How old was Lena Derricott when she enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps? Details about The Six Triple Eight Subject, explored

By Ankit Raj

Modified Dec 23, 2024 19:14 GMT

The film is directed by Tyler Perry (Image via Netflix)

Lena Derricott was part of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-black all-women battalion of the US Women's Army Corps, whose story is highlighted in Tyler Perry's latest Netflix venture The Six Triple Eight. It is inspired by Kevin M. Hymel's 2019 article, Fighting a Two-Front War, published in WWII History magazine.

The film tells how the women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, took on an impossible mission for their country. Lena Derricott Bell King was also a member of the battalion who enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps at the age of 20.

The film stars Kerry Washington, Ebony Obsidian, Milauna Jackson, Kylie Jefferson, Gregg Sulkin, Susan Sarandon, Dean Norris, Sam Waterston, Shanice Shantay, Sarah Jeffery, Pepi Sonuga, Moriah Brown, and Oprah Winfrey in prominent roles. It was released in selected cinemas across the United States on December 6, 2024. It will make its streaming debut on December 20, 2024.

Lena Derricott's age when she enlisted was 20

Lena Derricott was born in Washington, Georgia, on January 27, 1923. Her mother was a caterer and a vegetable farmer. In the midst of the Second World War, she enlisted for the Women’s Army Corps of the U.S. Army Air Force in 1943. Lena Derricott's age at the time was merely 20 years.

She completed her training at Fort Des Moines, Iowa, and initially served as a nurse. Later, she was a fuel officer at Douglas Army Airfield in Arizona. Two years later, she volunteered to join the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion and was deployed in the United Kingdom. The motto of this battalion was "No Mail, Low Morale," which signifies that when soldiers don't hear from their loved ones, they lose motivation to fight.

About The Six Triple Eight

The film tells the inspiring story of brave black women who served in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, along with Lena Derricott, during World War II. Overcoming their personal and social struggles, including racism and sexism, at home and abroad. They played a prominent role during the war by clearing the massive backlog of undelivered mail, boosting the morale of troops fighting in Europe.

The Six Triple Eight will be streaming on Netflix exclusively. Here's how the streaming platform describes the plot:

"During World War II, the only US Women's Army Corps unit of color stationed overseas takes on an impossible mission in Tyler Perry's drama based on a true story."

Who plays Lena Derricot in The Six Triple Eight?

Lena Derricott Bell King is played by Ebony Obsidian in the film. The actress is known for projects such as Sistas, Tough Love, Hunters, and If Beale Street Could Talk, among several others.

Below is the complete list of cast members and the roles they are playing: