PIONEERING RAILWAY ENGINEER
Born in Ashford in 1889 to Florence and Edmond Holmes who was an Inspector of Schools. In 1891 the family were living at Highworth House in Ashford with five servants.
During the First World War, Verena helped build aircraft propellers, took technical evening classes, and was apprenticed as a draughtsman. In 1919 she was a founding member of the Women in Engineering Society and completed an Engineering degree. In the 1920s she worked for the North British Locomotive Co. becoming the first female member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers and Society of Locomotion Engineers in 1944.
Her inventions include the Holmes-Wingfield pneumothorax apparatus for treating patients with tuberculosis, a surgeon’s headlamp, a poppet valve for steam locomotives and rotary valves for internal combustion engines. She advocated for employment opportunities for women in engineering.
Her birthday 23 June is International Women in Engineering Day, where the achievements of women in engineering are celebrated. Verena has a Class 375 Southeastern Railway train and a faculty building at Canterbury Christ Church University named in her honour.
Notes/links:
https://www.imeche.org/careers-education/women-in-engineering/verena-holmes
Verena’s great niece, Caroline Yardley, attended the train-naming event in 2023:
https://www.ashford.gov.uk/your-community/history-and-heritage/ashford-borough-virtual-plaque-scheme
Research and design by:
Danny Coope / Street of Blue Plaques
https://streetofblueplaques.co.uk/
