Joan Bernard

Joan Constance Churchill Bernard, FRSA (6 April 1918 – 1 August 2012) was Principal of Trevelyan College, University of Durham from its foundation in 1966 to 1978. During World War II, she was an officer of the Auxiliary Territorial Service and was instrumental in Britain's defence against V-1 and V-2 rockets. In later life, she was active in the Church of England.

Bernard was born on 6 April 1918, to Admiral Vivian Bernard and Eileen Mary Churchill. Her father was still married to his first wife when she was born, and only married Eileen Mary in 1926. She was educated at Ascham School, an independent girls school in Sydney, Australia. She studied Literae Humaniores at St Anne's College, Oxford. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in 1940, which was promoted to Master of Arts (MA (Oxon)) degree in 1943.

During World War II, Bernard served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service, specifically between 1940 and 1946. From 1940 to 1944, she was posted to Anti-Aircraft Command. On 30 May 1941, she was promoted to Second Subaltern (equivalent to second lieutenant), the first officer rank of the ATS. In the latter part of the war, between 1944 and 1945, she was based at Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force. She served in SO Air Defence Division. Between July and November 1945, she was posted to Special Projectile Operations Group. There, she was involved in tactical planning of the defence against the V1 and V2 rockets:Operation Backfire was her initiative. She was mentioned in despatches for her wartime service in 1945. By August 1945, she held the rank of Junior Commander (equivalent to captain).

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