A 102-year-old Second World War veteran has received a remarkable and long-overdue honour, eight decades after the conflict ended. Janet Patterson, who served as a Wren in the Women's Royal Naval Service, was presented with the War Medal 1939-45 in a special ceremony at her care home.
A Belated Tribute to Service
The presentation took place at the Royal Star & Garter home in Solihull, West Midlands, where Janet now resides. Her daughter Gill and son David, who applied for the medal on her behalf, were there to witness the emotional moment. They were joined by her daughter-in-law and granddaughter, with the home marking the occasion with a celebratory afternoon tea.
"We think Mum must be one of the last living people to receive this medal," said Gill. "She’s an incredible person, and we’re so proud of her." It is believed Janet is indeed among the final veterans to be awarded this specific honour.
A Life of Service and Modesty
Janet served as a Wren from 1942 to October 1945, working as a film operator. Her role involved projecting educational and instructional films to new Naval recruits as part of their essential training. Despite being eligible for the War Medal, neither Janet nor her late husband Dennis, who also served in the Navy, ever applied for it.
The couple met during the war while both stationed at HMS Glendower in Pwllheli, Wales. Dennis passed away in 2021 at the age of 98. Gill explained her parents' characteristic modesty: "It was typical of my parents not to apply for the medal, they probably thought they weren’t worthy of it."
The family decided the time was right to secure the recognition Janet deserved. "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!" Gill added.
A Surprise and a Legacy
For Janet, the medal came as a wonderful surprise. "This is a big surprise. I never thought I would get a medal and now I have," she said. "I just need to wait for the right opportunity to wear it. I’m so grateful to my family for ordering on my behalf."
The Royal Star & Garter charity, which runs the Solihull home, provides care and support to veterans and their families. Janet has lived there for two years, with her daughter praising the staff, saying they "look after her beautifully and it’s a lovely place."
The Wrens, or Women's Royal Naval Service, were a vital part of the war effort. By 1944, their ranks had swelled to around 74,000 women, performing over 200 different jobs. These roles included radio operators, mechanics, cooks, and codebreakers, which were crucial in freeing up men for frontline combat and supporting key operations such as the Battle of the Atlantic.
