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Lena Welton (1893-)


Sunderland woman served as a VAD nurse in Sunderland and France


Lena Welton was the only child of Nathan and Jane Welton nee Rewcastle, born in Sunderland on 24 February 1893. At the time of the 1901 census the family were living with Jane’s father at 108 Brandling Street, Sunderland. By 1911 the family had moved to 96 Fulwell Street, Sunderland. At this time Nathan is listed as the head of the household, working as a clerk for a marine engine works.

Lena studied at Bede Higher Grade School for girls in Sunderland from 1907 and as well as a scholar is listed as a student teacher at the time of the 1911 census. The Sunderland Echo from September 1910 reports Lena as passing her Oxford Local Examinations in Oral French.

On 26 April 1915, at the age of 23, Lena began nursing at the 4th Voluntary Aid (VA) hospital at Jeffrey Hall, Monk Street in Sunderland. On 18 September 1915 she moved to be a nurse at the 5th Northern General Hospital in Leicester. On 6 April 1917 she went over to France to continue her nursing duties as part of the Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service. She remained nursing in France until 5 October 1917.

For her service in the First World War Lena received the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

Civil Parish: Sunderland

Birth date: 24-Feb-1893

Armed force/civilian: Civilian

Residence: 108 Brandling Street, Sunderland (1901 census)
96 Fulwell Street, Sunderland (1911 census)

Education: Bede Higher Grade School for girls, Sunderland

Family: Parents: Nathan Welton, Jane Welton nee Rewcastle
Grandfather: Joseph Rewcastle

Military service:

Nurse (VAD)

Medal(s): British War Medal
Victory Medal

Gender: Female

Contributed by Fiona Johnson - Durham

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