An appeal has been launched to help uncover the story behind a historic photograph believed to show a Women’s Section British Legion Standard Bearer from Ferryhill.
The photograph, recently passed to local researcher Andy Denholm, is said on information received to depict a Women’s Section Standard Bearer who may have taken part in either King George VI’s Funeral in 1952 or Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation in 1953. The name Mrs White accompanied the image.
Following initial research by Andy, the woman in the photograph has been identified as Dora Eleanor White, of 17 Church Street, Ferryhill Station. Born on 27 April 1892 and married to William White, she lived in the community until her death on 12 November 1972. The identification has been confirmed by the 85‑year‑old individual who originally provided the damaged photograph, which has since been digitally repaired by Andy.
Research into the history of the Women’s Section of the British Legion shows that 1953 marked the first year the Women’s Section was permitted to parade its Standard at the Festival of Remembrance. The Women’s Section National Standard Bearer marched at the head of the columns alongside the National Standard Bearer of the British Legion, reflecting the increasing recognition of women’s service during and after the Second World War. By 1954, the Women’s Section had grown to almost 3,300 branches, and in 1959 it moved its operations into the British Legion headquarters at Pall Mall, signalling a closer union.
The key questions now being investigated are when and where the photograph was taken, and which Women’s Section branch the Standard belonged to.
For historical context:
- Ferryhill Station British Legion Branch opened in 1947
- Dean Bank British Legion Branch opened in 1921 and closed in 1966
- Ferryhill & Chilton Branch opened in 1967 and closed in 1977
If the photograph dates from the 1950s, it may relate to either Ferryhill Station or Ferryhill & Dean Bank Branch. As Mrs White lived in Ferryhill Station, it is believed the Standard may be connected to that branch. However, no surviving records have yet confirmed whether any of these branches operated an active Women’s Section during that period.
Today, the Women’s Section is fully integrated into the Royal British Legion’s main structure, but historical documentation for local Women’s Sections remains limited.
Anyone with information, records, or knowledge relating to Women’s Section activity in Ferryhill or Chilton is encouraged to come forward.
Contact: Andy Denholm andydenholm@gmail.com.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
