Bell, Margaret Brenda (1891–1979)

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Bell, Margaret Brenda (1891–1979)

New Zealand radio pioneer. Born Oct 18, 1891, in Otago, New Zealand; died Aug 10, 1979, in Dunedin; dau. of Alfred Dillon Bell and Gertrude Eliza (Robinson) Bell; sister of Francis Wirgman Dillon Bell.

Shared father's and brother's early interest in wireless communication; worked as military hospital cook in England during World Wars I and II; assumed duties of wireless station and became New Zealand's 1st woman amateur radio operator (1920s); became 1st New Zealander to contact South Africa (1927); broadcast talk show on Dunedin radio station 4YA (late 1940s). Received Queen's Service Medal (1979).

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