Nostalgia from an ex-Wren

June 1940, The H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent saluting a march past of wrens.

I saw Mandy’s letter in last week’s Observer and being an ex-Wren myself, I thought I would drop her a line – although I am not the one she is seeking – but anything to do with the service is interesting.

I am a life member of the Association of the Wrens and not long after my husband and I ventured to Battle, I came across some of the ex-Wrens and we founded the Hastings & District Branch. Pat Pern of Mount Street, Battle became Chairman and I was secretary for almost 10 years. The branch lasted until most of us became too old – as you will see from my address I am now in a care home!

My service time was very interesting. I was an SDO Watchkeeper and was posted to the Orkney Islands to the RN. Our station Hartson which was just across the bay from the main town of Kirkwall.

The air squadrons were mostly doing their last training before boarding one of the carriers at the Home Fleet northern base of Seapa Flow. In particular the squadrons were doing all they could to “get rid of” the TIRPITZ!

Social activities were great; Donald Hewlett (post-war he continued as an actor) produced revues and pantomimes in which I took part.

There was also an air ferry service operating between Edinburgh, Inverness, Orkney and Shetland Isles for VIPs and those travelling on duty- and luckily for me, any spare seats were given to those going on leave furthest south. My home was Bromley in Kent so I qualified every time!

The planes were de-Haviland hi-planes and the flight meant I could catch the night train south from either Inverness or Edinburgh. My return journey was not so good. After a long journey north I had to take the ferry from Scrabster to the Islands. But it was a great station to be sent to. I made some very good friends there but sadly only one left now and she lives in New Zealand!

Enough from me – I hope Mandy hears from some “Dauntless” Wrens!

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