Pearl Blanche HOLMES
(later Pearl Saunders)

Service Number: W2916
WAAF Trade:
Date of Enlistment: 24th of March 1942
Date of Demob: Circa November 1943
Rank Achieved:

Born: Pearl was born on the 29th of January 1922
Personal Details: Pearl was the daughter of Mr J. Holmes of Cambridge. She attended Cambridge Primary School. May Millener believes Pearl came from a farming family in the Cambridge district.

She was farewelled from Arawa Hall by many of her friends in March 1942 as she departed to join the WAAF's. Also farewelled according to the newspaper notice was Joan Watts. See her entry for more details of the farewell dance. Pearl later married Alfred Saunders. The following notice appeared in the Waikato Times newspaper on the 16th of November 1943:

WEDDING SAUNDERS - HOLMES The Marriage of Pearl Blanche (W.A.A.F.), youngest daughter of Mrs E. Holmes, of Cambridge, to Trooper Alfred Milton Saunders (on furlough), only son of Mrs E.H. Lacy of Epsom, was solemnised recently at the Methodist Church, Claudelands. The Rev. J.W. Parker performed the ceremony. The bride, who was given away by her brother, Warrant Officer C.P. Holmes, was married in her uniform, and carried a white prayer book. Attending her in uniform was W.A. I.D. Garnett, who also carried a white prayer book. The best man was L.T. Holmes of the RNZAF. A reception was held later at the residence of the bride's sister, Mrs G. Stephenson, Claudelands.

May Millener recalls that Pearl left the WAAF to get married.

Service Details: Pearl was in the Woman's Auxiliary Air Force, but details of her service are not yet known.

Connection with Cambridge: Pearl grew up in Cambridge before the war

Thanks To: Former Cambridge WAAF May Millener for a few memories of Pearl

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