Patricia Petit (nee Parker)

It is believed that Patricia joined the WRNS in 1940 and was stationed in Malvern. She was commissioned and was given orders in 1944 with attachment to HMS Victory 111. After VE Day she was then seconded to serve as an officer in the private office of Buckingham Palace under the guidance of Alan “Tommy” Lascelles.  She spoke fondly of her time working in the Palace and, in particular, of travelling on the Royal Train up to Balmoral in the summer of 47. The staff were given quarters in the grounds, were provided for by the Balmoral kitchens and she had plenty of time to roam the beautiful Countryside.

She resigned her commission to get married in November 47. In 1997 she was very privileged to be invited back to the Palace to share in the celebrations for the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh’s 50th wedding anniversary and spent the afternoon in the VIP tent and was presented to the Queen, who remembered her.

Patricia married John Murray Petit  (10.6.19-3.7.06) Murray was a commissioned Army Officer and retired in 1974 as a full Colonel and was awarded the OBE. He was initially a member of the Royal Norfolk regiment and then moved on to the General staff. During the war he served in India and Burma and was in attendance at both Imphal and Kohima.

Postings during their married life included Hong Kong, Norwich , Staff College Camberley, Terendak camp, Malacca and his final position was working for the Joint Intelligence Committee in the Cabinet office.

In Retirement they moved back to Malvern, Redgate, Court Road but in her later years, as a widow, she lived in  Shipton Under Wychwood.

Patricia passed away on the 16th December 2024 aged 101yrs

All information and photos kindly shared by one of Patricia’s 4 children, Jonathan Petit.