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Photo of Marion Turnbull

Marion Turnbull

Munitions Worker

Biography

Information from Marion’s niece, Eleanor, a trustee at the museum: Marion Turnbull was the 4th daughter of George and Mary Jane Turnbull born in 1900 Marion was known by the name of Mairn to the family. She left school at Kirkpatrick Fleming she she was 14 a year after her father died. She went into service at the Nelson Thomlinson school at Wigton.  When the munitions factory at Gretna opened she came back home to work there together with her elder sister Meg.

From her autograph book it would appear she was a popular lass and made many friends although she continued to live at home at Wicketthorn Kirkpatrick Fleming, cycling to work daily. Marion enjoyed playing Hockey and Tennis and had quite a good social life at the dances in Gretna . She also became engaged to a local Kirkpatrick lad.

After the war Marion returned to service at  Nelson Thomlinson  school together with her younger sister Ella, my mother.
Sadly Marion suffered from chest problems and spent time in the Cumberland Infirmary. She did return home but went back to hospital on Christmas day 1920.
Returning home again but never fully recovered and died on the 27th February 1921. The family were very upset by this being taken at such a young age all she had tried to do was her but for the country and help her mother to support the family.

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