Protecting our nation and fighting for our rights
Located outside the Wymondham Heritage Museum
Mrs. Rose Alyce Martin Jones was the prime mover in establishing a Red Cross (Voluntary Aid Detachment) Hospital in November 1914 during the early days of WWI. She became Commandant of the hospital, which treated over 800 patients throughout the conflict and she carried out her duties with much energy and dedication. The hospital was housed in the Vicarage Room (as she was married to the vicar), which stood on the site of the current Abbey Hall. Mrs. Martin Jones remained in charge until her untimely death in June 1918 at the age of 46.
Elsie Stanley was a nurse at the Red Cross Hospital and drove the delivery van for her family ironmonger business on Town Green, taking goods to customers outside of Wymondham. Before WW1, this job would have been done by young men.
Pictured: Elsie Stanely stood by the family delivery van
Molly Yaxley and Mabel Norman became clerks at Wymondham station to replace the men enlisted in the war.
Pictured: Mabel Norman (left) & Molly Yaxley (right) with Wymondham Station staff
We chose to celebrate these women as they contributed significantly towards the war effort by stepping up, and keeping their homes, working lives and communities going during the First World War.
They worked hard to fill the roles left behind by the soldiers, many taking up their first paid jobs, earning to contribute to their family's budget. They were also part of the movement that proved that women are just as capable as men – facilitating further integration into the workforce.
Special thanks to the Wymondham Heritage Museum for their support and information.
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