THE WREN Summer 2020 No. 398 Summer 2020 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 Patricia Wall Mrs Beryl Watt Mrs Marjorie Imlah OBE JP Mrs Julia Clark Miss Julia Simpson BSc CEng MBCS Miss Rosie Wilson OBE Miss Eleanor Patrick Mrs Mary Hawthornthwaite Mrs Janet Crabtree Mrs Carol Gibbon Mrs Pat Farrington Miss Andrea Crook

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 Karen Elliot Mrs Lisa Snowden Mrs Lyn Gannon Mrs Vicki Taylor Mrs Barbara McGregor Mrs Georgina Tuckett Miss Alison Moffatt Mrs Jackie Whitmarsh Mrs Kathy Rolls

Subscriptions: Membership renewal for 2020/21 payable by 1 April 2020 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, Building 1/87, Scott Road HM Naval Base, Portsmouth PO1 3LU 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 ENCLOSED INSIDE YOUR SUMMER MAGAZINE:

2020 Christmas Shop Order Form Book of 2020 Grand Raffle Tickets FROM THE EDITORIAL TEAM

National Standard Bearer Chris Walker makes good use of lockdown time!

CONTENTS l-r: Katharine Lovegrove (Administrator), Rita Hoddinott 2 2020 Scuttlebutt (Hon Treasurer), Lin Burton (Administrator) and Georgina Tuckett (Trustee/Editor) 3 Chairman’s Report You ladies are truly wonderful! Even with the difficulties of postal delays for some and for others slower than 4 Important Information normal emails, because so many people are working from home, the inbox for the magazine has been 7 Trustees Corner positively bulging. In this issue you will find stories of what some of you have been up to during lockdown, 9 Christmas Shop pictures of what you’ve achieved but alas none of the events we had been planning for nearly three years. 10 Branch and IG Reports One event we did manage was the dedication of our new Standard by the Chaplain of the Fleet. After that 13 PR Team Report a few of us met for a luncheon in the Victory Services Club but that was the last event before lockdown. 14 Standard Dedication One event that has been celebrated this summer was the 75th Anniversary of VE Day and you will find 18 VE Day 75 pictures of what we Wrens did – alone at home in many cases. Jonni Berfield’s and others wartime memories 22 Living In Lockdown also feature in this issue. 1920 must have been a very good year with the 28 Stephanie Higham WWII creation of the AOW and the birth of so many future Wrens! See the 100th Birthday list on page 35. 30 WRNSBT Auction Next event coming up is VJ Day. Keep your pictures, stories and reports of events coming! 33 Judy Couzens in Malta The Grand AOW Centenary Raffle 34 Letters and Where Are You Now? will be drawn on 3 October 2020 in accordance with The Gambling Act 35 Birthdays and Anniversaries 2005. Raffle tickets are enclosed with this magazine as your last chance to 36 WWII Wrens in Australia enter this draw. GOOD LUCK! 38 Obituaries 43 Deaths Gift of Appreciation Front cover: Royal Mail stamps from the complimen- tary WWII presentation pack awarded in recognition In recognition of Jill Stellingworth’s tenure as of our efforts (sadly not successful) to name the Association Chairman we hope the membership will join in showing appreciation of her commitment elusive Wren! to her role by sending a monetary gift to HQ so Back cover: HMS Victory, HM Naval Base, Ports- that it can be presented at our October AGM. mouth. Photo credit: Nigel Huxtable. 2 The Wren 2020 Scuttlebutt Our Centenary Year under lockdown!

Who could ever have envisioned a year such as this, we had planned and prepared and looked forward to a year of celebration marking the Centenary of our unique organisation. Sadly due to circumstances gripping the whole world in a pandemic much has had to change in our lives but our plans to mark our 100 year milestone will not be in vain, all that we have looked forward to will take place just not when we had hoped. The Scuttlebutt in the Spring edition of The Wren told you of the postponement of the dinner in the Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton, of our Out Of Town meeting in Exeter and of the unveiling of our Commemorative Stone in the National Memorial Arboretum and now sadly I must report that our Edinburgh weekend is yet another casualty. 2020 will not be the year we celebrate but all our planned National events WILL take place, albeit a little later than we had hoped, and will be all the more enjoyable because of our determination, our expectancy and our longing to celebrate who we are, our heritage and our future. A number of you will have paid for your tickets for the Yeovilton dinner, the OOT dinner and the Arboretum. The Treasurer will be maintaining records of who has submitted payments and will ensure you have a ticket when rescheduled. If you would prefer to have a refund, and have your name removed from the event list, please email or write to HQ with your bank details or to request a cheque. PLEASE DON’T TELEPHONE with this information. We anticipate that the revised date for the Arboretum will be Wednesday 9 June 2021. Since the publication of the magazine HQ has been inundated with applications for the Edinburgh events, and this too promised to be a very popular and much anticipated weekend. I did hear some members had decided that even if unsuccessful in getting a ticket to the planned events they would travel to Edinburgh to join in the fun anyway! No payments have been taken and because cheques are only valid for 6 months any submitted have been shredded and new ones will be called for when the revised date is known. From the submitted forms places have been allocated on a first come first served basis and by the time you read this you will have been advised as to whether you have a place or are on a reserve list. As with the previous events the Treasurer will maintain a record and in due course, closer to the revised dates of Friday 1 October and Saturday 2 October 2021, we will take action to secure payment from individuals. In accordance with The Gambling Act 2005 we are required to undertake our Centenary Prize Draw on the announced draw date of 3 October 2020. So many of you will be hearing whether you have won one of our three cash prizes or one of the many other prizes. Please find enclosed with this magazine a book of draw tickets, this will be the last chance to enter the draw so do try and sell every book. Other events planned by Branches and Informal Groups in venues across the country will also have been affected so do keep the office informed if and when you plan to reschedule them so that the website can be kept up to date. Despite the circumstances let’s try to remain strong, whether we wore Blue or Gold (or both), always remember the special place women have held in the Royal Navy over the past Century and since the founding of our Association in 1920. We will celebrate in true Naval style when circumstances allow and I look forward to meeting up with as many of you as possible during our rescheduled Centenary (plus a bit!). Best wishes and Stay safe. Carol Gibbon - Chairman 2020 Centenary Committee

NMA Memorial Stone

This is the completed memorial stone for the WRNS Garden in the National Memorial Arboretum - we had hoped for it to be unveiled by HRH The Princess Royal on 10 June but that now rescheduled for 9 June 2021.

Donations towards the Centenary Stone are still welcomed. The names and service details of all donors will be included in a bound volume to commemorate the Centenary of our Association. To donate please go on line or contact HQ.

The Wren 3 CHAIRMANS REPORT It is nearly 3 years since I became Chairman of our Association. The first couple of years were wonderful in that I managed to get around and meet so many of you - hear your fascinating stories of life when you were serving - and even more interesting - of what you are doing now and the varying second careers, hobbies, travel, and families etc. that Who could ever have envisioned a year such as this, we had planned and prepared and looked forward to a year you have undertaken since stepping out of uniform. A real kaleidoscope of activities. It of celebration marking the Centenary of our unique organisation. Sadly due to circumstances gripping the whole was also a privilege during those two years to represent the Association at many differing world in a pandemic much has had to change in our lives but our plans to mark our 100 year milestone will not Service Charity meetings and to learn of how others from many different walks of life be in vain, all that we have looked forward to will take place just not when we had hoped. thought so highly of you all - of those members who served during wars - and those who The Scuttlebutt in the Spring edition of The Wren told you of the postponement of the dinner in the Fleet Air Arm enthusiastically talk of keeping the flag flying in offices, on air stations, postings abroad, in Museum, Yeovilton, of our Out Of Town meeting in Exeter and of the unveiling of our Commemorative Stone shore stations, the MOD, with the RMs or wherever - and of those who now serve or have in the National Memorial Arboretum and now sadly I must report that our Edinburgh weekend is yet another served at sea and ashore in the Royal Navy. Blue and Gold together - you are all people casualty. 2020 will not be the year we celebrate but all our planned National events WILL take place, albeit a with whom one is proud to have met. little later than we had hoped, and will be all the more enjoyable because of our determination, our expectancy Jill Stellingworth This year has, of course, been very different. No getting around but then again no shortage and our longing to celebrate who we are, our heritage and our future. AOW Chairman of e-mails and telephone calls as AOW business continues unabated. It has been good to A number of you will have paid for your tickets for the Yeovilton dinner, the OOT dinner and the Arboretum. The keep in touch with members by answering queries, keeping you informed with (hopefully) Treasurer will be maintaining records of who has submitted payments and will ensure you have a ticket when helpful advice - your safety, welfare, and sanity has been our prime concern. I have also been personally rescheduled. If you would prefer to have a refund, and have your name removed from the event list, please encouraged by news of how you, the members, have supported one another through Branches, Informal Groups, email or write to HQ with your bank details or to request a cheque. PLEASE DON’T TELEPHONE with this social media and all means possible. information. We anticipate that the revised date for the Arboretum will be Wednesday 9 June 2021. Throughout this period the Association has endeavoured to maintain normality as far as possible, and in keeping Since the publication of the magazine HQ has been inundated with applications for the Edinburgh events, and with the usual 3-year cycle I shall hand over the chairmanship at an AGM later this year (see page 8). May I, this too promised to be a very popular and much anticipated weekend. I did hear some members had decided therefore, thank all of you who have supported me during my time in office and wish you and your new Chairman that even if unsuccessful in getting a ticket to the planned events they would travel to Edinburgh to join in the the very best for the future. I hope that we can meet again at AOW events - and share a glass or two as we laugh fun anyway! No payments have been taken and because cheques are only valid for 6 months any submitted and reminisce of times together. have been shredded and new ones will be called for when the revised date is known. From the submitted forms Blue and Gold for Ever! places have been allocated on a first come first served basis and by the time you read this you will have been Jill Stellingworth - Chairman advised as to whether you have a place or are on a reserve list. As with the previous events the Treasurer will maintain a record and in due course, closer to the revised dates of Friday 1 October and Saturday 2 October 2021, we will take action to secure payment from individuals. In accordance with The Gambling Act 2005 we are required to undertake our Centenary Prize Draw on the announced draw date of 3 October 2020. So many of you will be hearing whether you have won one of our three cash prizes or one of the many other prizes. Please find enclosed with this magazine a book of draw tickets, this will be the last chance to enter the draw so do try and sell every book. Other events planned by Branches and Informal Groups in venues across the country will also have been affected so do keep the office informed if and when you plan to reschedule them so that the website can be kept up to date. Despite the circumstances let’s try to remain strong, whether we wore Blue or Gold (or both), always remember the special place women have held in the Royal Navy over the past Century and since the founding of our Association in 1920. We will celebrate in true Naval style when circumstances allow and I look forward to meeting up with as many of you as possible during our rescheduled Centenary (plus a bit!). Best wishes and Stay safe. Carol Gibbon - Chairman 2020 Centenary Committee 4 The Wren IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM HQ Association of Wrens - Building 1/87 Scott Road, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth P01 3LU 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 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 make 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 a T you have paid a ten year subscription. You do not need DEATHS to make a payment unless you wish to make a donation. It is most important to inform the Administrator of a We will remind you when your ten year subscription member’s death. Records have to be amended and expires. delivery of the magazine stopped. Failure to inform HQ If your membership number starts with an L can easily result in unnecessary distress to surviving you are a life member and do not need to make a relatives and friends. There is no charge for a death payment unless you wish to make a donation. 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 your DATA PROTECTION bank statement to verify that the subscription has The Association database exists to maintain been paid. You can now set up an on-line Direct Debit membership details only. Member’s details are those payment through www.gocardless.com by entering the that have been supplied by the individual member when following link in your browser https://pay.gocardless. joining the Association and from subsequent information 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 may password access. Any member may request a copy of also be made by bank transfer. Please see reverse of their data by writing to HQ enclosing a SAE. your renewal form for our account details. The Wren 5 BRANCHES & GROUPS If you are finding it hard to recruit for your Branch, INVITATIONS TO EVENTS please contact the Administrators who will be very The AOW is fortunate to receive invitations for happy to contact non-Branch members in your area members to attend some very exciting events; to see if they would like to join you. There may be a Buckingham Palace Garden Parties, visits to charge for this to cover postage costs. Highgrove House, canal trips, Founders Day at the Some members who do not belong to a Branch, or did Royal Chelsea Hospital and Christmas parties in belong to one which has since closed, continue to meet various locations. Details of events are forwarded to up with others on an informal basis. In this case the all Branches and Informal Groups. If you don’t belong Association would like to formally adopt such Informal to a Branch or Group but would like to be made aware Groups and thereby offer them the benefits of being of these opportunities please contact HQ to advise. included on our website; have their own Association Some events are exclusively for members who are in email address, write a report for the magazine and receipt of a War Pension or an award from the Armed receive information and invitations. If you would like Forces Compensation Scheme so if you are in receipt your group to be adopted in this way please contact of either of these please let us know. (Preference will, HQ. Not all members of an informal group need to on occasion, be given to War Veterans). be Association members but we will require a named contact who is a current member, the name of the CENOTAPH CEREMONY group, the number of members (both AOW and non- SUNDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2020 AOW) and frequency of meetings. These details will At the time of going to press the RBL have advised then be presented to the Trustees for formal adoption. that they are working closely with all the relevant Government agencies to ensure that this year’s DISSOLUTION OF BRANCHES & GROUPS Cenotaph march-past can go ahead in some form. Branches who become Informal Groups are, under the The RBL will communicate its full plans for the 2020 Constitution of the Association, in effect dissolved and event in early Autumn 2020. For the latest update should therefore take action in accordance with Section please visit our website at www.wrens.org.uk. 9j of the Constitution which states: ‘In the event of the WIMBLEDON TICKETS dissolution of a Branch, all assets of the Branch shall A number of tickets are available to members for this be realised and all debts and liabilities discharged, any event each year courtesy of the Lest We Forget and remaining funds shall be disposed of as agreed by the The Not Forgotten Associations. If you are interested Branch membership’. The advice of the Association in attending please contact HQ. Tickets are available Headquarters should be sought regarding the ultimate to current Association members only, one per disposal of relevant archives and women’s service member and are allocated via a lottery type draw. memorabilia (WRNS/RN). AOW MEMBERSHIP OF THE ROYAL MARITIME BRANCH INSURANCE CLUB PORTSMOUTH (Formerly the Home Club) Branches are required to pay £13.00 annually to The AOW has an Annual Membership of the Royal provide Public Liability insurance for Branch business Maritime Club; mention it when you book and you and social activities wherever held - Limit of Liability will get a discount. The current discounted rates £5,000,000. Where appropriate this includes parading are £105.00 per night for a double or twin room. the Standard but not the Standard itself, see below. (Children aged 3 to15 - price on request, under 3s Informal Groups requiring Public Liability Insurance are free). All rates include breakfast. Prices quoted should contact the Treasurer for entitlement on are effective from May to October 2020. For further payment of the required premium. details, please contact the Club direct on 02392 824231. INSURANCE OF BRANCH STANDARDS Insurance for Branch Standards is no longer available PORTSMOUTH HISTORIC DOCKYARD from the RNA and will be included in the Association The Association has arranged for a discounted ticket insurance cover, at a cost of £5 per annum (renewable for members. If you show your AOW membership from 1 June annually). Cover is restricted to the UK, card (credit card type) at the ticket office you can buy any Standard required to be taken abroad will need a DAY ticket, giving entrance to the Museum of the to be covered by individual’s personal insurance and Royal Navy, all historic ships (excluding the Mary HQ advised that the Standard is being taken abroad. Rose*) and Harbour Tours, for £10 each for yourself Insurance covers damage due to fire or loss (including and up to a further 4 friends. You must visit together. in transit) and includes both the Standard and the For example, you and 2 friends would pay £30.00 ceremonial equipment. Please apply by completing in total, i.e. £10.00 each. Day tickets are not usually the relevant section on your Branch Return or contact sold to the general public. (*A separate ticket must be HQ. purchased if wishing to visit the Mary Rose.) There is no discount on yearly tickets which are sold to WAR MEDALS Information is available at www.gov.uk/guidance/ the general public. the-ministry-of-defence-medal-office. Alternatively contact HQ for assistance. 6 The Wren THE WREN DONATIONS All items for consideration for the next edition (due Heartfelt thanks for your kind donations to the Association. Each one is greatly appreciated and helps out in December) must be with the office no later the Association work for the benefit of all the members. than 12 October 2020. Please send to editor@ Please accept this acknowledgment in appreciation of wrens.org.uk or post to the office address.All items your generosity. Individual letters of appreciation will submitted for The Wren magazine are considered only be sent for donations over £25.00 due to the rising by the Editorial Team and inclusion in the magazine cost of postage. is at their discretion. It is regretted that no personal All donations can be gift-aided if you are a UK tax payer, communication will be entered into. Submissions can thus increasing the amount donated. only be returned if a SAE is enclosed. 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 visually The Association’s main expenditure arises from impaired. Please apply to HQ if you would like to costs in relation to the above objectives – these are receive it in this format. It is produced on a memory primarily HQ staff costs, meeting costs, and costs stick by the Portsmouth Area Talking News (PATN), associated with the production and despatch of The therefore, the appropriate equipment is required e.g. Wren magazine. a computer, laptop, or a speaker (which is available While costs are constantly monitored and controlled in from PATN costing £15 or £25). Please contact the order to minimise any annual losses to the Association, Administrator for further details. Memory sticks are it is also true that unfortunately each year subscription returned to PATN post-free by reversing the address income is decreasing and we become more reliant on label on the 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 of support, namely the reduction or even elimination of the member submitting the item. Personal information the tax payable on the balance of any estate and are i.e. addresses, e-mail addresses or telephone themselves totally exempt from inheritance tax. numbers WILL NOT BE INCLUDED in the magazine, A legacy is a specific sum of money left in your will. You on the AOW website or on the AOW Facebook page do not need to let the Association know your intentions unless members give specific instruction that they as it is understood that the business of making a Will wish their personal details to be included. can be a very sensitive matter. For information a Will Items offered for inclusion on the website should can be made by yourself, however, we would advise be made initially via HQ at [email protected] or that you consult a solicitor or use a Will service to 02392 725141. ensure your Will is valid. Please consider leaving a legacy to the Association – 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. The Wren 7 TRUSTEES CORNER Trustee Nominations to Serve from AGM 2020 to AGM 2023 With 5 nominations for 5 places a postal ballot has not been necessary and all 5 are duly elected. Under the terms of the Constitution three existing trustees, Karen Elliot, Barbara McGregor and Lisa Snowden, completing their 3 year term of office, all stood for re-election. Nominations were also received from Janette Crisp and Karen Eynon. The following submissions were received from Janette Crisp and Karen Eynon. Janette Crisp Dates of Service 1973 - 1976 Category Radio Operator Proposed by Lisa Snowden Seconded by Susan Johns

The world is changing due to external pressures and many organisations and charities are going to have to change to fit in with this new world. My daughter is a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy; her life is so different and demanding from how mine was when I was in the WRNS. The women of the Royal Navy have the confidence to bring new skills and mind-sets to the Association and I would like to use my connection with my daughter to encourage the women that she is responsible for to see the advantages of joining such a great and friendly group. We need these women to engage with us and to feel included if the Association is going to survive for another 100 years. I have excellent communication and interpersonal skills from my many years as a conciliator and manager with Acas, dealing with conflict in the work place and presenting training courses to employers and employees. I have been using these skills as a Visitor Experience volunteer at the Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich; I never fail to mention that the RN and the WRNS were there for many years and the role that they played in the history of such a beautiful place. I am also aware of the role of the WRNS Benevolent Trust in conjunction with the Association and was aiming to help with the coffee morning at the Wrens church, St Mary Le Strand, before we went into lockdown. I have participated in, and supported, many Association events over the past few years; I was in six photos in the last edition of The Wren magazine which I am hoping will encourage more members to attend the many events that we will be holding in 2021. Karen Eynon Dates of Service 1987 – 1995 Category Radio Operator Proposed by Chrissie Hughes Seconded by Suzanne Moonan

I am a very experienced project manager with a background in the environmental sector. I have managed large scale projects and successfully gained funding for several projects in the order of £2million; in the latter half of 2019 I raised £100,000 from different funders for a project in Derbyshire. I am used to writing press releases and speaking to the media and have appeared on TV, radio and in printed press representing organisations that I have worked for. I have also spoken at conferences and workshops and delivered lectures to university students. I am self-employed and most recently have worked as an associate on the evaluation of a Government project in Greater Manchester. I also work as a Virtual Assistant utilising my admin and organisational skills. I have worked as a consultant in the heritage sector and carried out work with the National Museum of the Royal Navy on the “Diving Deep; Invincible 1744 project”. During my 5 years with Don Catchment Rivers Trust I developed and improved the profile of the Trust by managing all outward facing aspects such as; building and managing a website, developing their presence on social media, speaking with the press. I went on to gain enough funding to employ 5 members of staff and an apprentice. As well as managing the Trust which included but was not limited to; tendering and letting contracts; resource management; presentations; partnership working; budgeting; report writing and risk assessments, I also worked very closely with the board of Trustees. Out of Town Meeting AOW and WRNSBT Fundraising Christmas Dinner 2021 Friday 11 December 2020 Gascoigne Suite, Union Jack Club, London The 2020 OOT meeting will be It is very much hoped that this popular event will go ahead but as with all such rescheduled in 2021 in Exeter, gatherings we are subject to Government guidance and social distance rulings. further details will be promulgated A final decision on whether the event will take place will be made towards the end when known. of October and if confirmed an application form will be available on the website The 2021 OOT meeting due to be or from HQ. Please enquire at the end of October. Branches and IGs will be held at HMS Cambria, Cardiff will notified. take place in 2022. A decision on the Carol Service on Saturday 12 December 2020 will be discussed with the new Incumbent of St Mary-le-Strand in September. 8 The Wren

Association of Wrens and Women of the Royal Naval Services 98th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Will be held on FRIDAY 23 OCTOBER 2020 at 1400

In The Carisbrooke Hall, Victory Services Club, Seymour Street, LONDON W2 2HF

This will be a ticketed event and members wishing to attend should contact HQ no later than Monday 12 October 2020 for a ticket. Entry to the Hall will be available from 1130 with a finger buffet lunch (free of charge) being served at 1230. At this time, due to social distancing, numbers may be limited but the hall has adequate space to accommodate our usual number of AGM attendees.

The VSC have implemented a range of enhanced Covid-19 compliant hygiene, safety and social distancing measures, all of which you can learn about via their Covid-19 secure video and Covid-19 guidance documents, which are on their website https://www.vsc.co.uk

Jonni Berfield, Wren Coder, Celebrates D-Day, VE Day and VJ Day Abroad

I was posted overseas in January 1944 as a Coder (Plymouth) travelling through the hazardous North Atlantic on a Troopship, to North Africa, via the Suez Canal and Port Tewfic. There we boarded an armed Merchant Naval ship, MS Salween to Aden. We were there for D-Day and VE Day. Our next ship MS Hupei (Chinese) took us to Bombay, now Mumbai, then on to Columbo Ceylon, now Sri Lanka, aboard MS Shahristan to the naval establishments at HMS Anderson and then HMS Highflyer, Trincomalee. Time passed and in mid-1945 we were back to Columbo, for the run up to VJ Day. We were very busy with all the surrender signals etc. On 15 August peace was declared at last. We went to the Grand Hotel and the celebrations went on for two days. We were allowed to make copies of the surrender signals to bring home. Troop ships bringing the prisoners back from Japan came in and we went to the harbour and took the men who could walk to a hotel. We wrote letters for them to their families to let them know that they were on their way home. The letters were sent by air mail, our journey would be 5 weeks.. We still had a lot to do in the offices, destroying documents and equipment whilst waiting for transport to UK. We did think we had been forgotten but understood that the men had priority and it was as if we were on holiday and explored the island. In January 1946 we boarded HMS Lothian and enjoyed the “cruise” home very much. The crew put on a variety show which we took part in, great fun and the time passed very quickly. We even had a tot of Pussers on occasions! We arrived in Devonport on 22 March 1946. The ‘Trinco’ Wrens joined the AOW and went to meetings etc and although we were living all over the UK we had our own reunions and social gatherings for birthdays, festivals and holidays. Sadly there’s only myself and Pat Pern (Wray) left. If you know of anyone else I would love to hear from them. Jonni Berfield (née Hall)

Information for those who believe they may be eligible for the Legion d’honneur (awarded to all British veterans who fought for the liberation of France during the Second World War). If you or your loved one are a veteran and wish to apply for this decoration, ‘That’s England, that’s home!’ you can visit the following link to complete your application with the Jonni Berfield, HMS Lothian, off Devonport 1946 British authorities. Home from Columbo https://uk.ambafrance.org/Legion-d-honneur-for-British-World- War-II-veterans The Wren 9 AOW Christmas Shop 2020

We Three Birds 160x160mm Welcome Wreath140x140mm Candles140x140mm (pack 10) £3.00 (pack 10) £3.00 (pack 10) £3.00

Wren on a Hat 210x148mm (pack 5) £2.50 Mixed cards various sizes (pack 10) £2.00 (contents may differ from that shown)

How to Order Goods from the AOW Shop

Goods on both this page and our complete range can be ordered via the shop on the Association of Wrens website www.wrens.org.uk. The website shop is kept up to date with the availability of items and provides a secure payment method via Opayo (formerly Sagepay). Alternatively please complete the enclosed order form and post to: Association of Wrens, Building 1/87 Scott Rd, HM Naval Base Portsmouth PO1 3LU Any queries please contact HQ on 02392 725141/[email protected] Delivery: We aim to get your order to you as soon as we can within 28 days. It will be sent by 2nd class post. If required sooner please contact HQ. Please note that at the time of going to press, delivery of Association of Wrens 2021 Diary £4.00 diaries and Christmas cards to Head Office is expected by (picture for illustration purposes only) October. 10 The Wren Branch ReportS Branch reports should consist of no more than 120 – 130 words Stafford & District not including details of meeting We had our annual Bring & Buy in April 2019, a ‘Mini arrangements. Picnic in the Park’ in May and lunch at The Soup Kitchen in July. We attended the Remembrance Day Fife Service and Parade in Stafford. Sadly one of our members Sylvia Cornell, passed away in November. Despite the lockdown, we have kept in touch via email, Two members were invited to a very enjoyable Not phone and social media. Forgotten Association Christmas Lunch in Liverpool Some of our members have carried on working at in December. Christmas was a low key event with an home. ordinary meeting. We had our New Year Lunch at The Kimmy created a group Facebook page, Moira Soup Kitchen. Due to Coronavirus we have cancelled organised a virtual Teddy Bears picnic with Wrens our meetings for the rest of the year provisionally throughout the country. Biggest claim to fame was until September. We meet at the Bird in Hand PH Shelagh Fraser’s peg doll of Captain Sir Tom Moore, September to May on the third Tuesday of the month appearing, thanks to Lyn Gannon, on the Lorraine (outside activities in June and July) from 1300 – 1500. show, a couple of days before his 100th birthday. Sue Johnson - Chair & Secretary 01785 220891 Hobbies have been taken up; hula hooping, learning Spanish, crafting, and teaching husbands to cook! We have all missed family and friends, two of us welcomed the birth of new grandchildren…. The one thing we are all looking forward to is that first visit to our hairdressers! Email Yvonne Thorpe at yfeethorpe1960@gmail. com if you would like to join us.

Stafford Branch summer lunch July 2019

Calling all members not belonging Wellingborough, Kettering to a Branch or Informal Group! and District Would you like to belong to a Branch or Informal Group but don’t have one in your local area? All members have kept in touch with each other by Would you like to be kept up to date with news text and phone. This year included a trip to a boat from HQ and details of invitations and events both club, where members enjoyed a lunch and an art locally and nationally? If so please sign up to join demonstration by Kay’s husband. In November we our new virtual branch! went to the National Arboretum and laid a wreath in We have introduced this new ‘branch’ to keep the WRNS garden. We celebrated Trafalgar Day with more members ‘in the loop’ about what’s new and a pub lunch and rounded off the year with a quiz at what’s going on and who don’t currently receive Knuston Hall. Andrea our Chair and Kay our Secretary, this news through a group. If you are interested in marched at the Cenotaph. It’s funny how you instantly joining please contact HQ with an email address recognise old friends. Forty years just fades away! The which can be your own or that used by a friend funniest part was when we were told to get in ranks of or family member who is happy to pass the 6 – it was like herding cats! information on to you. Please make sure you Unfortunately, our oldest member, Miriam Smith, 97, have their permission to pass their email address passed away in March. We will remember her fondly to us. for her sense of humour and smiling face. Please call HQ on 02392 725141 or email us at Please contact the Secretary if you would like to join [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you! us – a warm welcome awaits you! Kay Sandell - Secretary [email protected] The Wren 11 South Dorset Prior to the Covid-19 we continued to have our monthly meetings, coffee mornings and lunch clubs. Other activities included supporting Cdr Jane Allen, the Victory Walker, during her passage through Dorset and retaining the skittles cup at an annual competition hosted by neighbouring Yeovil Branch. Activities abruptly stopped for the Covid-19 ‘lock- down’ including having to cancel a trip to the National Memorial Arboretum. Charity stalls and a BBQ are in the balance as may be the Branch’s 70th Anniversary lunch booked for October. Our members seem quite savvy at keeping in touch with each other by either ‘phone, email or other social medias.We have sadly lost 5 current/past members in the last 12 months. ‘Normal’ meetings are 3rd Wednesday of the month 1400-1600. Elaine Smith - Chairman 01305 785023 INFORMAL GROUPS Fareham

Our monthly Coffee Mornings continue to be popular. (New venue details below). We held our Christmas lunch there, prior to closure, again well supported by members and guests. Last September we coached it to Godalming for a boat trip on board Iona, pulled by a heavy horse, along the River Wey, a canal section and through one of the oldest boat locks in the country. Oh! did I forget to mention … we had a cream tea on board!! We managed to hold our March Coffee Morning prior to lockdown but our Annual Skittles had to be cancelled. It is Fareham Informal Group’s 25th Anniversary and sadly a Solent Boat Trip has been cancelled and a Celebration Afternoon Tea is more than likely not to go ahead due to Covid19. We meet on the 1st Tuesday of the month at the Masonic Hall, 34 Queen’s Road, Fareham, PO16 0NN at 1000. Please come along if you would like to join us; a warm welcome awaits you. Contact Barbara Mason 01489 600031 [email protected] Lytham St Annes It is now May, what will we be doing in September? Thank goodness for the laptop and Facebook. They have enabled us to keep in touch with family and friends, not only in this country but in countries worldwide, lifting our spirits when we needed it most. Food glorious food, cakes, biscuits and new recipes galore. Dee, a member of our group, suggested we could show our appreciation of the nursing staff in the Intensive Care Unit at Blackpool Victoria Hospital by sending them ‘goodie’ food parcels. Whilst we all contributed financially, it was Dee who took on the responsibility of the shopping and organising of the parcels. Cries of joy were heard when The Wren magazine popped through the letter box. No we will NOT be meeting on the 2nd Monday of the month but we will ladies, we will eventually. Looking forward to that day. Sheila Nicholson 01253 402415

The Wren 13 PUBLIC RELATIONS TEAM REPORT Outreach Facilitator Report The Website Thank goodness for PCs keyboards, mobiles, text There is a new banner for the website embracing our and landlines! Not so sure about Zoom as my haircut Centenary year. It’s bright and fresh.Thank you to Karen is well overdue! However with the opportunity for Fisher for designing this. unexpected leisure time our ‘audience’ out there The website is kept up to date with any cancellations or are focussing on Family History and writing books! postponement of events (it’s been busy!) so it’s always So not an easy ride for me although I enjoy every worth checking for any new additional details, or where minute – you wouldn’t believe the facts I discover, to find further information. plus the anomalies that abound. Once the archives/ Every two weeks, the RN record a sixty second video, memorabilia have been sorted and are searchable aptly called Two-Six. It is presented by a different person for reference, it will be so much easier and more each episode, and it gives an excellent insight into what efficient. is current and newsworthy within the RN. To watch this, I followed up the walking ‘Marjories’, West and Lamb, go to the bottom of the webpage and click on the Two- together with Edna Wells, (the new best friend of Six button. It’s a great watch! Joanna Lumley!) and Dorothy Runnicles welcoming St Mary le Strand is the official church of the WRNS and HRH The Princess Royal ‘to her home’. We have AOW. There is a whole section relating to the church if had a lot of coverage for ‘The Wrens’ including. you want to understand more about this special place. Moira Tierney and her Teddies, and Pat Clifton with It’s under the “About Us” section. Jackie Whitmarsh her masks, which have both taken over Facebook, and beyond. The best moment on 31 May was a video from the crew of HMS Queen Elizabeth for Marjorie Lamb’s 100th birthday which must have Facebook been the icing on her cake! Jackie and Vicki have Not quite the Centenary year we had hoped for but posted highlights of these events on the website and Facebook has continued to be busy, unfortunately Facebook. informing you of cancelled events but also with many NEWS On the 15 August 2020, the nation will good news stories. For VE Day 75, it was difficult keeping commemorate VJ 75. The recent easing of HMG up with all our WWII Wrens across social media and the social distancing restrictions means that the RBL news - an excellent result for getting us back into the are now able to develop plans for a formal event public eye. As I type, our post sharing pictures of the centred around the Act of Remembrance at 11am Centenary Commemorative Stone received an amazing which will be broadcast on BBC One, from the NMA response and we are all looking forward to seeing it in Staffordshire. That evening, a 90 minute evening in situ at the Arboretum next year. If your Branch or broadcast will be shown on BBC One of an MOD- Informal Group has a public Facebook page, please feel led commemorative programme, from London. free to tag us in your posts using @AssociationofWrens. Updates will be shared on AOW online pages. Feel free to message us however, I may refer you back Celia Saywell to the HQ Office as I don't always have the answers at my fingertips! Vicki Taylor Sales and Events Sadly, in what was to be such a special year for the Association of Wrens, all events have been cancelled or postponed, from village Fayres to National Armed HMS Prince of Wales Forces Day and everything in between. Better to be safe than sorry though. At the beginning of March members of Manchester I would really like to thank the ladies who had & District Branch were fortunate to be invited to visit volunteered this year to help man the stand – HMS Prince of Wales. On arrival we were welcomed hopefully next year will be busier and better than on board by Lt Paul Beardall-Jacklin a schoolie, ever. Events aren’t just about selling goods though, who, with the assistance of Officer Cadets George they are a lovely way of meeting potential members, Askwith and Lewis Young, gave us a most interesting there are always literature and application forms to tour of the ship. From the bridge to the flight deck join the AOW at each event. and on to the living quarters and messes. We were Sales of goods are ticking along – apparently jigsaw overawed by the sheer size of everything and all the sales have done well during lockdown! You can technical equipment which is needed to keep the purchase goods online, by post or even phone the ship in service and so grateful for the opportunity to office if you don’t have access to the internet. There see how the modern Navy operates. is a bigger order of Wren on a Hat Christmas cards This visit reminded me of a visit some of us who going in and diaries will be ready for sale in early were serving in Gibraltar made to USS Saratoga autumn. in February 1958 when she had a prolonged stay Thank you for your support, here’s to a busy 2021. there. Lyn Gannon Rosemary Smith 14 The Wren Standard Dedication at St Mary le Strand

Sermon delivered at the service of dedication of our new standard in the WRNS Church, St Mary le Strand on Sunday 8 March 2020 by The Venerable Martyn Gough QHC, Chaplain of the Fleet and Archdeacon for the Royal Navy.

In but a few months, the nation will once again come the WRNS, predominantly shore based female led together to celebrate an important military anniversary. fulfilled a different function. You sought, as all those Just as we did in 2018 with the commemorations for who joined the RN sought, you sought to serve. To the end of World War 1 and as we did last summer for serve country, to serve God; you sought a better the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings. We need world, and not just a career option. to recall and to remember those events because they You may have followed a standard in the shape of a ground us in the past, but they also enable us to learn flag, but you also had standards, values and beliefs lessons for the future. that were and are based on core Christian values; No doubt in those celebrations, flags and standards that of integrity, loyalty, commitment, courage and will play a vital role – whether it be the Queens Colours, discipline; they were your rule of life that keep you Regimental or Association standards – they all play an going – they are the standards that gave you your important figurative narrative in our celebrations and in values but they are the ones held up in front of you; our associations. that you seek out and you follow. Flags and standards have been used by the military for over 5000 years. There is evidence that in ancient Egypt, Greece and certainly in the Roman Empire, Standards were used by advancing armies to identify where they were and to give rallying point to troops. Army Regiments are very proud and fiercely protective of their Standards, but for those of us who serve or who have served in the Naval Service, colours, as we like to call them, have a less prominent place as we are not a Regimental Navy. But that said, certain groups, the RNA, Ship Organisations and this Association of Wrens, have standards, as a symbol of their belonging to a military environment. They give us something to follow and something to identify with. Just down the road from here at the National Gallery, there is a painting by Fra Angelico, called Christ glorified in the court of heaven where Our Saviour is seen before the multitude of angels and archangels New Incumbent – the flag he carries is the Cross of St George, not for St Mary Le Strand the sign of English jingoism; remember that Saint and his Flag are also to be seen in the Lombardian area It has been announced that the Reverend of Northern Italy, where Fra Angelico originated from Canon Dr Peter Babbington has been – the Christian symbolism of flags runs deep in our appointed Priest in Charge of St Mary le history and in our expression; flags flown from Church Strand from September 2020. Canon Peter is Towers through to the Sunday School song “there’s a coming from Bournville Parish in the Diocese flag flying high in the castle of my heart”. of Birmingham where he has served for nearly The flag is there as a point of reference, of something eighteen years. Canon Peter says: “I am worth following, something worth fighting over. You are very excited to be taking up this new interim all aware of the images of American soldiers on Iwo ministry post as priest in charge at St Mary Jima towards the end of WWII, struggling to raise the le Strand. I am looking forward to getting to US Flag on the newly gained territory. They take the know everyone and working together to make flag as a far more sacristan item than we do – and we this beautiful gem of a church more open see the burning and desecration of such as a sign of a and accessible at the heart of the Strand and defeated nation. Aldwych area.” You, the Association of Wrens, have come to this Canon Peter is married to Dr Paula Gooder church, your London home, the place where the Book who is Canon Chancellor at St Paul’s Cathedral of Remembrance is kept to lay up one standard and and they have two daughters, Susie and Ruth to seek God’s blessing on another, and it is a joy and who are at university and 6th form respectively. a solemn duty so to do. You all joined a very different We look forward to welcoming them to the Royal Navy to that which I joined in 1998 and that is Wrens’ community at the earliest opportunity certainly a very different formation than we have today. once the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted. The Navy the WRNS served in was gender divided with men having sea going leadership roles and The Wren 15

Seventy-Eighth WOMEN’S ROYAL NAVAL SERVICE BENEVOLENT TRUST Annual General Meeting The WRNSBT is your Trust and a registered charity, a completely separate organisation from the Association of Wrens, although both are now This event was due to be held on Tuesday 19 May based in Portsmouth. 2020 and was postponed To be a member of the Trust you must have served with regard to the COVID-19 crisis. in the WRNS and transferred to the RN before November 1993, or served in the WRNS since It is hoped that it will now take place towards the September 1939. The Trust helps both officers latter end of September. and ratings across the world. at Collingwood Hall, HMS Collingwood The Trust exists to provide relief in cases of Newgate Lane, Fareham, Hants PO14 1AS necessity or distress amongst its members and their dependants and may also make grants for Guest Speaker assistance with further education for members. Group Captain Kathleen Sherit RAF (ret’d) If you wish to apply for assistance or are aware of a former Wren who may need our All serving female members of the Royal Navy help, please contact the General Secretary, who joined before November 1993 and all former WRNSBT, Castaway House, 311 Twyford members of the Women’s Royal Naval Service are Avenue, Portsmouth PO2 8RN cordially invited to attend. Tel: 02392 655301 email: [email protected] The date will be released in early August and website: www.wrnsbt.org.uk the General Secretary will find it of great help if members let her know if they would like to attend by Friday 4 September as this will be an “invitation The South Atlantic Medal Association only” event, due to the establishment’s security requirements. The South Atlantic Medal Association is looking for new members. Service women who were serving in Email: [email protected] the UK at the time of the Falklands War can join as FB: WRNSBT Tel: 02392 655301 an Associate Member for £10 (for life). Contact the Web: https://wrnsbt.org.uk/contact/ SAMA HQ via their website – www.SAMA82.org.uk.

Inter-Association Quiz in Edinburgh

This year, we jointly hosted the Inter Association Quiz on the evening of Friday 13 March with the RNA City of Edinburgh Branch which coincided with their 25th anniversary since relaunching. The weekend was one of celebration which included the Inter-Association Quiz Night, AGM, Run Ashore, Church Service at the Canongate Kirk, and Reception at SVR Whitefoord House. For the third year in a row, the team from the AOW Edinburgh & District Branch were the out and out winners! There’s apparently no fix! Branch Members were delighted to also attend the Church Service and Reception on the morning of Sunday 15 March. Cdr Gary Mills RN, Chief of Staff, RNHQ SNI attended the Service and the Ladies were delighted to get a picture taken with him. Marie Taylor also joined us, parading the RNA Area Standard. Karen Elliot Jenny Wren Quizzers 16 The Wren Lockdown 100th Birthday Celebrations

It is always inspiring and humbling to read about our fellow members of the Association who have reached their hundredth birthday and to know that the spirit of the Wrens goes a long way to contributing to their amazing lives. Marjorie Lamb epitomises this spirit, because not only did she achieve the incredible 100th birthday, but because of the constraints of the Coronavirus she, like others, decided not to be defeated by the limitations of the lockdown – instead she decided to do a “Captain Tom” and raise some money for PPE for NHS Scotland carers. Just before lockdown Marjorie moved in to her son’s house and when she saw Captain Tom Moore’s unbelievable fundraising Marjorie Lamb on her 100th Birthday achievements and knew that she too would be celebrating her 100th birthday without the planned party and gathering of family and friends, she decided to start her own little walk towards her birthday which was on 31 May. Like Captain Tom – now Colonel Sir Tom Moore – Marjorie set herself the target of walking 100 laps round her son’s garden (not too small either) and with a little help from family and friends aimed to raise a modest £1,000. Fortunately, the weather was kind to us all at the start and Marjorie managed to complete around 3 laps a day. Her sponsorship started well and as word of her challenge spread among family, friends and of course AOW members she was delighted to reach her target. She enjoyed reading all the messages of support and encouragement she received, and it spurred her on to ensure she completed the 100 laps. When ITV’s Good Morning Britain heard about Marjorie’s project they invited her to appear on their morning programme and she proved a great success when interviewed – claiming Captain Tom inspired her and she was now doing her bit for “the girls”! There was never any doubt that this feisty and determined lady was going to make it, which she did, and in so doing raised a staggering £19,500! An amazing achievement. In the absence of a big gathering on the big day, her son and granddaughters arranged for a piper to play in their front garden and all the people in the neighbouring houses and surrounding streets congregated outside – all socially distancing – enjoyed the musical celebration and joined in singing Happy Birthday and applauded her achievement. In the back garden the Birthday Card from Her Majesty The Queen sat in pride of place beside some beautiful flowers, a cuddly Wren teddy and a birthday cake - together with an extremely limited number of her family and friends. Despite lockdown Marjorie had a wonderful day and really loved receiving so many cards and messages of congratulations. One of the highlights of her day was when the ships company of HMS Queen Elizabeth had a “shout out” for her onboard. They all sang Happy Birthday, and the different departments sent her birthday greetings and congratulations via twitter. Certainly, a great start to her 101st year. Marjorie has written a book about her life in the WRNS which she called “The Making of Me” and one of her favourite sayings is: “once a Wren – always a Wren”. Events

1966ers 2020 Reunion Event Cancellations

Due to these uncertain and unprecedented AOW2020 Event at York Minster - we regret to times, we have postponed our 2020 reunion, announce the cancellation of both the service at but have already booked the Royal Maritime York Minster and high tea, due to take place 11/12 Club for Friday 6 August 2021. We are hoping September 2020. for a great turn out to celebrate 55 years since arriving at HMS Dauntless. Dauntless Reunion - planned for 16-18 2021 April Please contact Barbara Cotton (Binks) has sadly had to be cancelled due to Covid-19 [email protected] or Maxine affecting planned building work at Mill Rythe. Higgins (Parish) [email protected] We also have a Facebook group' I joined the Wrens in 1966, did you?' The Wren 17 Memories Matter, Connections Matter, Belonging Matters (aka what did you do during lockdown?)

I’ve always been keen on photography. I dabble. I learned to develop 35mm in Dolphin 2, and later enjoyed the freedom of digital images. In time, my family came along and the photo collection grew to impressive proportions. I enjoyed taking them and keeping those treasured memories. Along with advancing technology came social media and once-isolated former Wrens were able to reconnect, discover old friends, make new ones, provide support, laugh, cry and share tales of their time in the Senior Service. Through that we discovered that we were no longer “former Wrens” because once a Wren always a Wren! We developed new naval jargon.... “Happy Wreniversary” as yet another milestone loomed and reunions were arranged. And friends, or oppos, Mandy at work compiling Divisional Photos would share their official Divisional photo of the days that their lives changed from ordinary to “we wouldn’t have missed it for the world” and “the best days of my life!” They are joyous, happy celebrations and we all share the moment and wish them love and congratulations. But amongst all of this are the quiet little comments... “I’d love to post my Divisional photo but...” Fires, flooding, revenge, accidents and all the other words that describe someone losing their precious memories. It’s heart- breaking and unimaginable. I’d often wondered if there was an archive of Divisional photos accessible by veteran Wrens but questions drew a blank and I only saw small collections on Facebook groups. Then came Covid 19. I work in a High School but I’m also 3 years into recovery from breast cancer so I’m a bit of a health risk. I’m shielding, working from home. School said that we all had to have a break over half term. Relax! But I’d been semi-relaxed for two months and needed routine, a purpose, a new challenge. ”I’ve had a random thought!” A phrase that I often would start a post to the Wrens page and one that I imagine is usually met with groans (or mild hysteria at home), but this time..... It was given thought, and then smiles. “Do it, if you really want to!” And so the idea of Dauntless DivPhots came into being. Initially I was going to keep it within the Wrens page on Facebook but then I realised that the information was coming from multiple sources and that a separate, standalone, accessible location was needed. I looked at many options for storing photographs but realised it wasn’t just the photos that were needed. We needed the connections. I decided I also wanted to be able to attach comments to those Divisional photos. As a temporary measure, a new Facebook Group was established. It’s not perfect. It can’t store in chronological or numerical order. But for now, it will do. It’s searchable, whether by number, keyword or year. We keep the Div photos safe from editing or accidental deletion but the comments are open to all so they can bring the photos to life. I posted my request for information on the usual Facebook pages and the flood gates opened. The speed with which the data came pouring in was astounding. At the time of writing this, the “project” has been running for just over two weeks and in that time we have over 600 lines of data on a spreadsheet (this of course does not include the duplication of information), nearly 400 Divisional photos and have created a FB group to allow Wrens to search and comment. As the enormity of the task became apparent, Janette Nicolson Crisp somehow volunteered (without actually ever using the word) to be my Bloodhound, find stray entries as well as admin the group, keep me sane and share the laughter. Our back-up team of Pamela Durrant, Lilyann Heath and Erica Brennan provided the moral support and even more laughter. And what started out as a way of just storing and sharing Divisional photos has grown into the means of finding lost division mates, sharing memories and laughs and posting photos taken during training. The chatter is joyous and people are finding themselves in photos. The conversations are flowing, people are delving into their deepest darkest recesses of the mind, or the cabin trunks in the attic. And at a time when people are in isolation, vulnerable, alone and lonely.... the rekindling of the Dauntless spirit has been wonderful to witness and I’m only too delighted to have been involved in part of it. Welcome to Dauntless DivPhots 47-81. https://www.facebook.com/groups/562267424472895/ Mandy Whitham Editorial Note: We welcome non-members who have contributed to Mandy and Janette’s project to consider joining the Association. Further to that imagine how much they would enjoy the booklet ‘A History - HMS Dauntless 1945-91, available to all, via the Shop page. Members Memorabilia/Association Archive

The Trustees have set up a new working group to catalogue the mementoes sent by members to the Association to enable their wider use in connection with research, family history enquiries, requests for information from the media and invitations to be involved in projects. The Trustees value these artefacts in accordance with our Constitutional statement to preserve the history and traditions of the WRNS and celebrate our past achievements. New additions are welcome and where appropriate will be shared with associated museums. 18 The Wren VE Day 75 Commemorations Swansea Branch Fiona and Paul Remember

Fiona Ashby is a former National Standard Bearer, having held the position twice in the 1990s. She parades the Standard in Oswestry each Remembrance Day. The photo was taken on VE75 in May this year. With Fiona is her husband Paul who served in the RN for 23 years as a Stores Barbara Garnham (Swansea Branch). A former Wren Accountant. His final rating was CPO. Fiona left the showing courage and respect for the Veterans! WRNS as a PO Training Support Assistant, having joined as an Education Assistant. Fiona represents the Croesoswallt & District Branch which is always Greenwich Place looking for more members. Greenwich Place (Saltash) Wrens practising ‘herd An Afternoon to Remember immunity’ for a few seconds before joining other residents (socially distanced) for the two minute silence. All members of Plymouth Informal Group.

l-r: Linda, Janet, Daphne, Mo and Sue

Crissie Proudley, Wendy Lagden and Wendy’s mum enjoy socially distanced afternoon tea. The Wren 19 National Standard Cardiff Branch

Cardiff Branch Chairlady, Jodie Taylor, at the VE Remembrance in Llantwit Major with the Branch Standard. Dilys Beckett

Chris Walker and husband (RAFA) taking part in VE Day (Last post and Reveille) in their front garden on 8 May. Dressed Up and Ready to Party!

Edinburgh Branch

COVID-19 and the current lockdown didn’t stop members of the Edinburgh & District Branch from celebrating VE Day 75 on Friday 8 May 2020. In true Naval fashion, we “dressed ship”, organised and participated in a number of “events” and activities, including a VE Day 75 Service (via Zoom), afternoon tea parties, etc. A great time was had by all over the course of the weekend. Karen Elliot

Stephen and Karen Elliot l-r: Fiona Smith and Liz Brown 20 The Wren

Whittall Division In The Swim At Dauntless - 70s Style! Britania Royal Naval College, Dartmouth

A new division of recruits have joined BRNC to commence training. To recognise the unique nature of their course, these the first ratings at BRNC have formed Whittall Division which was named in honour of Petty Officer Wren Ellen Whittall who was the only fatality when the college was bombed in September 1942. This is the first division to be named after a Wren. Normally as you all know ratings train at HMS This cutting of the swimming pool at HMS Dauntless Raleigh but the Royal Navy has recently received so from September 1970 was sent in by Jacqueline many applications to join that this new division has Rees who comments, ”don’t be fooled, the pool was been created at BRNC. We would like to wish them freezing!!” all the best of luck with their new careers but a special Jacqueline is sitting at the far end of the pool with mention to Sophie Loraine from Sunderland. Hilary Thomas nearest to the camera. The Wren 21 What I Did During Lockdown

This title reminds me of those dreadful school essays “What I did in the holidays”, but here goes. I am a volunteer co-ordinator for The Reader Organisation; a charity which brings together people who are lonely, isolated, depressed, suffering anxiety or other mental health issues, memory loss and early- stage dementia. We read stories out loud together in a public setting – in my case, in Taunton Library – and discuss what we read and how it makes us feel, while enjoying meeting the others in the group and having a cup of tea and a biscuit (or two!) When the lockdown was announced, the libraries closed. I was able to telephone all my members (24 of them) and where possible I got e-mail addresses. So, how to adapt a face-to-face weekly meeting for shielded or locked down people who do, or do not, “do” computers, and who suddenly are even more isolated than before, with no friendly visits from family or neighbours? Every Monday, I send a story and a poem out by e-mail to my computer-literate group members (most of whom are in their 80s and 90s). Those who are not online receive a printed version through their letter box. I have walked miles around Taunton, but it’s worth it to see their smiling faces through the windows. They reply, giving me their thoughts and ideas about the story, and then at the end of the week I collate these and send them out to everyone. It is not ideal, because our ethos is to get people involved with each other, but it seems to be working, and I am receiving fantastic notes of thanks from them, plus some very interesting and challenging responses to the stories. They don’t like science fiction or sad stories, so we A Helping Hand read H E Bates, Winifred Holtby, Mrs Gaskell, Richmal Crompton and for poetry we have read everyone from Shakespeare and Milton to brand new poets. The seven co-ordinators in Somerset meet by Zoom every fortnight to exchange ideas and experiences which is helping us to improve our service to our groups. One of our ladies has appeared on the Well Being programme on Radio Somerset, reading a story and a poem, and we are filming some stories for the Somerset Libraries website for the public to access. Of course, all this means that at least one day each week I am working my fingers to the bone around the keyboard, typing out the stories and poems – ah! Those days at HMS Pembroke were not in vain! It is a privilege to be part of these lovely people’s lives, and come what may, The Reader volunteers all over the country will be trying to keep in contact with our groups, looking forward to meeting them again, and At the beginning of lockdown, as a member of reading some wonderful literature together. the Admin Team of the Littlehampton AFVBC, Melanie Devine I volunteered to deliver meals to vulnerable For further information regarding the work of The Reader, please veterans and familes in the Littlehampton Area visit www.thereader.org.uk every 5 days with initially Terry Gaunt (RA) who had been furloughed from Rolls Royce. Gill Walby stepped in when he was called back to work. The Photo top right shows Melanie receiving the photo shows a meal delivery to Anne Palmer a Taunton Citizenship Award for her work with The Reader former Wren (Air Stores) living in Littlehampton. Jane Adams 22 The Wren Living in Lockdown Lockdown Comms The Great Outdoors As the song goes “How do you solve a problem like….COVID-19? For those in Plymouth & Exeter and who are on email it has been fairly easy from my point of view as I’ve sent out e-cards from the Jacquie Lawson website, monthly round robins keeping us all in touch, sometimes extra emails with all the various pieces of information from our Chairman and the ladies in Portsmouth. However, for those not on email it is snail mail copies of the “Round Robins” again sometimes extra snail mail with information and getting them to the post box has involved some very good neighbours helping me. Some telephone calls, not just from myself in Plymouth, to those in both places but also members talking to each other. Plymouth City Council are putting together a “Virtual” AFD and asked for articles from those who normally participate in AFD – no chance to promote the AOW Vicky Ludbrook enjoying beautiful goes unheeded so that has now gone off to them. Bothal Woods, Northumberland. Bored – not a bit just keeping occupied including my x-stitching seeing the light of day after a couple of years, but, I think my husband will be glad when I A Stylish Way to Cover-Up can go out as he’s not used to me keeping a beady eye on what he eats, he’s diabetic, and also being aware of how much TV he watches!! Nancy Hill

I am making face coverings for the girls on Wrens FB and their friends and family. Who said face coverings have to be dull! The girls are Rockin’ these!!! I’ve made All my Jenny Teddies were on display on the nearly 400 to date, (2 June) which coincidentally is window sill along with the Wren birds on VE Day my golden anniversary for joining the WRNS in 1970 - I just had to move them for their photo call! (Theseus 203). Georgina Tuckett Pat Clifton Lockdown Reunion

Covid-19 has caused the cancellation or postponement of many events but for one group at least, technology came to the rescue and ensured that a gathering could take place, albeit in a rather different format. On 4th April 2020, members of Talbot 1/80 who completed Officer Training at BRNC Dartmouth during the Spring Term of 1980 got together for a virtual reunion. The group, who had their first reunion at Furse House in 1987, have stayed in contact and have met at intervals over the years, including reunions at Dartmouth and in Edinburgh. A chance meeting between two members of the group at the Victory Services Club in London led to plans being put into place for a reunion to mark the 40th Anniversary of passing out from BRNC. This was to be held at the VSC on the weekend of the 3 – 5 April but with less than three weeks to go, the decision was made to postpone until the pandemic has passed. Instead, a Zoom meeting was set up and with drinks in hand, most of those who had planned to attend the reunion enjoyed a couple of hours of lively chat and happy reminiscences. Whilst it wasn’t the celebration that had been originally planned, it was a lovely way to spend time together to mark the occasion and it is hoped that the whole group, including those who were unable to join us on this occasion, will be able to meet up in person next year. Judith Cotter (Secretary Southport Informal Group) The Wren 23 Ginger Biscuit Recipe Goes Viral!

I made ginger biscuits at the start of lockdown and put a photo on the Wrens Facebook page. I was asked for the recipe which was one of my late Mum’s. It went viral!! Hundreds were made so I decided to do a survey:- Well ladies it is 23 hours since I started my survey on my ginger biscuit recipe. So far 160 of you have made them.The total made is in excess of 7,000 plus lots, lots, lots which is what some put on. As well as all over England, Ireland (North and South), Scotland and Wales my lovely Mum’s recipe has found its way to:- Australia, Bavaria, Belgium, Canada, China, Cyprus, Dubai, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Kenya, New Zealand, Oman, Portugal, Russia, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain and all over the USA. Not bad!!!! Thank you all. My Mum would have been so happy about this but probably wouldn’t have believed it. My cousin also made the biscuits and took them to work for her boss to try. He is a Roux chef, (I put Michelin on Facebook by mistake). He loved them so much he is going to include them on his next menu change. As well as ginger biscuits I then turned my hand to making face masks. Some of our members who work with disadvantaged and disabled children got some from me as they thought they were child friendly. Anne Frank

Face masks made by Anne

Supporting Each Other

My Covid 19 journey in the small village I live in has brought this close community even closer. The Parish Council quickly came together with volunteers to help the vulnerable. I was allocated a lovely lady named Jane, we chat most days and I walk her dog and shop for the things she forgets to ask her daughter to deliver, from onions to chocolate. I am very lucky that my niece came to see me a few days before lockdown and is still with me. She is now a keen gardener, cook and horse whisperer. I have had to learn how to video and direct her in song, dance and drama for her four Auditions into Musical Theatre Universities, Stephen Spielberg I am not. Still I must have done something right she has a place!!!!! Sonja Smith - Hartlepool 24 The Wren Something to Celebrate

Wedding day of WRO (M) Audrey Kelly 125116 and 50 Years later. 18 April 2020, we celebrate our 50th SAC John Cuthbertson at St Anne’s, Fort HMS St wedding anniversary in lock-down, on our own, owing Angelo, Malta on 18 April 1970. Audrey worked in to covid19, in Larkhall, Scotland. We enjoyed the day Commcen Lascaris and John was based at RAF Luqa. nonetheless. Creative Talents Meeting Up Again

Jackie Whitmarsh with grandson Alfie, reunited when restrictions were relaxed.

Home Recording Studio

I’ve been working from home recording The Talking I have been busy knitting, sewing, cooking, reading, Wren with the help of my husband - obviously not etc but I did have a go at upcycling an old magazine able to use the commercial recording equipment! rack.I painted it using Rustoleum Surface Paints and Janet Crabtree (Vice President) then decoupaged the sides using napkins. Kathy Cockcroft The Wren 25 Banana Loaf Anyone? 82.7 Miles and Counting ...

Early in being shielded a school friend of mine offered to pay for me to enter a virtual marathon. Instead of that I said I would start to walk and that the entry fee I would donate to Cancer Research. To date I have actually walked 82.7 miles and hope to achieve 100 miles going from my front door to my bedroom dressing table and back. Marie Taylor (York Branch)

Editorial Note: Congratulations to Marie who has now completed her 100 mile challenge since sending this item in.

Timber! Lyn Gannon gets busy in the kitchen.

A Beautiful Day by the Sea

Barbara Canavan on her fourth clearance load!

Frances Townsend walking by the sea in Cornwall, (note the Wrens tartan bag!) Time In The Garden Enjoying Good Weather

Julia Clark (VP) making the most of the good Jane Dommershuizen enjoying a break from DIY! weather in her garden.

The Wren 27 A Wonderful Find

I found this photo in a book about Bletchley Park, taken in 1941/42, and immediately recognised my sister Georgie Peters, but she wasn't born until 1949! So I sent a copy to each of my sisters, and asked if they recognised anyone in the photo. We all agreed, individually, that the young girl sitting on the floor, second from the left, was our Mother. Her name was Alice Joan Brotherhood, and she is on the Bletchley Park Roll of Honour. She was ATS 'Y Branch' (Intelligence Branch) and was an Intelligence Interceptor which meant she listened for, and took down secret German Morse Code messages, codes which had been cracked by Alan Turing and Gordon Welchman, at Bletchley Park in 1940, using the Enigma machine. She never told anyone, not even her parents, what she did during the war. They thought she had spent the war at Woodhouse Eaves, in Leicestershire, not far from her home. We only found out about her being at Bletchley, when she told Georgie's husband, that she was there, and what role she carried out, because the Navy was sending him to Bletchley on a course. I never thought we would actually find a photo of her there! I read recently that one of our own Wrens, did exactly the same job as our mum, and was also at Bletchley, at the same time as Mum. There were not many ladies carrying out this particular type of work, so maybe they knew each other. That would be wonderful. Mum spoke often of her best friend, when in the ATS, a lady named Marion Montgomery, who was a singer. I wonder if that is the young lady sat next to her? Mum loved to sing, and as early teenagers, we four older sisters all performed in our very successful, village musical comedy group, although not all at the same time! We must have inherited our love of music and performing from our mother. Patricia Ellerker Beautiful Bloom

This is a photograph of my Wren rose which has flowered beautifully this year. This was first named at the Chelsea Flower Show a few years ago. I managed to get two plants sent North as they were only available in a Southern Garden Centre. Have any other members had success with this rose in their garden? Margaret Redhead 28 The Wren Stephanie Higham (née Pigott) Special Duties Y Wren A Very Varied Career 1941-46

frightening being by oneself and not knowing whether the sound of approaching footsteps were a German Secret Agent who had scaled the cliff from the sea or an amorous Home Guard! On 4 January 1942 I was sent to Dover where we worked under the castle in a tunnel next to the plotting room; we lived in Dover College. Dover was shelled throughout my time there and the siren would not sound until after the first shell dropped – all a bit nerve-wracking, especially when a large piece of shrapnel came through the wall of our brick shelter just above our heads. Luckily no one was hurt but the shelling did mean our nights off duty were often disturbed. The work was much more interesting and we could always look into the Plotting Room and see what was going on in our area. One summer’s day two of us went for a bathe at Abbotscliff. There was no one else there and it was not till later that we were told that the beach had been mined! On 25 October 1942 I was transferred to Command HQ in Portsmouth. Our quarters there were in the Stephanie as Third Officer lovely old Manor (now Council Offices) in Fareham. We had an oak-panelled mess room and a lovely When I was nine my father resigned from the Army garden to relax in. Every day we went to Fort and decided to live on the Continent because of my Southwick situated on the top of Portsdown Hill with mother’s poor health. We went to Vienna for two years a view of the whole of the Solent and then proceeded where we had governesses, moved to Rome and to descend a flight of 100 steps into the underground holidayed in Carinthia for the long summer holidays. As tunnels in the chalk. We worked 24 hours on, and 24 children we spoke German rather than English much hours off which meant that for one of the duties we to the annoyance of our parents. My only qualifications were on duty in the office all night and the other time were fluent Austrian, Italian and French. we did the afternoon, then went to bed about 9pm in a The Admiralty appealed for German speakers and I bunk on one of the tunnels. After breakfast we did the attended an interview and German test at the RNC morning watch and then changed over at lunch time. Greenwich on 11 May 1941. This was followed by a Whilst on duty we came up for a breath of fresh air and two week course on naval traditions, parts of the ship, had our meals in a Nissen hut inside the walls of the kitchen fatigues and squad drill. This was the time of old fort. Our office was just one door away from the the fire raids on London and we had to spend every main Plotting room for CinC Portsmouth who allowed night in the cellars, sleeping on mattresses on the floor us the use of his bunk in his cabin when he was not packed in like sardines. there and, in exchange, we sewed his buttons on for On 18 May I and two other Wrens were posted to my him! The tunnels were cut into the chalk and lined first Y station at Winterton on the East coast, billeted in with corrugated iron which made them very damp private houses where the landlord and his family slept when the ventilation broke down, it was very hot and in their Andersen shelter as we had their room. Our airless. social life was hectic and we seemed to go to parties We received traffic intercepted by Ventnor and every night, often coming back to go on night watch. Portland stations. This mainly consisted of a four letter Our job was to listen for German E boats (fast attack code which we had to send to Station X (Bletchley boats) that might attack our convoys. In addition to that Park) by teleprinter. There was also a certain amount during the daytime we picked up a mass of German of three letter codes which was a straight substitution R/T traffic coming from the Russian front which we code and I spent many an hour trying to break it and took down and sent to the War Office. send the results to Station X who then sent in the A big change for me was being transferred to Fayrness, correct decode. This code was used by the Naval North Foreland on 3 December 1941. No more establishments, Harbour Masters and Lighthouses in parties or late nights, perhaps a game of golf with the the Channel Islands and on the French coast. They other Wrens. We were on night duties operating the would ask for the lighthouse to be switched on and off transmitters to find the bearing of enemy transmitters at set times from which, according to which lighthouse while sitting in a gallery, part of an isolated tower on it was, and what time, we could deduce if E Boats the cliff edge. My dog Peter was in great demand were planning a sortie, or if a coastal convoy was to spend the night in the tower as it was really quite expected. Very occasionally R/T traffic emanating The Wren 29 from E boats was picked up. It is only now that the the effect of frostbite and medical experiments, etc. secrecy period has ended that I realise that the two We used large technical dictionaries to look up all letter codes were the Naval Enigma code. It was a the unknown words and only hoped that if there was great disappointment to us all when the Gneiesnau and a choice of words we picked the right one and that the Scharnhorst steamed up the Channel in daylight in scientists, engineers and doctors etc. would make complete silence and undetected. more sense of what we wrote than we did. In January 1944 I went before a Selection Board for a We then heard that some of us would be able to go to commission. As it turned out I was not allowed to leave Germany as interpreters and I applied to go and was Portsmouth to go to the Officers’ Training Class until sent on an Interpreter’s course for four weeks. Then, after the Invasion had taken place. I was sent to Ventnor after a medical examination, numerous inoculations and Portland to meet the Wrens we talked to daily on and being kitted out as if I was off to the North Pole the phone and to see how their stations worked. I was we flew to Hamburg and then proceeded by car to also sent for a week’s course to RAF Kingsdown where Flag Officer Schleswig Holstein HQ at Plon. The we learned about German aircraft R/T from our WAAF RN had taken over a very modern training barrack counterparts. When we saw the conditions they lived situated on a lake. One block was the Wren Officers’ in, a Nissen hut with 20 beds, one iron stove to heat it Mess. I shared a large room with one other and our and the loo two huts away we were glad to be Wrens. two large dogs. We were thoroughly spoilt being In April the troops started arriving along the coast and about one girl to four men and a chance of parties to soon every verge and lane was crammed with men and go to every night, with champagne and caviar. vehicles. From the beginning of April no one working in I worked in the Admiral’s Interpreter’s office where the Portsmouth Command was allowed to leave and no we translated messages to send from the German one was allowed to come in. Admiral who had been left in charge of the German On the 9 May I was told that I would be going to Fleet in Kiel harbour. There was one day when O.T.C. the following Saturday; this was not surprisingly things really went wrong. Under the Peace Treaty, cancelled, on the Friday. The Invasion night proceeded, a third of the Germany Navy had to be handed over from our point of view, peacefully with no R/T or three to the Russians and when the time came to do this, letter code messages to tell us that the Germans knew the German sailors mutinied and refused to go. Our what was happening. When we came to the top of the Admiral had to send some of our own sailors with the downs after the night watch the sea was empty instead German ships to guarantee that all their crews would of being tightly packed with ships. The traffic we picked be returned to West Germany. up became more interesting with reports from the local I was able to act as interpreter at one of the War garrisons, Harbour Master, etc, and long messages of Criminal trials and at various meetings. Life was hard exhortation from Hitler for all to die at their post for the work during the morning with riding, sailing, shooting Fatherland! or skiing most afternoons and parties at night. This On 12 August 1944 I was sent to the station at came to an end on 23 April 1946 when I had to return Southwold where I promptly went down with tonsillitis to be de-mobbed. and was more of a nuisance than a help to them. I was Stephanie is a Life member of AOW and kindly sent her piece just about well enough to get to my OTC at Framewood which was previously published in ‘Ultra’ the Bletchley Park Manor, Slough. The course successfully completed Spring magazine 2019. I was sent to Greenock as Assistant Admiralty Boarding Officer which was a job I knew nothing about and had to be taught by the Duty Wren. The living conditions were terrible, a Victorian villa with 12 of us in one room and as I was the only watch-keeper, I could never get any sleep in the daytime. After having had my tonsils out, I was sent as Assistant Duty Staff Officer to CinC Western Approaches at Derby House, Liverpool. This was a very interesting job as all the Atlantic convoys and naval ships were controlled from this HQ. We were visited by Churchill and the King and Queen. By June the U boat threat had decreased and I was drafted to Freddy Marshall’s establishment at Wimbledon and met many of my old friends there. We were given the job of translating captured German documents – highly technical ones such l-r: Margery Brunskill and Stephanie Higham, as the working of the V1 and V2 down to two of three WWII veterans at the Cenotaph Parade 2016 30 The Wren

Women’s Royal Naval Service Benevolent Trust The Trust has received various items through legacies and kind donations, which are to be auctioned in order to raise funds. An auction via EBay will be held from 1 - 9 October 2020

A detailed list and photographs will be available to view on the WRNS BT website from 1 August and will include:

WRNS Crest 9ct yellow gold brooch WRNS Officer Cap Badge - Royal Naval Crown brooch set with 40 diamonds Pendant - 1942 Farthing (one side) and Ship Halfpenny coin (one side) on pendant chain WRNS greatcoat – size 5 (would suit a standard size 12 – 14) and a cagoule WRNS black synthetic hand/shoulder bag WRNS Black leather lace up shoes – size 6 WRNS Black leather (working rig with No8s) boots – size 6 WRNS short sleeved white shirt for junior ratings – size 96cm AOW navy blue blazer, blue tartan pleated skirt and plain black tie Tricorn with Commanders Ribbon Drawings of designs for HMY BRITANNIA, Anne Pitcher 1995 – Wood Frame Print of HMS KELLY, Norway, Mark Myers 1979 – Black Plastic Frame Copy of printed montage relating to the HMS WREN Association – Gold Frame Print of Mary Le Strand Church, London, Cream Mount – Wood Frame Print of Drawing by Barry Lester - HMS WARRIOR – Large Black Frame Print of HMS VICTORY - By A Nikolsky Framed Print of Gibraltar’s North Face Cliff Face from Bayside c 1810 Framed Print of Greenwich Hospital from the North Bank of the Thames, original oil painting by Antonio Canal from NMM (Canaletto 1697 – 1768) Framed print of anonymous 19C Naval officer saluting a bust of Nelson

Cap tallies - HMS PEMBROKE – full, HMS SUSSEX – full, Commander-In-Chief – full HMS CHICHESTER – full, HMS HARRIER – full, Commander-In-Chief – short, HMS HARRIER – tied, RN Shore Wireless – full, HMS LION – cut, HMS COLLINGWOOD – cut HMS LOCH RUTHVEN – cut, HMS MYNGS – cut, HMS CEYLON – cut, HMS BARFLEUR – cut HMS BLACKCAP – cut, HMS COCKADE – cut, HMS CURLEW – cut, HMS DECOY – cut HMS GAMECOCK – cut, HMS HERON – cut, HMS DEFIANCE – cut, HMS GANNET – cut HMS GANGES – cut, HMS HIGHFLYER – cut, HMS HORNET – cut, HMS LAERTES – cut HMS TREMADOC BAY – cut, HMS TAMAR – cut, HMS WARRIOR – cut, HMS NEREIDE – cut HMS ORION – cut, HMS OCEAN – cut, HMS SPARROW – cut, HMS MARS – cut HMS LIONESS – cut,HMS INDEFATIGABLE – cut, German cap tally

Royal Grafton China Plate – HMS ARK ROYAL – Commemorative Dinner (16 Nov 92) in the Presence of HM The Queen - 40th Anniversary Year of Accession. Branch badges – Stoker (red) Pin Badges – WRNS100, small WRNS crest, medium WRNS crest and Wren bird Brooches – Anchor pin, enamel wren and paste Naval Crown Scarves – WRNS crest on a blue base and WRNS crest on a white base T-Towels – historic Wrens poster and Royal NAVY Ensign WRNS crest handmade table mat or tray/display cloth

If you would like any further information or have any queries, please contact The General Secretary WRNS BT Castaway House 311 Twyford Avenue Portsmouth PO2 8RN Tel: 02392 655301 Email: [email protected] The Wren 31

WRNS 9ct brooch WRNS Officer cap badge

WRNS handbag, working boots and shoes

AOW navy blue blazer WRNS greatcoat and blue tartan pleated skirt

Selected WRNS memorabilia

Royal Grafton plate - HMS Ark Royal commemorative dinner

The Wren 33

Having only been in the WRNS for 2 years Malta – My First Foreign Draft and 11 months I felt very fortunate to have the opportunity of a foreign draft. I volunteered to go 8 May 1970 to 9 August 1971 to Malta when a Wren I was serving with became engaged and decided she didn’t want her draft, I jumped at the chance of taking her place as I had never been abroad before. On 8 May 1970 I departed from Brize Norton on board a Britannia aircraft for my 15-month draft and was very excited. As a Leading Wren Writer (General) I was to work in the NATO HQ in Floriana, initially working in the typing pool. It was the first time I had worn tropical (whites) uniform and worked tropical routine 7am until 1pm on average (leaving plenty of time for the beach in the afternoons). My accommodation was in the WRNS Quarters at Whitehall Mansions in Gzira, near to Sliema, and I shared a cabin with two other Wren Writers. (Fifty years on I am still in touch with Stephanie and Susan.) After a couple of months I moved to the Public Information Department working for a British Commander and an Italian Doctor of Economics, this work was far more interesting than the typing pool as it involved taking press releases Judy enjoying her draft to Malta round various venues on the Island such as “The Times of Malta” and TV and radio studios. When the mail arrived one day it included a really big recorded tape (by mistake) which had been meant for the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS). The tape was the recordings from home of “Family Favourites”, a programme hosted on BBC radio by Michael Aspel usually on a Sunday morning. I was asked to take it to the Army HQ where the BFBS operated from. Whilst I was there I was introduced to Kay Donnelly and Michael Crabtree and asked if I would like to be a volunteer for the service there. I accepted and spent many happy hours there during my draft learning about broadcasting and doing jingles in between programmes etc. I still have the Christmas menu which was held on Christmas Day, on the menu was grapefruit cocktail, roast turkey, forcemeat stuffing, bacon rolls, chipolata sausages, roast and creamed potatoes, buttered sprouts, vichy carrots, bread sauce and cranberry relish followed of course by Christmas pudding and rum sauce. Politically, it was a very sensitive time as Dom Mintoff had been elected as the new Premier and he was not exactly pro-British. Very often our ‘duty free’ bar would be shut down and the worlds press used to try and board our transport in an effort to try and get information from us about what was occurring. Admiral Sir John Ashmore was deemed to be “Persona non Grata” and to our dismay had to relocate from Malta to Naples NATO HQ along with the Italian Admiral Birindelli. Anything for signature thereafter had to go by courier (a nice little number for those volunteering on this list). During the early few months of 1971 there was a Royal Mail strike in Britain and this affected the mail for my 21st birthday, however my dear mum managed to persuade the RAF to fly my cards to Malta, so all was not lost. My friends and colleagues helped me to celebrate in the Eureka Bar together with crew members of FAA from HMS Eagle! – imbibing on wines such as Marsovin and Farmers Wine – no wonder I had a bad head the following day. Many ships came into Grand Harbour and our social life was very busy indeed. Ships like HMS Albion, Submarine OTUS, HMS Eagle and HMS Bulwark. A number of us had many sea days. I was lucky enough to have two more foreign drafts to Hong Kong and Gibraltar but Malta was a favourite with many happy memories. I returned to Malta on a Wrens holiday approximately ten years ago and we were invited to Whitehall Mansions once again, this time by the High Commissioner whose residence it is now. How times have changed! Judy Couzens 34 The Wren LETTERS WHERE ARE YOU NOW? Memories Panto Memories On Armistice Sunday last year I was the only veteran of the Second World War on parade in Moretonhampstead. A reporter interviewed me, I told him that I was a Wren Despatch Rider, but I was there to honour my father, two brothers and dear friends and relations who were killed or disabled in both wars. On May 8th this year I sat outside in our quiet street to observe the 2 minute silence with my neighbours. It was not until 1944 that I and most of the Wrens of my acquaintance knew that we were still civilians until we were preparing for D-Day. I had known that we were different from the other services: - we could join at 17 1/2 instead of 18. We were interviewed not conscripted, we served 2 weeks probation and we didn’t take conscripts and were free to leave until 1944, when we came under Admiralty Regulations. (Evidently Dame Vera Laughton Mathews had refused During a recent Covid 19 clear out the attached to allow us to come under Admiralty Regulations). photo turned up. It was a Pantomime, obviously, Although the days of flogging and keel hauling were which I was in (5th from the right), if only my in the past, punishment in the Royal Navy was still too legs look that good now. It was around 1962/63 harsh for nice young ladies! in Plymouth, I was working at Mount Wise and I shall be 96 next week and my memory is clear from the living in St. Budeaux. Susan (Sue) Marloye (née age of 2. With my father wounded at Passchendaele, James) if anyone can remember it or was in the my eldest brother’s godfather killed 3 weeks before photo please contact me. the end, ex-Service unemployed and disabled on the [email protected]. streets playing musical instruments or selling matches, shoe laces and knick knacks. On my way to school in 1934 there was a group, a brass band of disabled playing every morning outside the railway station. Margaret Mace Abbotsinch 1962-64 WRNS Guard of Honour I would be interested to hear from anyone who at Wartime Wedding served at Abbotsinch (HMS Sanderling) during the years 1962-64. I thought this photo may be of interest for the magazine. Jim Stroud [email protected] This is my parents wedding in June 1945 with WRNS guard of honour. My mother was a Wren dispatch rider and driver during the war. She met my father when she became his driver! She was medically discharged Mary Briggs when she came off her bike in the dockyard in Cardiff, breaking her ribs. Chris Rutter I am looking to make contact with friends of my Mother Mary Briggs (‘BIGGSY’) who served in the WRNS during WWII. I believe she was stationed for part in Leamington Spa and likely in Bletchley Park. Please contact Guy on 07767 638144 or [email protected]

Dickie & Edwina Mountbattten

Biographer would love any recollections of the couple on or off the record. Andrew Lownie, [email protected], 0207 222 7574 The Wren 35 Ann Musters - 100th Birthday Wedding Anniversaries Golden

Skilbeck - Lord on 22 August 1970 at St John's Church, Middlesbrough, L/PTI Terry Skilbeck to PO Wren DSA Christine Lord. Met while both serving at HMS Condor. Now living in Metheringham, Lincolnshire Ann Musters was born Ann Garbett in London on 2 since October 2019. July 1920. In 1932 the family moved to Winchester where she attended St Swithun’s School. Ruby On the outbreak of war Ann joined the WRNS as a Wren Writer at Worthy Down before being commissioned. She was serving in Rosyth when she met her future YOUNG - EASTER on 2 August 1980 at Ramsgate husband, John, when his ship the battlecruiser Methodist Church, Cpl David Young to W133965T Renown, was in harbour for maintenance. She Wren Janice Easter. Now at 109 Downs Road, contrived to get moved to the Orkneys when John had Deal, Kent. [email protected] a shore job at Scapa Flow – but of course they had to keep their relationship secret or she would have been swiftly re-appointed! Ann and John were married in September 1943 in 104th Birthday Winchester Cathedral by her uncle, the Archbishop of York (who had been Bishop of Winchester until the Happy Birthday to Mary Duncan who recently previous year). celebrated turning 104. Mary served in WWII and John had returned to sea when Ann joined the staff currently lives in Somerset. of the Allied Expeditionary Force and in the wake of D-Day she crossed to France, ending the war in Brussels where she recalls wild celebrations, dancing in the streets and plenty of drinking! Ann left the 100th Birthdays WRNS later that year. After the war and through the birth of their four children Marjorie Lamb between 1947 and 1955, Ann and John had many Congratulations to Marjorie who celebrated her 100th house moves during John’s continuing naval career birthday on 31 May. Marjorie served in WWII as a 2/O. before settling in Stockbridge, Hampshire in 1964. In 1990 Ann and John moved finally to Nelson, New Joan Picton Zealand to join their two daughters who had emigrated Congratulations to Joan who recently celebrated her in the preceding years. There they found great 100th Birthday. Joan served as a Cypher Officer from happiness in a healthy and welcoming environment, 1939 to 1945, leaving as 3/O. throwing themselves enthusiastically into affairs of the cathedral in Nelson. Marion Wilkinson Shortly before John’s death in 2013 they moved Congratulations to Marion (known as Bubbles) who into a retirement village outside Nelson, where Ann celebrated her 100th Birthday on 6 June 2020. celebrated her 100th birthday on 2 July this year. 36 The Wren The First Wrens Draft to Australia – Go West and Keep Going! Part 1

Extract : From the late Mrs E. Graves’s (2/0 Elizabeth Fitzgerald) account of her journey to Sydney in December 1944 which was subject to considerable delay and instead of arriving two weeks before the main party, they arrived the day before. There were fifteen in the party which had sailed on the Queen Elizabeth to New York, blazing with lights, then on to San Francisco by train to a warm welcome and Christmas, with friendly families. Next in Admiral Nimitz’s private plane to Honolulu, and seaplane to the New Hebrides. Here unfortunately german measles was diagnosed and because of the susceptibility of the local inhabitants they were quarantined for two weeks. They eventually arrived in Sydney to start up the Communications Office. (*Admiral Nimitz C. in C. U.S. Pacific Fleet) From THE WRNS by Commandant M. H. Fletcher CBE publisher B T Batsford Ltd London 1989 ISBN 0 7134 6185 3

Keep Going West Part 2 - Join the WRNS and Cross the Line!

From one enquiry which entailed much searching, and a grand daughter’s scrapbook, here is an extension to the story above, complete with unique images carefully edited by Katharine. One of the fifteen members of the contingent mentioned in the excerpt above was Hannah Britten’s grandmother, the late Wren Writer (G) Robin (Robina) Curtin. Robin had joined the WRNS in 1943/44, and after training was drafted to HMS Cyclops, the submarine depot and repair yard at Rothesay. There’s a lovely photo of a group of five Wrens outside the Quarters there, and one taken when they went on board the submarine HMS Totem which was about to be commissioned. Then, everything changed for Writer Robin in November 1944 and without any embarking preparation the fifteen strong Advance Party, (first Wrens to go to Australia) boarded the RMS Queen Elizabeth avoiding any ports of call and crossed the Atlantic, to New York. The final destination would be Australia (as detailed above) so next they boarded a train to cross the continent, to San Francisco for Christmas leave, before the next part of the journey to Honolulu. Having started the journey in style in the majestic RMS Queen Elizabeth, they continued in the same ilk, courtesy of Admiral Nimitz USN’s private flying boat ‘crossing the line’ in the air as certified by Davy Jones and Neptunimus Rex (the Captain and Co-Pilot!) At Noumea, New Hebrides, en route there was an outbreak of German measles which meant that the Wrens were quarantined there for two weeks, before leaving in a seaplane to Brisbane, Australia. The Advance Party had arrived, but only had one day in Sydney to get ready for the rest to arrive! There is a station card for Robin issued at Victoria Barracks on 1 April 1945 where she stayed until sailing back on 17 July 1946 and being demobbed from Pembroke I on 11 September 1946. Robin later married ’Bill’ Baker, an RN matelot who she met when she was in Australia. Perhaps another member will recall more about this ‘everyday story’ in the life of a Wren! There may be some misinterpretation about the detail of the journeys but do let us know if you were there, too. Wren Writer Robina Curtin Celia Saywell The Wren 37

Robina (marked by blue dot) with Wren friends at HMS Cyclops 1944

HMS Totem 1944

Wren Robina Curtin - dinner in New York December 1944

Overview Wrens at Victoria Barracks 1945 38 The Wren OBITUARIES Commodore Muriel Hocking 18 March 1945 - 26 February 2020

Commodore Muriel Hocking (née Cutts) joined the WRNS in 1963 as a Radar Plotter. She was immediately a round pin in a round hole and became anchor-faced from that first day! She worked and played hard while at Lossiemouth enjoying every moment of her time there. It was there that she was first introduced to skiing, which she enjoyed for the next 50 years, racing at command level and becoming a qualified instructor. In the late 80s she took on as Chairman and Team Co-ordinator of the WRNS team and helped them to their first and only inter-service victory. She also played tennis at command level and squash at service level. It was at Lossie she met her future husband, Malcolm, a naval dentist. From Scotland she was drafted to Culdrose in Cornwall where she picked up her hook. She was selected for officer training at RNC Greenwich in 1967 having rebelled and refused to take the ‘knife and fork’ course and from there served at Arbroath as an Admin Annie. She then volunteered for Photographic Interpretation and was appointed to JARIC. She married in 1969 and transferred to the Royal Naval Reserve enabling her to move wherever Malcolm was appointed. Thus she served at MHQ Pitrievie while at HMS Scotia, did PI training in Hong Kong while in Singapore, joined HMS Dalriada in Greenock, HMS Calpe in Gibraltar and HMS Vivid in Plymouth. She became the first female to Command Commodore Muriel Hocking an operational Reserve unit, being Commanding Officer of Dalriada and then Vivid. She became involved in service weapon shooting and lead teams from both Dalriada and Vivid to competition success and a lot of fun at Bisley. She became female Champion at Arms. Always a ‘glass is half full’ person she enjoyed her beer, wine and horse’s necks which obviously contributed to her achievements! Muriel was presented with her Reserve Decoration in 1980 while in Gibraltar and the clasp to the RD in 1991. She was appointed Aide-de-Camp to her Majesty the Queen in 1995 and reappointed in 1998. She became the first woman naval commodore and took over as Head of the Reserves at a ceremony on board HMS Victory in 1997, flying her blue swallow-tailed broad pennant from HMS Vivid and thereon affectionately knownas Megama’am. She was the first female to be promoted to Commodore RNR and it took 23 years later for that to be rectified. She always retained her sense of humour and her interest and concern for those who served under her. She broke a glass ceiling she never knew was there and helped to inspire many who crossed her path during her 36 years in a blue suit. Submitted by Sue Murch (Exell) who met her over a hockey bully-off in 1963 - remaining best friends ever since. Georgina Tuckett The Wren 39 Miss Nancy Challis Thomson Superintendent WRNS 1931- 2020 Originally, from Yorkshire, Nancy joined the WRNS in 1954 and after basic training undertook professional training as a Signals Wren at HMS Mercury, before her first draft – RNAS Abbotsinch at Paisley in Scotland. In 1956, after attending Officers’ Selection Board, Nancy attended RNC Greenwich, passing out as Top Cadet. On completion of the Secretarial Officers’ Course at HMS Ceres, Nancy became the Personal Assistant to the Commander-in-Chief, Plymouth. Working on the staff of the Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean in charge of the Top-Secret Registry, Nancy was promoted to Second Officer in 1959. During the early 1960s, Nancy was the Drafting Officer for WRNS Ratings in the Air Command; WRNS Recruiting Officer Newcastle- upon-Tyne and WRNS Staff Officer Tyne Division, Royal Naval Reserve. She then moved south for appointments to the Royal Naval Barracks Portsmouth, HMS Excellent (where she was promoted to First Officer in 1967), HMS Collingwood and London, returning to HMS Mercury as WRNS Unit Officer in 1970, where she was promoted to Superintendent Nancy Thomson 1986-1990 Chief Officer in 1972. While on the staff of Commander-in-Chief, Naval Home Command, Nancy took charge of the twice-yearly Petty Officer Wrens’ Leadership Course at HMS Royal Arthur. She also set up and was Head of the Commander-in-Chief Management Information Centre. Responsible for the movements of all WRNS Officers and a member of the Cadet Entry and Admiralty Interview Boards, Nancy was promoted to Superintendent in 1976. In 1977, Nancy was appointed Deputy Director WRNS dealing with all matters relating to WRNS Personnel. She was President of the Admiralty Interview Board for WRNS Officers, acted as the Royal Naval Charities’ Coordinator and became a member of the WRNS BT Grants Committee. Nancy requested to be released from the service on compassionate grounds in 1979, to take over sole care of her mother who suffered from senile dementia until her death in 1983. At this point, she took on a Civil Service Commissioner role as a member of the Executive Officer Selection Boards. At the WRNS BT AGM in 1986, Nancy assumed the role of Chairman of the WRNS BT from Miss Joan Cole, CBE. Her meetings were a pleasure to attend. With her charming and persuasive manner, light touch and ready wit, she conducted the meetings most efficiently, making sure that those who needed to had their say but were kept to the point! During her time as Chairman, she oversaw the introduction of modern technology for the Trusts’ staff including a microcomputer and photocopier. The implementation of “Wrens at Sea” in 1990 and the implications for the Trust had to be absorbed and discussions took place with the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust to consider moving the Trusts office from London to Portsmouth. Nancy passed on the Chairman’s reins to Mrs Mary Brown in 1991. On stepping down, Nancy became a Vice President of the Trust in 1992. She lived in Southsea during her retirement and was a very private person. She spent her remaining years in a care home until she passed away in March 2020. Reflections from: Commander Jackie Mulholland Women’s Royal Naval Service “Nancy Thomson was my WRNS Unit Officer at HMS Mercury, when as a newly promoted Probationary Third Officer I was appointed as her Administrative Officer. She was a marvellous role model, understanding, perceptive and caring towards everyone who came into contact with her. We shared the same birth date and exchanged birthday cards for many years. I greatly valued her friendship and although I only served with her for a few months, her wise counsel and advice stayed with me throughout my career.” Superintendent Viv Reynolds Women’s Royal Naval Service “In the 1970s for over a year I commuted by train with Nancy to our work in MOD. She boarded the 07something train at Fratton and I joined her at Havant. Nancy usually kept a seat for me and in time, I knew exactly where to stand on the platform to get in by the nearest door. There were deep frowns if our chosen seats were taken! Like most other commuters, we both read our newspapers but on high days, like a birthday, we would indulge in coffees and bacon sandwiches. In all this time, I cannot say that I got to know Nancy very well. As has been said, she was a private person who lived with her mother and devoted all her free time to her. However, I will remember Nancy for her quick wit, her very pointed way of speaking and quaint bird like eyes”. Sarah Ayton 40 The Wren Dorothy (known as Dora) Richards (née Saunders) 7 November 1918 – 23 April 2020 (WRNS1941-1945)

Dora’s proficiency in Morse code, gained during her After some months she moved to a nursing home - just years as a Girl Guide and Ranger in her home city of a few weeks before her 100th birthday. A month after Cardiff proved to be an asset when she applied to join the birthday celebrations, the postponed recording the WRNS. went ahead at that venue, when Dora was able to recall On being accepted for training as a W/T Operator she some interesting events of her WRNS career (and even was requested to report to OIC WRNS, Mathers Hotel earlier life as the second of 13 siblings) as she showed Dundee on 16 August 1941. After the long rail journey, RMG’s assistant curator her collection of memorabilia – lugging her suitcase containing the clothing detailed on including 2 Morse keys. the ‘probationer’s required’ list (including ‘2 pairs dark After release from the WRNS on 10 February 1945,with bloomers’) she emerged from Dundee Station to the taxi Bill having been medically discharged and unfit to work, rank. She dumped the case in a taxi’s luggage platform Dora decided to return to her pre-war secretarial career, next to the driver and asked him to take her to Mathers. which enabled them to purchase a car as Bill was unable She was somewhat taken aback when he replied “I’ll to walk very far. She’d continued Guiding when a Wren take your case but I won’t take you – please stand back”. by linking up with the local Sea Rangers so was the He then started off, did an immediate U-turn and stopped ideal person to take over as Skipper of SRS Original in directly across the road – outside Mathers entrance! Cardiff in 1947. She remained ‘Skip’ until the Guiding Dora’s intake – ‘Rodney Division’ - was under close programme was changed in the mid 1960s and ‘Seas’ scrutiny in order to prove that they had the capability to were disbanded - but to the many former Rangers who replace and release men for sea duty. continued to keep in touch she was ‘Skip’ to the end of She was drafted to HMS Eaglet, Liverpool, to take up her days. duties as a Wren Specialised W/T Operator in February She joined the Association of Wrens (AOW) in 1975, 1942 and was rated L/Wren in June 1942. Some of becoming a life member in 1990. When the Cardiff & the ‘Rodneys’ had been deployed to Derby House or District Branch marked its 50th Anniversary in 1997 with Prenton but Dora was based in the Liver Building - on a dinner at Cardiff’s City Hall, she was its Chairman and the top floor - or as she always said ‘on the roof’. Their when the branch celebrated AOW’s Diamond Jubilee she aerials were strung between the Liver Birds and during was its Honorary Secretary. The latter event was held night duty the only access to the wireless rooms was via at RNR HMS Cambria in Sully, an establishment with the flat-roofed area. (Apparently, aerials were also quite which Dora had a long standing connection. Its previous visible at a secret ‘House X’ bunker – ostensibly just a location at Cardiff had been the summer meeting place grass-covered mound in a field). for her Sea Rangers, who received practical instruction on crewing Cambria’s whalers on the murky water of the Docks. Dora devoted much of her time to charities – many of them supporting veterans and war widows. Two nautical charities of which she was a committee member were The Sail Training Association and King George’s Fund for Sailors (KGFS) - latterly relaunched as Seafarers UK (SUK). A founder member of the Cardiff & District KGFS committee she received a Certificate of Merit for 20 years service in 1997. In May 2011 she was honoured by SUK with a presentation of a President’s Award at The Mansion House, London. Using a wheelchair after a recent fall, Dora was ably assisted throughout the associated Dorothy (second left) on watch during WWII journey and accommodation as well as the actual event, by a colleague from SUK’s Cardiff committee, who was One of the drawings of WWII Wrens at work by artist also a fellow member of AOW Cardiff. As she became Gladys E Reed, which are in the collections of the Royal physically less active, Dora would still attend various Museums Greenwich (RMG) is entitled ‘Night Watch’. charity fund-raising events in the role of raffle organiser This is actually of Dora at that time. and ticket seller. Some of the drawings were exhibited to the public by She spent her final 18 months as a resident of the nursing RMG for the first time in 2014 as part of the ‘War Artists home with her SUK certificate displayed beside her bed, at Sea’ display. However, it wasn’t until 2017 that Dora’s ceramic wrens on the windowsill and her scrapbook of response to the media search for anyone who knew WRNS memories to hand. As she received her copies of the elusive Gladys, eventually reached the appropriate The Wren and turned to the Obituaries page she liked to department at RMG. They then invited her to take part in point out that Wrens ‘always’ live to a good age. Dora, an oral history project and arrangements were made for the ‘Wren on Night Watch’ did manage to keep to that the interview. Unfortunately, she was admitted to hospital perception, slipping peacefully away aged almost 101½. a few days before the due date. Liz Fryer (Daughter) The Wren 41 Avril Moreland (née Leatham) WRNS 1950-1958

Avril joined the WRNS in 1950, straight from school. The WRNS became her career and her life, until she married in 1958. She was initially stationed in Reading, and then Yeovilton, where she trained to become an Aircraft Mechanical Engineer. On completion of her training, Avril was posted to Abbotsinch in Glasgow where, as a highly skilled engineer she worked, among other things, on the maintenance of propeller aircraft for the Korean war. After Abbotsinch she enjoyed a number of other postings, most notably as a Second Officer in Plymouth. Her favourite tale from these days was when she had to deploy four officers to hold down the skirts of Princess Margaret on a windy day on the Hoe. Avril referred to the WRNS as the ‘University of Life’. Her training gave her a pragmatic approach to life, and the motto “Never at Sea” reflected her ability to keep her feet on the ground, to be calm and to keep perspective. Avril made lifelong friends in the WRNS, and was godmother to the daughters of two Wrens, who remained close to her until her death. Through her friendship with fellow Wren, Jane Davies (née Moreland), she met Bob Avril Moreland Moreland, a naval officer. They married in 1958, and enjoyed fifty-six very happy years together in Herefordshire and latterly in Dorset until Bob’s death in 2015. Avril leaves three children, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, in Sydney, Madrid and Dorset. Jenny Moreland Robina ‘Ruby’ Collings (née Makin) 4 October 1921 - 30 April 2020

Ruby was born in Douglas, Isle of Man in 1921. She joined the WRNS at the age of 19 in July 1941 and trained as a Wireless Telegraphy Operator in HMS Valkyrie then went on to serve in HMS Drake, HMS Lynx, ACHQ, HMS Fervent and Newton Ferrers before leaving the service in January 1946. Ruby married Sidney James Collings and settled in Liverpool. She spent the last twenty years of her working life at Liverpool City Planning Office where she was so successful, they asked her to stay on an extra five years after retirement. Ruby was very proud of her time in the WRNS and especially of her service in Dover. In his eulogy her son Paul recalled that ‘Beneath the great castle, Mother was plotting the movement of Royal Navy and foreign shipping in the English Channel and worked tirelessly in the service’ and these were memories she would often share with members of the Southport Branch (now Informal Group) of which she was a member for many years. Even in her nineties, Ruby would, without fail, make the considerable journey from her home in Liverpool to attend meetings in Southport, a journey which involved a walk, bus journey, train and a further walk. She remained in her own home until the age of 96 and died aged 98 on 30 April 2020. She was a valued member of our branch and will be missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing her. Judith Cotter

Olive MacDonald (née Coutts) 6 October 1926 - 4 July 2019

Mum was an extraordinary woman. All her life she showed spirit, took risks, took on brave and bold challenges. She trained as a driver in the war, I remember her saying that she was the best mechanic in her group and had learned to drive lorries by reversing them round and round The Royal Albert Hall. She was stationed variously in Lowestoft and in the Scottish Highlands, where she would drive officers and officials in staff cars, across the mountains, often at night. She told me that when they first graduated that they would bath in their gauntlets so that they didn’t look new. Although war was a serious business they had many adventures and it was a time of her life she talked of always. Later she married my father, a WW2 RAF pilot and after the war, they stayed in the military until we children were at secondary school. She lived with me for the last 10 years of her life and I hope was happy. She died last year, in the sunshine, with the dog on her bed and us next to her. We were proud to have her as our mum. Alison Macdonald Olive MacDonald during WWII 42 The Wren Alice ‘Peggy’ Parrish (née Hose) 12 August 1923 - 20 May 2020

When war broke out Peggy was only 16, but as soon as she was 18 she expressed her wish to join the WRNS. Her father refused to sign the papers and she began a year long campaign of persuasive argument. “If you don’t sign the papers, I’ll be called up and might have to work in a factory”. He signed the papers! On 17 March 1943 Peggy reported to the Blundellsands Hotel in Southport to start her service in the Women’s Royal Naval Service. In her own words written in 1996 ‘full of trepidation but bursting with excitement’. Here she was also given the nickname of Socks due to her surname. On 30 March 1943, she boarded a train to Troon in Scotland to serve as a typist at HMS Dinosaur before a move to HMS Copra in September. Then, after a short time at HMS Glendower, Peggy arrived, as a Writer, at Fort Southwick staying in Burpham House in Fareham which she recalled was ‘happy wrennery and a happy ship’. Here she met another Wren Doris Bavington who became a lifelong friend until Doris’s death 2 years ago. The ‘watches’ at Fort Southwick were 13 hours long and also underground. Alice Parrish When they could, all the Wrens were advised to sit in the sunshine as much as possible. Peggy surprised her daughters by admitting they all sat on the downs in nothing but their Navy issue bloomers so they got as much vitamin D as possible. Peggy always told her children that as she’d signed the Official Secrets Act at Fort Southwick she couldn’t talk about her war work. But a few years ago she decided that enough time had passed to tell them about the night she received the cipher that advised that WWll hostilities would cease 2 days hence. A fact she was extremely proud of. After her release from the WRNS in 1946 she joined Thomas Meadows in Liverpool where she met her beloved Walt whom she married in 1951. They were blessed with 2 daughters and when the youngest was 11, Peggy went back to work as a hospital clerk where she remained until her retirement in 1984. Peggy was always a Wren at heart and after retirement joined the Southport Branch where she made more ‘Jenny’ friends. After Walt’s death in 2005 she continued to attend meetings until her failing eyesight meant she could no longer drive. Peggy was an avid reader and The Wren magazine was always read from cover to cover. She always said becoming a Wren was amongst the best decisions she ever made. Diane Foster and Lindsay Parrish (daughters)

Admiral Sir Brian Brown KCB CBE

In a departure from our normal routine of ignoring the deaths of male Royal Naval personnel it has been decided that the man who was instrumental in having Wrens (and they were Wrens not members of the RN at the beginning) sent to sea deserves a mention in The Wren magazine. Admiral Sir Brian Brown KCB CBE while serving as Second Sea Lord persuaded the Admiralty to overturn centuries of opposition to women serving at sea despite the fact that during WWII members of the WRNS in particular officers had served at sea mainly as cipher officers not to mention the boats crew Wrens in the naval dockyards. The deciding factor was that there were 300 ‘gaps’ in ships manpower in every category both for officers and ratings. Some argued that women should only serve at sea in non-combat roles but Admiral Brown argued against that on the grounds that it would “seriously undermine the credibility of the WRNS at sea who would be seen by the men, and feel it themselves, to be ‘fair weather sailors’. His understanding of the ability of WRNS was crucial in allowing women to serve at sea. He died 27 April 2020 aged 85. The Wren 43

COLLINGS Rubina, known as GERKEN Marjorie Rose (née Ruby (née Makin) 1941-46. Hopkins) 1942-46. L/Wren W/T DEATHS Wren T/P Operator. Served HMS (S) Morse specialist. Awarded Valkyrie, Drake, Fervent, ACHQ Veterans badge for Bletchley With all our notices of and Newton Ferrers. Died 30 Park Outstations. Served HMS members passing away, April 2020 aged 98. Flowerdown and Bower. Died there will be many who 29 May 2020 aged 97. have shared years of COOKE Lorna May (née friendship and others only Waterson) 1942-45. PO Wren GLUE Jean (née Smith) 1943- a short acquaintance. Each Stores (V). Served HMS Excellent 49. L/Wren Boats Crew. Died 20 one will be sadly missed by and Fraser Battery. Died 30 April February 2020 aged 96. family and friends and the 2020 aged 97. Association would wish to HALL Mary 1943-45. Torpedo record our appreciation of COPLEY VRD Elizabeth Mary Wren. Served HMS Vernon, the loyalty and commitment (née Altham) 1941-69. 2/O Irwell and Quebec. Died 2020 Cypher and Chief Officer. Served aged 97. given to the Association. Northwood. Died May 2020 aged 96. HARRISON Harriett Mary, known as Mary (née Frost) AINSWORTH Phyllis (née CRAVEN Hilda Gertrude 1942- 1941-44. PO Wren Wtr (P). Henderson) 1944-50. Wren 46. PO Wren T/P Operator. Served Scapa Flow, HMS Cook (O). Served HMS Ganges, Served Dover, RNAS Yeovilton Beehive and Pembroke III. Died Pembroke, RNC Greenwich, and Devonport. Former member 1 February 2020 aged 96. Tilbury Docks and St Merryn. of Reigate and Redhill Informal Former member of Manchester Luncheon Club. Died 13 March HILL Christine Mary (née Branch. Died 14 March 2020 aged 2020 aged 99. Lanning, formerly Coston) 1953- 96. 56. L/Wren Writer (P). Served DAKER Elizabeth Ann, known HMS Ceres, Pembroke IV and ALLEN Irene Gertrude (née as Sherry (née Sherrard) 1953- Caledonia. Died 24 April 2020. Fawcett) 1948-53. Wren T/P 55. Wren Radio (Air). Served Operator. Served HMS Mercury, Burghfield, Ariel and RNAS HIRST Brenda (née Parker) late Osiris and RNAS Culdrose. Died Lossiemouth. Died 28 April 2020 1940s. Served Yorkshire. Died 9 May 2020 aged 90. aged 86. March 2020 aged 89.

BELL Sylvia, known as Pixie. DAVIES Angela Susan (née HOLTON Joyce Doreen (née Wren Stores. Served HMS Walker) 1962-65. Wren RP. Watson) 1944-47. L/Wren Manadon, Vulture and Wessex. Served HMS Dauntless, Dryad Morse and Writer. Served HMS Long-time member of former and Vernon. Died 20 March 2020 Condor and the Orkneys. Died Southampton Branch. Died 5 April aged 75. 20 April 2020 aged 95. 2020 aged 85. EDGAR Daphne (née Ridgway) HOOKHAM Nancy Marion (née BICKELL Anita Mary (née Farley) 1946-49. Died 2 January 2020 Creed) 1943-46. L/Wren Special 1944-46. Wren MT Driver. Served aged 92. Duties and Fleet Mail. Served HMS Cabbala, Brontosaurus, Bletchley Park and Portsmouth. Pembroke, Goldcrest & President. FIELD Gerda Mary (née Gibson) Died 5 March 2020 aged 94. Died 31 May 2020 aged 96. 1940-46. Served South Africa, Kenya and Ceylon. Died May INSKIP Christine Winnifred (née BLANCHARD Pamela Mary 2020 aged 100. Saunders) 1949-52. L/Wren Wtr (née Siblot) 1947-52. L/Wren (P). Served HMS Vernon and Telegraphist. Served HMS FOXTON Ida (née Jones) circa Drake. Died 29 March 2020 Mercury and Drake. Died 20 1952-59. L/Wren Telegraphist. aged 89. March 2020 aged 88. Served HMS Seahawk, Londonderry, Malta and Egypt. JEFFERIES Evelyn Muriel 1944- BONNER Betty (née Scopes) Died 21 March 2020 in York aged 47. Wren SDO Watchkeeper 1949-53. L/Wren Steward. Served 85. and Coder. Served HMS Scotia, HMS Raleigh. Died 6 March 2020 Flycatcher and Portsmouth. aged 88. FREEMAN Muriel Edna (née Died 9 November 2019 aged Bunting) 1943-45. Aircraft 93. BROWN Monica Eileen (née Checker/Writer. Served HMS Cussen) 1946-49. L/Wren Daedalus (Newcastle upon KILNER Maria Frances Theresa Telegraphist. Died 1 February Lyme) and Victory. Died 9 May (née Hopkins) 1954-55. L/Wren 2020 aged 92. 2020 aged 95. DSA. Died April 2020. 44 The Wren

LIVESEY Josephine May (née SLY Peggy (née Scrace) 1939- WESTBURY Janet Kennedy Whittington) 1948-51. L/Wren 45. Chief Wren Switchboard (née Muir) 1942-45. Wren Wtr. Cook (S). Served HMS Vernon Supervisor. Served Dover Castle, Served HMS Victory III, Mercury and Harrier. Died 13 February HMS King Alfred, Pembroke III and II, Marlborough, Beehive and 2020 aged 88. Lynx. Died 17 June 2019 aged 101. Badger. Died 7 March 2020 aged 96. MACDONALD Olive (née SPRAGG BEM Violet, known Coutts) WWII. Wren M/T Driver. as Vi, (née Andrews, formerly WILSON Doris Isobel (née Tolmie) Served Lowestoft and Scottish Martin) 1939-1954. Chief Wren 1944-46. Wren Wtr (G). Served Highlands. Died 4 July 2019 Regulating. Died 11 March 2020 RNAS Donibristle, Sydney and aged 94. aged 104. HMS Golden Hind. Died 4 April 2020 aged 94. McRONALD Irene Murray (née STRIDE Sybil (née Barnes) 1944- Lambrick, formerly Hopkins) 50. Served Portsmouth, Colombo, 1940-45. L/Wren T/P Operator. Marshall Soult, Whale Island, Served HMS Bacchante. Died Malta and HMS Ceres. Died 18 NON-MEMBERS 24 April 2020 aged 99. May 2020 aged 95.

MOORE Betty Elizabeth (née TAYLOR Anne Sinclair (née BULL Primula Mary (née Eshelby) French) 1943-46. L/Wren Wtr Milne) 1954-58. L/Wren Steward WWII. Served Bletchley Park. (G). Served HMS Wildfire. Died (O). Served HMS Sea Eagle and Died 8 May 2020 aged 93. 30 April 2020 aged 96. Collingwood. Died 23 April 2020 aged 85. CHAMBERS Frances Joy MORELAND Avril Ann (née Ratcliffe. Served Bletchley Park. Leatham) 1950-58. 2/O WRNS. THOMPSON Eileen (née Died 26 November 2018 aged 94. Served HMS Dauntless, Habgood) 1946-49. L/Wren Stores Yeovilton,Abbotsinch, (V). Served HMS Rosneath and HUNT Emily, Order of St John Greenwich, Drake and Raleigh. Heron. Died 27 April 2020 aged 92. WWII. PO Wren. Died 16 May Died 30 November 2020 aged 2020 aged 104. 87. THOMSON Nancy Challis 1954- 79. Died March 2020 aged 88. LEWIS Sheila Anne (née Warner) NEAME Mary Louise (née 1942-44. Died 27 May 2020 aged Wilkinson) 1945-48. L/Wren. TURNER Katharine Pearl (née 96. Served HMS Jackdaw and Moore) 1941-45. Wren Gunnery Eglinton. Died 16 January 2020 Control. Served Portsmouth, Isle MANSFIELD Lady Joan (née aged 93. of Sheppey, Lowestoft and Troon. Byron) 1940-44. Cypher Officer. Died 11 May 2020 aged 98. Served Lee-on-Solent, London, O’ROURKE Jeane Sylvia Greenwich, and Portland. Died 18 (née Dymond) 1948-50. Wren WALKER Sybil Mary (née Harris) April 2020 aged 97. Steward (O). Served HMS 1942-45. Wren. Served HMS Seahawk and Victory. Died 22 Victory and Kestrel. Died 12 MAY Charlotte-Ann Stafford (née April 2020 aged 89. January 2020 aged 96. Cothay) 1950s/60s. 2/O. Served Kete. Died 14 May 2020. PARRISH Alice Peggy, known as WALLS Doris (née Warren) 1944- Peggy (née Hose) WWII. L/Wren 46. Wren. Served London. Died 31 MILES Joyce WWII. Wren. Served Wtr. Served HMS Dinosaur, January 2020 aged 94. Plymouth. Died 11 April 2020 aged Copra and Fort Southwick. Died 95. 20 May 2020 aged 96. WATSON Jean Reid (née Niven) 1944-46. Wren Supply. Served REYNOLDS Jennifer Mary, known RICHARDS Dorothy, known as Mill Hill, HMS Mentor, Gadwall as Jenny (née Ascroft) 1954-59. Dora (née Saunders) 1941-45. and Warren. Member of Glasgow 3/O. Died 7 April 2020. PO Wren Telegraphist. Served Branch. Died 11 March 2020 aged HMS Unicorn and Eaglet. 94. SMOKER Barbara 1942-45. Former Chairman of Cardiff Served Ceylon. Died 7 April 2020 Branch. Died 23 April 2020 aged WEBB Ann Julia (née Homewood). aged 96. 101. Wren. Died March 2020 aged 76. WEBB Mary (née Shaw) 1945-56. ROBOTTOM Enid Joyce, known WEIR Pauline May (née Tidd, PO Wren. Served Mill Hill, HMS as Joy (née Watkinson) 1943- formerly Deacon) 1947-50. L/ Pembroke, Sea Eagle, Heron, 46. PO Wren Wtr. Served HMS Wren Steward (O). Served HMS Mercury (where she met husband Vernon, Roedean and Brighton. President I, Gannet and Condor. Roy), Caledonia and Collingwood. Died 23 February 2020 aged 96. Died 25 February 2020 aged 90. Died 29 April 2020 aged 95.