Page 31 - February 2021 Voices

Keep Calm and Carry On

Paul Fanning, DTM

But back to Maggie’s the WVS emblems. She organized fundraisers,
story. In 1927 she sat for first aid training, opened a relief canteen and
an examination with the when the GPO was bombed, served around the

Post Office to serve as a clock with the injured, relief workers, police, air
Storewoman in the Supply raid,and casualty/mortuary service.
Department. She passed Maggie earned the Defence Medal for civil
her examination with high War Work for her three years of duties. She

marks meaning she had a continued on after the war and was awarded
head for figures. The tally the British Empire Medal from His Majesty the
keeping required in the King, for her time and further efforts.
store department, as well Added to that upon her retirement, was the

as the chance to work in Imperial Service Medal for 25 years of civil
the General Post Office service. Sadly, she died on April 14, 1955—two
(GPO) like her father, was days before her birthday. Had she lived a few
important to Maggie. years more, she would have also easily received

She advanced in the the Women’s Voluntary Service Medal created
Supply Department to the after her death.
Superintendent of Women I have the pleasure of displaying her medals,
in 1937—quite a remarkable all bright and shiny, as a tribute to an almost

achievement for a woman unknown Londoner, knowing she had indeed
in a male-dominated kept calm and carried on. She would have
workplace. proudly worn her medals at memorial services
Britain began preparing for war with and other veterans events proclaiming her

Germany. By 1939 all Post Office employees service to King and Country—just like any other
were being signed up for volunteer war service member of the armed forces. Walter and Emily,
positions—whether as air raid wardens, had they lived, would have been proud of their
volunteer nurses, ambulance drivers, etc. A new first child and clever daughter.

organization, the Women’s Voluntary Service, Why do I relate her story to you fellow
was formed to replace men needed for the armed Toastmasters? The message and lesson are simple.
forces. Of course Superintendent Hoare readily Ordinary people often do extraordinary things.
joined up, wearing her new green uniform with Often times their exploits and achievements have

VOICES! | FEBRUARY 2021 31