Former Wren recognised for wartime service on 101st birthday

Commander Jonathan Richards presented World War 2 veteran Thelma Redman with a letter from head of the Royal Navy, First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, and a record of her service to mark her milestone birthday.

Jonathan, who is currently on secondment with Rolls Royce from the navy, lives in the same village as Thelma and took the opportunity to visit with the letter and some flowers – delivered by his daughter Matilda, who was also celebrating her eighth birthday on the same day.

Thelma served in the WRNS (Women’s Royal Naval Service) between 1943-45, starting at HMS Pembroke training establishment in Mill Hill in North London, before serving as part of the Flower Class Corvette Division at HMS Eaglet, cleaning and refurbishing depth charges to be used during the Battle of the Atlantic. 

Thelma was surprised by family, friends and members of the local branch of the Royal British Legion who celebrated her service – with local BBC news cameras also showing up to record the moment.

Jonathan said: “I’m immensely proud to present Thelma with a letter of gratitude from the First Sea Lord – a symbol of how deeply her service is still valued by the Royal Navy. 

“It’s profoundly humbling to meet someone who served when the stakes were so high. Her courage and commitment laid the foundations for the service we are proud to be part of today. 

“Being able to introduce my daughters to Thelma, including my eldest Matilda who turned eight on the same day, made the occasion even more special as they have the chance to be inspired by Thelma who exemplifies duty, dignity and enduring spirit.”

Thelma told the BBC: "I think it's very nice of everyone to make such a fuss for my birthday.

"My time in the Wrens was a long time ago now. I can remember working on the docks, and being taken out on the motorboats.

"All the women serving did quite a lot for the war, helped a lot in Liverpool and the seaside towns.

"And when it came to marching, my commander said the Wrens could do it without practising so we didn't have to - we just marched."