Author Chris Shaw
As a result of many men being away from their regular jobs the women of the nation had to take over many of the traditional male roles. One particular important role was the care of injured servicemen and the British Red Cross together with the Order of St John stepped in to help the war effort by providing volunteer staff. The majority of Voluntary Aid Detachments (VADs) during the Great War War were made up of women because so many men had joined the armed forces. Female VADs undertook a variety of work during the war, organising and supplying aid to naval, military and auxiliary hospitals alongside “general service”
duties throughout the UK and overseas. In Southrepps a number of women stepped forward and volunteered for service.
Ethel Elizabeth Burton-Pye
Ethel Elizabeth Burton-Pye was born in Southrepps on 30th June 1897, the daughter of James Burton-Pye and Ann Burton-Pye (née Hewitt). On 19th March 1918 Ethel joined the Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD). She worked as a Ward Maid in 72nd Stationary Hospital, Trouville, France.
Her service continued through to 3rd February 1920. Ethel married John Woods in 1922 and in 1939 they were living at Oak Lodge Bungalow, North Walsham Road, Sprowston. Ethel Elizabeth Woods died in 1978 aged 81. She was awarded the British War Medal & Victory Medal for her service.
Ethel’s brother Herbert George Burton-Pye aka Mayes served in 1st Battalion Essex Regiment and lost his life in 1915.
Beatrice Lottie Claxton
Beatrice Lottie Claxton was born on 30th April 1889 in Roughton, the daughter of Charles Claxton and Elizabeth Claxton (née Cole). In 1918 Beatrice was living in Thorpe Road, Southrepps and on 8th June that year she joined the Red Cross as a Nurse.
She spent time at 3rd Western General Hospital in Greek Street, Stockport and the War Hospital, Bath. Beatrice married Alec Garrish in 1919 and they had a son Stanley in 1921. In 1939 they were living at Jesmond, Bacton where Alec was a travelling salesman. Beatrice Garrish died on 9th February 1976 in Great Yarmouth aged 86 and was buried in Caister.
Beatrice’s four brothers, Charles, Daniel (Cole), James and Robert served in the army.
Ellen May Hewitt
Ellen May Hewitt was born on 2nd November 1898 in Southrepps, the daughter of Walter James Hewitt and Mary Ann Hewitt (née Burton-Pye). Ellen enlisted with the Red Cross as a VAD on 29th June 1918 and continued through to 9th December 1918. Her address on enlistment was Bayes Cottage, Lower Street and she was employed at the 13th Canadian Military Hospital in Hastings. Muriel Learner was born in Erpingham in 1896, the daughter of Charles Herbert Learner and Edith Mary Learner (née Butler).
In January 1915 Muriel enlisted with the Red Cross as a VAD and continued to serve until January 1919 at North Walsham Hospital. Her home address was Hill House, Southrepps where her father was a farmer. Muriel married Frank Victor Randell, son of Frank Randell, at St James’ Church, Southrepps on 31st August 1921 but died on 28th December 1931 aged 35 and was buried at St James’ Church, Southrepps.
Ellen’s brother John Henry served in the army.
Muriel Learner
Muriel Learner was born in Erpingham in 1896, the daughter of Charles Herbert Learner and Edith Mary Learner (née Butler). She was baptised at St James’ Church, Southrepps on 7th April 19051.
In 19012 the Learner family was living at Erpingham Lodge, Erpingham where Charles was a Farmer. Muriel had a sister Helen (3). The 1911 census3 shows Muriel and her sister Helen were boarders at Pembroke House School, Unthank Road in Norwich.
In January 1915 Muriel enlisted with the Red Cross as a V.A.D and continued to serve until January 1919 at North Walsham Hospital. Her home address was Hill House, Southrepps where her father was a farmer.
Muriel married4 Frank Victor Randell, son of Frank Randell, at St James’ Church, Southrepps on 31st August 1921 but died on 28th December 1931 aged 35 and was buried5 at St James’ Church, Southrepps on 30th December.
Jessie Tyler
Jessie Tyler was born in Hackney, London on 11th August 1879, the daughter of William Tyler and Jemima Tyler. Jessie joined the Red Cross as a VAD and served with them at Cromer Hospital from 1916 to 31st January 1919. The 1939 register finds Jessie (unmarried) and living at Reppside in Northrepps.
Jessie died on 6th May 1966 in Cromer at the age of 86 and was buried at St James’ Church, Southrepps.