Virtual Memorial dedicated to the Women's Royal Naval Service
Additional information courtesy of the CWGC, Armed Forces Memorial, British Army and Navy B.M. Deaths 1730-1960,Wills and Admin both on Ancestry.co.uk
ELIZABETH ELDER, nee Grant. Wren Telephonist G/2605 WRNS at HMS Gunner, Granton Naval Base
k/a Elizabeth Grant Elder
Born 05 August 1892 in Edinburgh to Lewis and Flora McKinnon Grant
1901 with her parents and siblings at 84 Gorgie Road, Edinburgh
The 05 November 1913 she married George Henry Elder at Edinburgh
Her husband enlisted into army on the outbreak of war, joining Army Service Corps (Mechanical Transport) He survived the war
Enrolled 16 May 1918 and posted to Naval Base HMS Gunner. Her next of kin was her mother, Elizabeth Grant of 83 Dalry Road, Edinburgh. Her last residence was Roseburn Street, Edinburgh
She died of disease 06 July 1918 at 04.20am at the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh.. At rest in Rosebank Cemetery, Pilrig, Leith Edinburgh, Scotland.
It is possible she died from influenza (Spanish Flue)
ALICE MAY FLANNERY. Nee Johnson. Wren Section Leader Cook G/1877 WRNS
Stationed at London Division.
Born 09 May 1883 at Nottingham to Charles William and Catherine Johnson. 1891-1901 with her parents and siblings at Great Northern Railway cottage at Huntingdon.
She married Joseph Flannery December Quarter 1914 at Portsmouth
Enrolled 15 April 1918 aged 35 and posted to HMS Victory. 15 May 1918 posted to Deal R.M.L.I. 13 July 1918 posted to London District and died of disease 09 August 1918 age 37 years old. Her next of kin shown on her record card was her husband Joseph Flannery of Crystal Palace, London and later of 13 Palace Square, Upper Norwood S.E
It is possible she died from influenza (Spanish Flue)
At rest in Holy Trinity Churchyard, Lenton (Special Memorial) Nottingham
CHARLOTTE SOPHIE DUKE. Wren Cook G/3028 WRNS on Shore Base HMS Victory.
Born 22 July 1895 to Thomas and Martha Elizabeth Duke of 169 Gloster Road, Croydon, Surrey. 1911 the home of her aunt and uncle, Sophie and Alfred White of 78 Oxford Road, Southsea, Hampshire. At the time of her death her mother was residing at 10, Bramole Road, Southsea, Hampshire
Enrolled 17 June 1918 and posted to shore base HMS Victory. Her mother was her next of kin and she resided at 10 Bramble Road, Southsea, Hampshire.
Died at Royal Portsmouth Hospital 14 August 1918 of salpingitis aged 23. At rest in Highland Road Cemetery, Portsmouth, Hampshire
LUCY ANN READMAN. Wren Clerk G/100 WRNS attached to Royal Marine Engineers Chatham, Kent.
Born 13 December 1879 Whitby, Yorkshire to William and Mary Ann Readman 1881 with her parents and siblings at 03 Brunswick Street, Whitby. 1911 at the home sister Mary Bradshaw and her family at 91 Monmouth Road, North End, Porstmouth Hampshire. 1918 her sister was now residing at 85 York Avenue, Gillingham, Kent.
Enrolled 27 March 1918 age 39 and posted R.M.E. Chatham. Died 24 August 1918 age 39 years old.
It is possible she died from influenza (Spanish Flue)
At rest in St Mary the Virgin Churchyard, Morpeth, Northumberland.
SUSAN SOPHIA WILLS, nee Rogers. Wren, Greaser G/847 WRNS attached to Royal Air Force Cattewater, Plymouth
Born 13 March 1882 at Plymstock, Devon, to Frederick and Kate Ellen Rogers. 1891 with her parents and siblings at Oreston, Devon.
10 September 1899 she married William George Wills. 1901 with her husband and daughter, Gladys at Morley Cottages, Pomphlett, Devon.
Enrolled 18 April 1918 aged 36 and posted to the above attachment. Her next of kin was her daughter, Gladys Charlotte Wills of 06 St Judes Road, Plymouth and later of Tubal House, Oreston, Devon.
Died 04 October 1918 age 36 years old. At rest in Oreston Methodist Burial Ground, Devon.
It is possible she died from influenza (Spanish Flue)
THE FIRST WREN TO DIE
JOSEPHINE CARR. Wren Clerk Shorthand typist G/4985, WRNS on S.S. Leinster.
Born 04 October 1897 at 06 Morgans Buildings, Cork to Samuel and Kathleen Carr, nee Sullivan of 4, Bethesda Road, Blackrock Road, Cork, Ireland.
Enrolled 16 October 1918 age 21 years old.
She was on her way to her first draft aboard the steamer RMS SS, Leinster which was sunk 10 October 1918 by German submarine UB-123. She died on the ship age 21 years old. She was the first Wren to die.
Commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.
R.M.S. Leinster: The Sinking
The sinking of the R.M.S. Leinster, October 10, 1918.
www.rmsleinster.com
EMILY MARY WOODRUFF. Wren Shorthand Typist G/2609, WRNS.
Born 04 August 1898 at Machen, Upper Monmouth to Lancelot Ernest and Elizabeth Woodruff. Welsh 1901-1911. With her parents and siblings at Wyndham Street, Upper Machen.
Enrolled 17 June 1918 and posted to HMS Shikau II and H.M.S. President III
Died of disease 18 October 1918. At rest in St John Churchyard extension Machen, Monmouthshire.
It is possible she died from influenza (Spanish Flue)
DOROTHY MARIA WHITE. Wren Clerk G/5160. WRNS on H.M.S. Research.
Daughter of William and Rebecca White, of 21, Cove Cottages, Portland.
Joined up 10 October 1918 and posted to Shore base H.M.S. Research. Died of sickness 22 October 1918 age 20 years old. At rest in St George Churchyard, Portland, Dorset.
It is possible she died from influenza (Spanish Flue)
HILDA MAY BOWMAN. Wren Ledger Clerk G/762 WRNS.
Born 22 November 1895 at Buckland Kent to Walter William and Martha Bowman, of 28, De Burgh Hill, Dover. 1911 with her widowed mother and siblings at the above-named address. Occupation, Assistant Check’s Clerk, for Co-op Stores.
Enrolled 22 April 1918 and posted to shore base H.M.S.Attentive III.
Died of influenza 24 October 1918 aged 22 years. At rest in Charlton Cemetery, Dover, Kent.
CARLOINE JACKSON DAVIES. Wren Chief Section Leader Cook G/3136 WRNS.
Her next of kin was an aunt. Mrs Mary Evans. The Towers Llanelly, Monmouthshire, South Wales
Joined up 22 May 1918 posted to London Division from 96 July 1918 to 11 July 1918. R.A.F. Torquay 12 July 1918 to 26 July 1918. HMS Pembroke I from 27 July 1918 to 02 September 1918 and back to London Division from 03 September 1918 to her death 26 October 1918 aged 22 years. At rest in St Dingat Churchyard, LLandingat, Carmarthenshire.
It is possible she died from influenza (Spanish Flue)
MARGARET LOUISE CARE. Wren General Domestic Worker G/5721 WRNS.
Born 16 January 1900 at Folkestone, Kent to Francis Robert and Sarah Care
Her next of kin was her sister. Mrs Aster Durrant, 21 Beach Street, Dover.
Enrolled 21 May 1918 and posted to shore base HMS Arrogant. Died 28 October 1918 aged 19 at Dover. At rest in St Mary’s New Cemetery, Dover Kent.
It is possible she died from influenza (Spanish Flue)
HARRIET HAWKESWORTH DREWRY. Wren Telephonist G/2335 WRNS on HMS Wallington.
Born 02 July 1894 to Joseph Clifton Drewry and Betsy Drewry, of 49, Farebrother Street, Grimsby. 1901 with her parents and siblings at 37 Upper Burgess Street, Grimbsy. 1911 aged 16 years she was a housekeeper at the home of Simpson family of the Post Office, Port Walton, Wakefield.
Enrolled 05 April 1918 aged 23 years old and posted to HAM Wallington
Died at Grimsby of pneumonia 31 October 1918 age 24 years old. At rest in a joint grave in Scartho Road Cemetery, Grimbsy, Lincolnshire. Her father was informed of her death
She is at rest in the grave with her sister, Telephonist Dorothy Marjorie Drewry, G/2091, Women's Royal Naval Service. 25th February 1920. Age 19.)
MABEL LOCKHART. Wren Chief Section Leader G/84 WRNS at H.Q. Eastney, Portsmouth, Hampshire.
Daughter of Charles and Sarah Jane Lockhart of 229 Westfield Road, East Southsea, Hampshire.
Enrolled 25 February 1918 and posted to Royal Marine Artillery Barracks, Estney, Hampshire. Died 04 November 1918 age 32 years old. At rest in Highland Road Cemetery, Portsmouth, Hampshire.
It is possible she died from influenza (Spanish Flue)
PHYLLIS ANNIE SKINNER. Wren Chief Section Leader Steward. WRNS G/6776.
Born 23 November 1894 to Philip William and Annie Rebecca Sophia Skinner, of 108, Langney Road, Eastbourne. 1911 with her parents and siblings at 147 Ashford Road, Eastbourne, Sussex
Enrolled 06 May 1918 and posted to RAF Lee-on-Solent. It may have been RNAS Lee-on-Solent (HMS Daedalus) Fleet Air Arm.
She died 05 November 1918 age 23 years old. At rest in Ocklynge Cemetery, Eastbourne, Sussex.
It is possible she died from influenza (Spanish Flue)
Her father joined the R.A.M.C posted the RAMC Depot at Blackpool on the 19 June 1918 at Brighton. He was demobilised 31 January 1919.
HELEN ISABELLA COURT. Wren Steward G/2405 WRNS
Born 02 October 1893 to Frederick and Mary Caroline Court, nee Miles. 1901 with her parents and siblings at 05 Ebrington Terrace, Exeter, Devon. 1911 -1918 with her parents and at the time of her death still residing at 23, Roberts Road, Larkbeare, Exeter, Devon.
Enrolled 30 May 1918 aged 24 years old and posted to London Division. On the 28 June 1918 to her death she was stationed at H.Q. RAF Warsash, Southampton
Died 15 November 1918 age 26 years old. At rest in Exeter Higher Cemetery, Devon.
It is possible she died from influenza (Spanish Flue)
Inscribed on the foot of her headstone is the following.
Also in memory of her sister HILDA KATE COURT, late Army Pay Department. Died 12 October 1918. Not listed with the CWGC
Free BMD shows she was born 1904 in R.D of Exeter and Died December quarter 1918 in the R.D. of Exeter aged 14.
LUCY ALEXANDRA HUNTER. Wren Stewardess G/2508 WRNS attached to R.A.F. Eastbourne.
Born 05 June 1889 at Glasgow to James and Jane Hunter, of 362, St. Vincent Street, Glasgow.
Enrolled 01 April 1918 aged 28 years old and sent for attachment to RAF Eastbourne.
Died of influenza 18 November 1918 age 29 years old. At rest in Ocklynge Cemetery, Eastbourne, Sussex.
GEORGINA DRYSDALE. Wren Telephonist G/668 WRNS.
Born 19 February 1900 at Anstruther, Fife, to James and Georgina Drysdale, of 45, The Quadrant, Balkwell, North Shields and later of 02, Halliday Place, Tynemouth,
Enrolled 22 April 1918 aged 18 and posted to HMS Satellite as Clerk to 24 March 1918. Promoted to Telephonist and remained at her station until her death.
Died 23 November 1918 age 19 years old. At rest in Preston Cemetery, Tynemouth, Northumberland.
It is possible she died from influenza (Spanish Flue)
LUCY EMMA CLARKE. Wren Clerk G/6087 WRNS attached to RAF Cranwell
Born 07 July 1893 to George and Eliza Ann Clarke. 1901 with her parents and siblings at Lincoln Lane, Metheringham, Lincolnshire. 1911 with her parents and eight siblings at Normanhay, Potter Hanworth, Lincolnshire. At the time of her death her parents were residing at Grange Farm, Low Fields, Welbourn, Lincolnshire.
Enrolled 14 November 1918 aged 25 years old and posted to the above attachment. Died 24 November 1918 aged 26. St rest in St Peter Churchyard, North Rauceby, Lincolnshire.
It is possible she died from influenza (Spanish Flue)
ALICE KNOWLES. Wren Telephonist G/6330 WRNS.
Born 17 December 1895 to Joseph and Ellen Knowles, 1901 with her parents at 26 South Clifton Street, Lytham, Lancashire. 1911 to 1918 at of 59, Westby Street, Lytham.
She had worked age 22 years in a munitions factory in Lancaster.
Enrolled 30 October 1918 aged 21 years and posted to the London Division.
She was on unpaid leave whilst she waited to be called up for duty she went to stay with an aunt at Atherton where she contracted influenza. She was taken to her home by motor with a temperature of 105 and though everything possible was done for her, meningitis had set in, she died 29 November 1918 age 24 years old.
She is at rest in St John the Divine Churchyard, Lytham, Lancashire
MABEL CAROLINE PEARSON. Wren Steward G/4229 WRNS. Attached to London Division
Born 21 February 1889 to William Henry and Annie Elizabeth Pearson. 1901 with her parents and siblings at 13 Hertford Place, Ramsgate, Kent. 1911 with her parents and siblings at 18 Belmont Road, Ramsgate.
1918 with her parents at 34 Church Road, Ramsgate
Enrolled 12 September 1918 aged 19 years old and posted to the London Division.
Died 04 December 1918 aged 19 years old. At rest in Ramsgate Cemetery, Kent.
It is possible she died from influenza (Spanish Flue)
SARAH ANN HALL, nee Bodenham. Wren Cook G/2676 WRNS at shore base H.M.S. President
Born 01 November 1885 at Clitheroe, Lancashire to John Beck and Margaret Bodenham of 06 East Hill Street, Barnoldswick nr Colne, Lancashire.
Enrolled 27 May 1918 and posted to Shore base HMS Victory. 10 October 1918 transferred to HMS President.
Died of disease 14 December 1918.her mother, Mrs Bodenham of 06 Easthill Street, Barnoldswick, near Colone, Lancashire was informed of her death.
It is possible she died from influenza (Spanish Flue)
At rest in Ghyll Undenominational Burial Ground, Barnoldswick, Yorkshire.
EVELYN MARY MACKINTOSH. Wren Assistant Principal, WRNS
Born 22 October 1895 at Tientsin, North Chine to Duncan H. retired banker formery of Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank and Louisa M. Mackintosh, of Drumalin, Inverness-shire.
Enrolled 28 February 1918 and posted to H.M. Naval Depot, Invernesshire.
Died of pneumonia following influenza 18 December 1918 age 23 years old at her home 82 Campden Court, Kensington. She was laid to rest on the 24 December 1918 in Daviot Parish Churchyard, Inverness-shire.
An extract from the Director’s Tour of Scotland. Inverness which are in her records.
“I talked to Miss Mackintosh. (of Mackintosh). She is very keen to got to the East and asked me to remember her. She is a very healthy jolly looking girl of the Officer type”.
ELIZABETH BEARDSALL. Wren Section Leader G/3243 WRNS.
Born 06 April 1900 at Oundle to William Hooton and Mary Jane Beardsall. 1901 with her parents and siblings at 307 Lincoln Road, Peterborough, Northamptonshire. 1911 with her parents and siblings at 9 Caroline Court Boston Linc's 1918 with her parents 26 North Street, Boston, Lincolnshire.
Enrolled 11 June 1918 and posted to HMS Wildfire as Steward. 05 November 1918 she was Section Leader Steward still at HMS Wildfire.
Died at Sheerness of Bronchopneumonia following influenza 18 December 1918 age 18 years old. At rest in Boston Cemetery, Lincolnshire.
SARAH O'KEEFE. Wren Stewardess G/4649 WRNS on H.M.S. Crescent.
Born 28 February 1896 at Addiewell to Patrick and Ann O'Keefe. 1901 with her parents at 09 Baker Street, West Calder and later of 18, Livingstone Street, Addiewell, both of Midlothian.
Enrolled 16 September 1918 aged 22 and posted to HMS Crescent. Died 18 February 1919 age 23 years old. At rest in West Calder Cemetery, Midlothian.
Following extract from West Lothian Courier dated Friday 28 February 1919
W.R.N.S. DEATH.
The funeral of Sarah O’Keefe, 22 a member of the W.R.N.S., who died of double pneumonia in West Fife Hospital, Dunfernline took place on Saturday afternoon to West Calder Cemetery. Rev Father Kenny conducted a short service in the house and at the grave. A detachment of W.R.N.S. attended the funeral. Deceased was daughter of Mrs O’Keefe, Livingston Street, Addiewell.
BESSIE SIM HUNTER. Wren Waitress G/2066 WRNS on HMS Lavatera
Born 16 November 1892 at Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire, Scotland to David and Christina Hunter
Enrolled 03 June 1918 aged 26 and posted to HMS Lavatera.
Died at Royal Northern Infirmary, Inverness of General Tuberculosis 15 March 1919. Mrs Frame of 13 Castle Street, Coalsnaughton by Tillicoultry.
At rest in Tillicoultry Cemetery, Clackmannanshire.
DOROTHY MARJORIE DREWRY. Wren Telephonist G/2091. WRNS on HMS Wallington.
Born 1901 to Joseph Clifton Drewry and Betsy Drewry of 49, Farebrother Street, Grimsby.
Enrolled 02 April 1918 aged 17 years posted to HMS Wallington.
Died 25 February 1920 age 19 years old. At rest in a joint grave in Scartho Road Cemetery, Grimbsy, Lincolnshire.
(In the same grave is buried her sister
HARRIET HAWKESWORTH DREWRY. Telephonist G/2335, WRNS31 Oct 1918. Age 24
