Elinor Jephson

Queenie Elinor, better known as Elinor, was born on the 30 September 1886 in Lower Baggot Street, Dublin, an R.I.C. District Inspector who became a magistrate in 1899; he was a magistrate in Longford to 1920.

Elinor joined the Red Cross in Longford in September 1914, and initially worked for Supply of Clothing Depot, Longford Branch. From June 1915 she was employed as a cook at the British Red Cross HQ in Devonshire House, London.

Her first appointment to a hospital was in from October 1915 to December 1916 in the Military Hospital Carlisle. From 19 January 1917 she was attached to the Cumberland V.A.D. for duty at Station for refreshing Ambulance Trains, where she also attended lectures & drills. She received certs in F.A .& H.N. June 1917 to Dec. Cook and Waitress at Lady H. Grosvenor Canteen for Lady Munition Worker, Woolwich.

In January 1918 she served overseas, as an Assistant Cook  in the No. 54 General Hospital, Wimereux, France (nicknamed the London General Hospital and had 1000 beds). She then transferred to the No. 35 General Hospital in Calais from July 1918 to February 1919, where she was Head Cook in Charge, Officers Hospital Calais for Women (without pay).

She was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal in recognition for her service. 

Elinor lost a number of first cousins in the war, including 2nd Lt Henry Jephson Hilary of the Royal Field Artillery and Capt Edward Jermy Jephson. 

Link to British Red Cross entry; link to more detailed British Red Cross entry; link to Civil Record of birth;