Maker, M J M (Mary Jane Marion)
Maker, M J M (Mary Jane Marion)
Wren Mary Maker was the daughter of James and Julia Maker of 99 Dungiven Road, Londonderry.
Mary died at her home in the presence of her father James. She was suffering from acute pulmonary tuberculosis[1].
Mary served in HMS Heron, which was an airfield for the Royal Navy, sited a few miles north of Yeovil, Somerset, England. From 1940 it had been subject to several attacks by the Luftwaffe.
A few years earlier on the 8th of April 1940, the family had also lost their son and brother, Stoker Andrew Maker, in the North Atlantic when H.M.S. Glowworm rammed the German heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper while in battle. Although damaged and after taking on 500 tonnes of water the Hipper was saved.
Unfortunately, a fire had started on the Glowworm after sustaining serious damage and loss to its bow. H.M.S. Glowworm drifted clear from the German heavy cruiser. Within minutes the engine room exploded.
Date of Death: 17/03/1943 (Aged 22)
Service: Wren, Women’s Royal Naval Service, H.M.S. Heron
Burial Location: Glendermott Church of Ireland Churchyard and New Cemetery, Sec. B. Grave 304X
Service Number: 7037
[1] Pulmonary tuberculosis is known as TB and leads to wasting away of the body.
