Former Wren Joanna Chorley has made a special visit to Bletchley Park, where she did her wartime service, to receive an honour and celebrate the Women’s Royal Naval Service centenary.
The 92-year-old (pictured) joined the WRNS in 1944 and was sent to Bletchley in Buckinghamshire to operate machinery involved in breaking enemy codes, including Heath Robinson and Colossus machines. In November, over 70 years later, she was presented with her Bletchley Park commemorative badge, issued by GCHQ on behalf of Her Majesty’s Government.
‘It is very warming to know that our contribution is being remembered and recognised,’ said Mrs Chorley. ‘We put our whole selves into working here. It was quite fun because I enjoyed the machinery and the Wrens all got on very well. We had an idea it was important but we didn’t know how important; I think I still don’t!’