 95. WITHERS GREEN (née Deasy) WWII. Served January 2019 aged 64. Bletchley Park. Died 8 April 2019 SHARPE Valerie Avril (née Lines, ROCHE Lady Evelyn WWII. formerly Conant) 1952-54. Wren aged 95. WRNS Officer. Died in Portugal 14 Signals. Served HMS Dauntless, February 2019 aged 99. Mercury and RNAS Culdrose. Died WOOD Betty Mary. Former 14 June 2019 aged 85. member of Kingston Branch. Died SCOTT Dorothea Sybille, known 6 March 2019 aged 97. as Sybille WWII. PO Wren. Died 18 February 2019 aged 101. SIMCOCK Joan Ann Shelwynne. PO Wren (WRNR) Regulating. YATES Amy Dorothy (née Stokes) TAYLOR Lynn (née Birkett) 1972. Served HMS Wessex. Former 1943-46. L/Wren Wtr. Served HMS Wren Cinema Operator. Served member of Southampton Branch. Drake, Tana and Colombo. Died HMS Collingwood and RNAS Died 15 May 2019 aged 83. 20 April 2019 aged 95. Culdrose. Died February 2019.