Great Aunt Ada's Medal

Great Aunt Ada's MedalWhen Ada Whiting's mother died, she was brought up by her grandparents who were officers in Portsmouth Workhouse. She joined the Church Army, but longed to work as a missionary abroad. After marrying Frederick Esselbach and acquiring German nationality she managed a Sailor's Rest in Antwerp. Full of missionary zeal she overcame all obstacles. When the Germans invaded in 1914 she visited the British Prisoners of War and eventually risked her life by

When Ada Whiting's mother died, she was brought up by her grandparents who were officers in Portsmouth Workhouse. She joined the Church Army, but longed to work as a missionary abroad. After marrying Frederick Esselbach and acquiring German nationality she managed a Sailor's Rest in Antwerp. Full of missionary zeal she overcame all obstacles.

When the Germans invaded in 1914 she visited the British Prisoners of War and eventually risked her life by helping them to escape. After the war she was awarded a medal the only British medal given to a German subject.

The author tells of how he pieces together her story from many fragments of information. Ada's piety is no longer fashionable, but the story of her determination remains as an example of what one woman could achieve.