Lady casualties of the SS Laconia

Discussion in 'The Women of WW2' started by Tonym, Jul 19, 2009.

  1. Tonym

    Tonym WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    Having satisfied myself with the route of the SS Laconia, sunk on 12th September 1942, my research has taken a different direction that I think justifies a new thread. I am now concentrating on the five female casualties of the sinking and I am hoping that there are some answers here that the BRCS & ICRS are unable to provide. I feel that these ladies deserve a little more detail as to why they took the risk that they did.

    The following are the details that I have of the five unfortunate ladies and I would be most grateful if anybody can add anything further to those details.

    (1) NICHOLS, Evelyn Aubre, 49, Assistant Controller, V.A.D. Malta. Commemorated on CWGC. ROH. and Dawlish, Devon, W.M. Daughter of Oswald Moffett of the Copse, Blackhorse Road, Woking, Surrey. Wife of the late Lt.Col. F.P.R. Nichols died 30th Sept 1942, Commemorated on CWGC.ROH. & Brookwood Memorial.

    (2) WOLFE-MURRAY, The Lady Grizel Mary, 29, commemorated on the Fairlie, Ayrshire War Memorial as a V.A.D. daughter of the 8th Earl of Glasgow and wife of Major Malcolm V.A.W. Murray, The Black Watch.

    (3) McMORRAN, Joyce Doreen. 21, Commemorated on CWGC.ROH. Daughter of Mr. & Mrs J. McDonald of 51 McKenzie Road, Durban, South Africa; wife of Flt. Sgt Thomas B. McMorran, R.A.F.

    (4) MOORE, Jessie Burdy. 26, Commemorated on CWGC.ROH. of St. Andrews Barracks, Malta.

    (5) STANBRIDGE, Susan Marie Carmen, 35, Commemorated on CWGC.ROH. Wife of S.Q.M.S. Stanbridge, 11th Hussars.

    Evelyn Nichols is recorded, unofficially, as having volunteered to travel on the SS. Laconia to tend to the needs of the 1800 Italian POWs, my thoughts are that this would have been in response to a request, or direction, by the ICRC and Wolfe-Murray joining her.

    There is no indication anywhere whether the other three ladies were also VAD volunteers or just passengers.

    The British Red Cross advised me that the records of the Joint War Organisation were destroyed on their demobilisation in 1947 and the International Red Cross advised me that the archives of the Sinking of the SS. Laconia are incomplete.

    Any Assistance most welcome.

    Tony
     
  2. Buteman

    Buteman 336/102 LAA Regiment (7 Lincolns), RA

  3. Tonym

    Tonym WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    Thanks Ramacal

    I do in fact have her family tree but your interest appreciated

    Tony
     
  4. Hugh MacLean

    Hugh MacLean Senior Member

    Hello Tony,
    (5) STANBRIDGE, Susan Marie Carmen, 35, Commemorated on CWGC.ROH. Wife of S.Q.M.S. Stanbridge, 11th Hussars.

    Appears to have been accompanying her husband back to the UK.


    Southwark News - SOUTHWARK NEWS - MAIN - Letters
    Regards
    Hugh
     
  5. Tonym

    Tonym WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    Thanks Hugh

    I missed that. Her CWGC Cert. only quotes him as S.Q.M.S. (probably acting rank) but not as the late S.Q.M.S. so I did not bother to check him on CWGC.

    That appears to be one non-VAD.

    Tony
     
  6. James S

    James S Very Senior Member

  7. HUSSARMAN

    HUSSARMAN Junior Member

    Tony,
    We have made contact with Susan Stanbridge's family and one other Lady who you didn't mention.
    Interested?
    David
     
  8. Tonym

    Tonym WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    David

    If Susan Stanbridge and the other lady had any connection with BRCS or St. John's or on official duties with regard to the 1,800 Italian POWs then yes I would be interested in further details.

    Whilst the three non-VAD ladies above are commemorated by CWGC they are recorded in my non-service details. It would appear that Susan Stanbridge and Joyce McMorran were just passengers accompanying their husbands home to UK. I am unsure about Jessie Moore, whilst I have her recorded there is no indication as to her status or why she was on the Laconia.

    Whilst VADs are officially styled 'Civilian' I have to admit that I disagree with officialdom.

    Thanks for your interest.

    Tony
     
  9. HUSSARMAN

    HUSSARMAN Junior Member

    Tony,
    Sorry as you said Susan was returning with her family.
    The second Lady i mentioned was Mrs Martha De Luc, Husband also ex:11th Hussars (P.A.O).
    Regards
    David.
     
  10. ROD MILLS

    ROD MILLS Member

    Hi I'm also interested in the Laconia sinking as it MAY have had my uncle on board?
    Percy Mills, Royal Sussex Regiment, !st Battalion. No. 6398054.he embarked for UK 30 July 1942.
    Missing at sea 12 Sept 1942.
    Any help much appreciated.
    Regards Rod.
     

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