Joyce Denman, from Worthing, celebrated her milestone birthday on Sunday (November 19) with lunch in Arundel surrounded by around 25 family members.
But Joyce’s son David Denman had arranged for a secret guest to make an appearance to present the former Navy Wren with two medals – 76 years after she left the Forces.
Joyce with Janice Scott (Image: Submitted)
“The naval officer gave me two medals. It was a total surprise. I spoke to her and it brought back a lot of memories,” said Joyce, who was posted to Sri Lanka from 1943 until 1946.
“She made a little speech about what a good job we had all done during the war. It was all very nice.”
Naval officer Janice Scott was due to be travelling to Newbury and stopped in Arundel to present Joyce with her medals.
David said: “I kept the whole thing quiet so no one in the family knew that the naval officer would be there.
Joyce Denman during World War Two (Image: Submitted)
“Janice did it in great style. She had gone out of her way. She did such a wonderful job, we all felt incredibly proud of my mum.”
Joyce was brought back to England on the aircraft carrier HMS Formidable in 1946.
She received a special birthday card from the King and Queen, which read: “We are so pleased to know that you are celebrating your one-hundredth birthday on November 20, 2023.
“This brings our warmest congratulations and heartfelt good wishes on such a special occasion.”
Joyce returned to the UK aboard HMS Formidable (Image: Submitted)
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The Women’s Royal Naval Service (Wrens) was first created 1917 and abolished two years later, before being reformed at the start of the Second World War in 1939.
The Wrens were initially tasked with domestic duties like cooking and cleaning, however later included roles like electricians, wireless telegraphists and, in Joyce’s case, pay writers.
They were disbanded entirely in 1993 when women became able to join the Royal Navy.
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