Daphne Mary Blundell, CB (19 August 1916 – 24 May 2004) was a senior British naval officer, who served as Director of the Women's Royal Naval Service from 1970 to 1973.
Daphne Blundell | |
---|---|
Born | 19 August 1916 |
Died | 24 May 2004 | (aged 87)
Allegiance | United Kingdom |
Service/ | Women's Royal Naval Service |
Years of service | 1942–1973 |
Rank | Commandant |
Commands held | Women's Royal Naval Service (1970–73) |
Battles/wars | Second World War |
Awards | Companion of the Order of the Bath |
Blundell was born on 19 August 1916. She was educated at St Helen's School, an all-girls private school in Northwood, London. She studied at Bedford College, London, the first higher education institution for women in the United Kingdom.[1]
Blundell joined the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS) in November 1942.[1] She was promoted to acting third officer (equivalent to sub-lieutenant) on 26 September 1943.[2] During her early career, she served in Orkney, Ceylon, East Africa, and Malta.[1] She served on the staff of Flag Officer Naval Air Command from 1964 to 1967.[1] She was promoted to superintendent (equivalent to captain) in 1967.[1] She was on the staff of Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth between 1967 and 1969.[1] From 1969 to 1970, she was superintendent of WRNS Training and Drafting.[1] In 1970, she was appointed Director of the WRNS and promoted to commandant (equivalent to commodore).[1][3]
Blundell was appointed an Honorary Aide-de-Camp to the Queen on 8 July 1970 and,[4] in the 1972 Birthday Honours, she was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath.[5] She stepped down as Honorary Aide-de-Camp in July 1973,[6] and retired from the WRNS on 24 August.[7]
In retirement, Blundell served as President of the Association of Wrens.[8] She never married nor had any children.[9]
Blundell died on 24 May 2004, aged 87.[1] Her funeral was held at Holy Trinity Church, Northwood on 3 June 2004.[9]
{{cite web}}
: Missing or empty |url=
(help)