| Unit or location | Role | Posted from | until |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pitt Manor Instation | Operator | 1941 | 1942 |
| South Dalton Instation | Operator | 1942 | 1942 |
| Heathfield Instation | Operator | 1943 | 10 Nov 1943 |
Nursery governess
She was visited by Beatrice Temple at the following locations;
Winchester (Pitt Manor) 13 Dec 1941 and 29 Apr 1942,
South Dalton 3 Sep 1942
On 10th November 1943 she was found dead in the Heathfield Instation. She had suffocated from the fumes inside from the generator running with the vents closed up. The police were not allowed to visit the scene because of the secrecy around the Station. The Royal Signals personnel prevented the Police Officer from entering. Members of the Auxiliary Units gave evidence at the inquest and the subsequent Court of Inquiry.
She had been billeted at "Ivydene" on Hailsham Road. At the time, her husband George Henry Dicken RE, was serving overseas. She is commemorated on the War Memorial at Wokingham
Born Betty Vaile, the daughter of Dr William Bartholomew Vaile, she married George Henry Dicken, known as Harry, a Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers, in 1941.
Her sister, Margaret Muriel Vaile, was also recruited at the same time into Auxiliary Units Special Duties.
Beatrice Temple recorded in her diary;
Tue 29 Jun 1943 Salisbury – visited hut and billet gave B Dicken ultimatum.
2 Nov 1943 Major Jones came to tea to discuss planned new move and decided to give Dicken an adverse
report much telephoning and wire after he left.
3 Nov 1943 Drove to HQ to see Commanding Officer.- will back up bad report on Dicken
9 Nov 1943 Privates Meeting. Car sent to meet Betty Dicken at 1800 for adverse report – did not come.
10 Nov 1943 Rang Kitty Hills.- Betty D had not slept in billet. Rang Muriel Vaile – no news. Drove over after lunch met Kitty at Heathfield at 9.30 pm found Betty gassed. Rang HQ and Signals from hut. Mr Oakey and Freddie arrived with 2 men at 12.30. Mr Oakey drove her car and both stayed at her home (Chailey). Over night.
11 Nov 1943 Went with Mr Oakey to Lewes and then Battle for Coroner. Gave Kitty lunch and then saw Police. Drove to Reigate. Lady Carlisle most helpful. Dined with Avis and Ann in mixed mess and drove home in moonlight.
12 Nov 1943 Heathfield, cleared Hut with Kitty then met Dr Vaile and Miss Perrow (Nurse) took them to Police then to inquest from which press excluded. Packed all Betty‟s belongings. Overnight at home.
20 Nov 1943 Mind becomes numb and shuts up from tragedy.
Beatrice Temple Diary,
Bill Ashby and Evelyn Simak
Sussex Records Office Inquest SHE 2/7/808
1939 Register
Ancestry.co.uk