Themes
Elspeth Howie Scott
The Sportswoman
Leading Wren Elspeth Howie Scott was born on 12th October 1926 in Dollar, Clackmannanshire in Scotland. She enrolled in the Women's Royal Naval Service in March 1945 as World War Two was drawing to a close.
Service certificate of Elspeth Howie Scott (RNM)
She went on to work as a Wren Teacher, serving at the Rosyth naval base. She organised craft activities in Rosyth Dockyard, specialising in leatherwork and handcrafts. She was also qualified to teach needlework, having taken a course in embroidery at the Royal School of Needlework in London.
Forces preliminary exam certificate, 1946 (RNM)
Scott then worked on the staff of the Flag Officer (Air) as the Wren Command Education Officer, stationed at Lee on Solent. She also worked at HMS Excellent on Whale Island, assisting with naval instructional films.
Certificate of appointment to Third Officer, 1950 (RNM)
Scott was a keen sportswoman, particularly horse riding. She took part in the Royal Windsor Horseshow in 1953, after an amendment in the rules permitted female teams to compete. Scott, the only non-riding Wren in the event, was Captain of the WRNS team and responsible for their training.
Scott took part in the Royal Windsor Horseshow again in May 1956, once more as the non-riding team Captain. She received a nomination in the WRNS Sportswomen of the Year competition in 1958.
Photograph of Wren Sportswomen of the Year 1958, with Scott standing at far right (RNM)
