Edith Esther Pickering, Age 19

Waitress, 21513, Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corp.

Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary.

Edith was the daughter of Mr W H Pickering of 73 Old Park. At the time of her death aged 19 on the 2nd October 1919 she was still serving with the QMAAC which up to 1918 had been the WAAC (Women’s Army Auxiliary Corp). Edith was attached too an anti-aircraft brigade serving at Sandown on the Isle of Wight, she had come home on leave but had fallen ill and died within a week

A report appeared in the Wellington and Shrewsbury journal dated 18tln October 1919 about Ediths funeral it stated; News of the death of Miss Edith Pickering was received with sincere regret. She had been home on leave, was taken ill, and died within a week. The funeral took place on Sunday at the Parish Church, Malinslee,

Edith is on the right in both of these pictures, the 2nd possible taken at Sandown.

For nearly two years Miss Pickering was stationed at the Isle of Wight, in the Q.M.A.A.C and was known by many friends. The men of the Anti-Aircraft brigade sent their deepest sympathy also a beautiful globe. She had also been at Portsmouth.

for a short period and the girls there sent a beautiful wreath. The service was conducted by the Rev. Parry and surrounding friends attended to pay their last tributes of respect.

Also, in the same edition was two in memory notices one from her parents William Henry & Mary Jane Pickering. The second was from Bombardier George Charles ‘In everlasting and loving memory my dear sweetheart, who died with the blessing and love of all that knew her on the 2nd day of October 1919. God bless her pure heart and Soul.

She was accorded the right of a commonwealth war grave and is believed to be buried in Malinslee (St Leonard) churchyard, where a headstone bears her name.

Commonwealth War Graves
Buried St Leonards, Malinslee