Osla Benning facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lady Henniker-Major
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Benning in March 1939
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| Born |
Margaret Osla Benning
23 August 1921 Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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| Died | 29 October 1974 (aged 53) Kensington, London, England
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| Nationality | Canadian |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 3 |
Margaret Osla Benning (born August 23, 1921 – died October 29, 1974) was a Canadian woman who played an important role during World War II. She worked at Bletchley Park, a top-secret code-breaking center. She was also known for being Prince Philip's first girlfriend. Later, she married John Henniker-Major, who became a Baron.
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Early Life and Education
Osla Benning was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on August 23, 1921. Her parents were Edith Black and James William Benning. She was also the goddaughter of Lord Louis Mountbatten, a famous British naval officer.
Before the war, Osla went to a special school in Austria called a finishing school. These schools taught young women social skills and manners. In August 1939, she made her official entry into society as a debutante.
World War II and Bletchley Park
When World War II began, Osla Benning and her friend Sarah Baring went to work in a factory. They helped build Hurricane fighter planes for the war effort. This factory was located near a town called Slough.
Working at Bletchley Park
By the summer of 1941, Osla and Sarah were asked to take a special test. They were tested on their German language skills. After passing, they were sent to Bletchley Park. This was a top-secret location where British codebreakers worked.
Osla and Sarah worked in a part of Bletchley Park called Hut 4. This section focused on naval intelligence. Their job was to use their language skills to help break secret enemy codes. This work was very important for the Allies during the war.
Connection to Prince Philip
Osla Benning was also known for her connection to Prince Philip. Prince Philip was the nephew of Osla's godfather, Lord Mountbatten. Sarah Baring, Osla's friend, helped them meet.
According to Sarah, it was clear that Prince Philip and Osla were a couple. Osla's daughter, Jane Spring, later said that Prince Philip was her mother's "first love." Osla often spoke of him as "a naval officer."
In Popular Culture
Osla Benning's story has even inspired books. In 2021, author Kate Quinn wrote a novel called The Rose Code. This book is about Bletchley Park, and one of its characters, Osla Kendall, is based on Osla Benning.
Personal Life and Family
In 1946, after the war, Osla Benning married John Henniker-Major. He later became the 8th Baron Henniker. A Baron is a title of nobility, similar to a lord.
Osla and John had three children together:
- Mark Ian Philip Chandos Henniker-Major, who was born on September 29, 1947. He later became the 9th Baron Henniker.
- Charles John Giles Henniker-Major, born on September 2, 1949. He passed away on May 9, 2012.
- Jane Elizabeth Henniker-Major, born on July 6, 1954.
Her husband, John Henniker-Major, was honored in 1965. He was given the title of Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG). He became the 8th Baron Henniker in 1980, after Osla's death.
Later Life and Death
Osla Benning passed away from cancer on October 29, 1974. She was 53 years old. She died in Kensington, a part of London, England.
