Bessie Camm

BIOGRAPHY

Bessie Camm was born in Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham, England, on 20 June 1904. She attended a Quaker school before qualifying as a nurse in 1926, beginning her career as a ward sister and later serving as a theatre sister at Montagu Hospital in Mexborough. She later moved to North Yorkshire, where she became matron of Richmond Hospital, using her expertise to assist doctors across the region during the Second World War.

Shortly before the outbreak of the war, Bessie married her husband, John. During the conflict, she worked as a nurse at the Parkgate Iron and Steel Company, where she and a small nursing team were responsible for the health and welfare of 4,000 employees. After the war, she spent five years as an industrial nurse at Parkgate Forge, where her husband was employed as a metallurgist.

In retirement, Bessie settled in Wath with John, remaining there after his passing in 1972. Although the couple had no children, Bessie often said she had three “honorary” grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bessie Camm passed away in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, England, on 11 May 2018, at the age of 113 years, 325 days.

RECOGNITION

She became the oldest living person in the United Kingdom following the death of 113 year-old Gladys Hooper on 9 July 2016. Following her death, Olive Boar became the UK’s oldest living person.

Camm’s age was verified by Dr. Andrew Holmes and Melissa Page, and was validated by the the ESO on 15 January 2020.

ATTRIBUTION

* “112-year-old Bessie becomes UK’s oldest living person” – Rotherham Advertiser, 12 July 2016

* “Britain’s oldest person Bessie dies age 113 in Moorgate care home” – Rotherham Advertiser, 18 May 2018

GALLERY

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