Themes
Clare Turner
The Entertainer
Photograph of Clare Turner in WRNS uniform, 1941 (RNM)
Clare Turner grew up in the Northend area of Portsmouth. She joined the Women's Royal Naval Service in late 1940, wanting to help with the war effort. She started work in 1941 and took up a vacancy as a Writer in the Captain Secretary's office at HMS Excellent on Whale Island.
Clare was very sociable and she undoubtedly enjoyed the opportunity that her job gave her to go on dates with eligible naval officers. She often went dancing and dining at the Naval Officers' Club at the Royal Pier Hotel, Southsea.
Clare spotted a notice one day at Whale Island. It stated that 'any of the ship's company that could sing, dance, act, or had any experience at all of concert work, should apply to the Entertainment Officer to form a ship's concert'. Clare was one of those chosen to appear in the concert.
Article Highlights
-
Introduction
To find out more about the ship's concert, select Next
