A FORMER naval Wren received an early Christmas present – the War Medal 1939 to 1945.
Janet Patterson was given the medal by her children Gill and David, who applied for it on her behalf over 80 years after the Second World War ended, and 80 years after she left the Armed Forces.
They believe the 102-year-old is one of the last living people to receive the medal.
Janet said: “This is a big surprise.
“I never thought I would get a medal and now I have. I just need to wait for the right opportunity to wear it. I’m so grateful to my family for ordering on my behalf.”
Janet, who served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service, was presented with the medal at the Royal Star and Garter home in Solihull, where she now lives.
Also present on the day was her daughter-in-law and granddaughter.
The Tudor Coppice home marked the special occasion with afternoon tea.
The great-grandmother was a Wren from 1942 to October 1945.
She was a film operator, working on projectors which showed educational and instructional films to new Naval recruits as part of their training.
Janet’s husband, Dennis, also served in the Navy.
The couple met during the war while both stationed at HMS Glendower in Pwllheli, Wales.
Despite being eligible for the War Medal 1939-45, neither Janet nor Dennis applied for it.
Dennis died in 2021, aged 98.
Gill said: “It was typical of my parents not to apply for the medal, they probably thought they weren’t worthy of it. But in October this year it was 80 years since Mum came out of the Armed Forces, and we thought she deserved to have the medal – even if it is 80 years too late.
“We think Mum must be one of the last living people to receive this medal. She’s an incredible person, and we’re so proud of her.”
