Winifred Harriett Dyball

Born 1921, died 1999
Junior Assistant Nurse at Gressenhall Public Assistance Institution, 1938-1939

Researched by Elizabeth Steele

Winifred Harriett Dyball was a Junior Assistant Nurse at the Gressenhall Public Assistance Institution for a very short period of time. She commenced her duties on 3 October 1938, aged 17, and resigned  from her  post on 3 March 1939. However, even though she worked there for such a short period, the matron at the time, a Mrs Nicholls had already noted her obvious talent for nursing. In a letter from the matron to Winifred’s mother dated November 16th 1938, the matron wrote: “I must say that she will turn out to be a very good nurse”.

Winifred took sick leave from 31 January 1939 to 11 February 1939 (nothing is noted on the nature of her illness). Her salary was to be increased on 1 April 1939 from £30 to £35. She did not, however, receive this, as her resignation is noted in the minutes of 13 March 1939 with no reason recorded.  

Despite her short time at Gressenhall, Winifred continued in a nursing career. The 1939 Nurses’ Register reveals that in September 1939, Winifred was employed at The Institution of Forehoe and Henstead as a Sick Nurse. However, research so far has not revealed whether Winifred become formally qualified.

Winifred Harriett Dyball was born on 22 November 1921 in Norfolk. She appears on the registration as Winifred Harriett Hipkin, (Hipkin being her mother’s name at the time). She married Victor T Newnham during the October Quarter of 1940, in Norwich.

Winifred died, aged 77,  on 23 October 1999, her last residence  is given as Attleborough, Norfolk.