One of the last surviving members of the Women’s Royal Navy Service (Wrens) marked her 101st birthday just a day before the UK commemorated the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE).

Beryl, a resident at Camberley Heights Care Home, part of Avery Healthcare, was honoured at a special celebration at Surrey Heath House, attended by family, friends, and dignitaries.

The event began with the raising of the Union Flag, followed by a ceremony. Representatives from the Armed Forces and the Mayor of Surrey Heath, Cllr Sabi King, were in attendance.

Cllr Sabi King said: “Beryl’s life is an inspiration to us all. The courage and dedication she showed during World War II is something we will never forget."

Beryl said: “It’s such a special way to celebrate my 101st birthday. To have my story recognised in this way is something I never imagined would happen. It’s been such a privilege to serve my country, and to be here today, surrounded by so many wonderful people, is truly a gift.”

Beryl’s birthday celebrations continued on Saturday, May 10 with a charity fundraising dinner at the VE celebrations evening at Camberley Heights Care Home.

Beryl joined the Wrens in 1943, serving as a coder for the Government Code and Cypher School.

She worked at key locations, including HMS Cochrane II in Scotland, and later sailed aboard HMS Otranto to Colombo, Sri Lanka.”

Her role in encrypting and decrypting vital military messages helped sustain allied communications in the Far East.

“The work we did was crucial, and we knew how important it was, even if we couldn’t always talk about it,” Beryl explained.

“It was a tough time, but there were moments of joy, too. The friendships we made and the camaraderie with the Navy and American forces kept us going.”

Ian Chandler, Home Manager at Camberley Heights Care Home, reflected, “Beryl’s life is a real picture into the bravery and sacrifice of so many during the war. We are incredibly proud to honour her at this significant moment in history. Her story is a reminder of the incredible contributions made by women during WWII, and it is an honour to be part of her journey.”