23/07/2025
Centenary Salute: WWII WREN Veteran Ann Richards Turns 100
Westbourne, July 18, 2025 — Surrounded by family, friends, and fond memories, Ann Richards — a proud veteran of the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRENS) during World War II — celebrates her 100th birthday today.
Born in 1925, Ann played a vital role in wartime communications at HMS Inskip, the Royal Navy Air Station (RNAS) near Preston, Lancashire. It was there that she joined the Royal Navy communication teams in supporting critical operations focused on defending the North West approaches to the UK. As a member of the communication teams, Ann helped relay vital information to both RNAS command and London HQ — a key link in the Royal Navy's intelligence network.
Ann fondly recalls the friendships forged during those years and her passion for writing letters. A prolific pen pal, she kept in touch with countless service members in both the UK and the USA during and after the war, offering encouragement and camaraderie across borders.
While the war demanded focus and discipline, Ann found time to enjoy life, particularly her love of dancing. She often joined friends at social events on the base and made frequent trips to Blackpool, dancing until 10:30 p.m. before catching the last bus back to camp.
Ann’s service was inspired by her father, a Royal Navy veteran of the First World War who earned three medals for his service aboard several naval vessels. Following in his footsteps, Ann’s own wartime journey would lead her to love.
She met her future husband, Petty Officer Colin Frederick Eric Richards — an Avionics Engineer based at RNAS St Merryn (HMS Vulture) in Cornwall — during a local dance at Inskip. The two began a long-distance romance that spanned hundreds of miles and relied on trains, bicycles, and handwritten letters. They married in 1948, Ann relocated to Leicester, where they bought their first house and raised two sons, both born in the 1950s.
After taking time to raise her family, Ann returned to work in Further Education. Tragically, Colin passed away in 1987, but Ann stayed active and surrounded herself with family, friends, and purpose.
At 99, she moved to Westbourne Tower Care Home, where she has since found a new circle of friends and continues to receive regular visits from her sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
As part of her milestone celebration, Ann was honoured with a surprise visit from the Royal Navy Station Poole, thanking her for her service and dedication. She also received a personal letter of congratulations from His Majesty King Charles III.
Ann Richards exemplifies the resilience, commitment, and spirit of a generation that helped shape the world we live in today. From war service to love stories and community life, hers is a century well lived — and celebrated.
