Share on FacebookAt 104 years old, Ena Collymore-Woodstock is being celebrated as Britain’s oldest surviving female army veteran.
A former radar operator in the British Army’s Auxiliary Territorial Service during World War II, she broke barriers as one of the first women from the West Indies to volunteer for active duty. Her service took her from the coast of Britain to the front lines in Belgium, where she played a vital role in defending against Nazi air attacks.
Today, her story is recognized as an inspiring testament to courage, determination, and a lifetime of public service.
From Jamaica to the Front Lines
Ena’s journey began in 1943 when she left Jamaica for England, surviving a torpedo attack en route. Determined to be more than a clerk, she pushed for an active assignment and trained as a radar operator in the anti-aircraft service.
She became part of the pioneering group of West Indian women who volunteered for wartime service, tracking enemy planes and guiding defenses under dangerous conditions.
Breaking Barriers After the War
Following her military service, Ena stayed in England to study law, becoming a barrister in 1948. Returning to Jamaica, she made history as the nation’s first female clerk of the courts, later serving as crown solicitor and magistrate until her retirement in 1977. She also led the Girl Guides as chief commissioner for a decade, continuing her lifelong commitment to leadership and community service.
A Legacy That Inspires
The Women’s Royal Army Corps Association recently honored Ena as their oldest surviving female veteran, ensuring her story is preserved for future generations. For Ena, the recognition is humbling. “Some things that you do at the time, which you feel are just small things, can turn out to mean a lot more to others,” she reflected.
Her life—spanning military service, groundbreaking legal work, and community leadership—remains a shining example of what it means to serve with courage and purpose.
