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Women at War-it is a topic that I've taken an interest in recently, especially the women of World War I & II. One that has come to my attention through a reader, how lucky- is Lady Jersey, Countess of Richmond.
Some silent movie buffs- may know this stunning blonde as Chaplin's romantic interest- a blind flower seller-in City Lights. Born Dollie Virginia Cherrill, Chaplin discovered her, launching her film career. Cherrill's character imagines Chaplin's Little Tramp to be a wealthy Duke.
From there- a proposal from the Maharaja of Jaipur.
Settling down, Virginia was briefly married to actor Cary Grant before finding -not a Duke-but an Earl.
Upon her marriage to George Francis Child-Villiers, 9th Earl of the Island of Jersey, she succeeded to the title-Countess of the Island of Jersey.
Lady Jersey embraced her adopted country with great style. No more so than her dedication to the war effort. She became known as "Mother" to a squadron of Polish airmen during World War II. Squadron 315 doted on Lady Jersey & she-them. They dedicated a Spitfire to her & a good luck token of her stockings was on board during the squadron's flights. Her wartime home Old Palace was set up as a weekend haven for her pilots.
The dashing Lady met a dashing Polish pilot, Florian Martini-and after the war- left her title behind
flew off into the wild blue yonder, headed for the States, settled in California & lived happily ever after-
just like in the movies.
most of the images of Lady Jersey were graciously provided by a kind reader.
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