BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘LACE’
The Air Force Association (South Australia) recently joined with RAAF Edinburgh in celebrating the centenaries of three World War 2 Air Force veterans as part of an ongoing local program to recognise the service of our World War 2 veterans who turn 100.
On 17 May, we joined with friends and family of Milton Bradley, a Wireless Operator Air Gunner, who served in Britain as a flying instructor during World War 2, rising to the rank of Warrant Officer. While GPCAPT Greg Weller presented the Chief of Air Force Letter of Congratulations and Coin, two flying instructors from 292SQN, the contemporary equivalents of Milton, presented him with a 292SQN Cap.
On 8 June, we joined with family and friends of World War 2 WAAAF veteran June Hunter at the Combined Ex-Services Mess at Torrens Parade Ground, Adelaide. June served as a Motor Transport Driver at Lake Boga during the war. After being presented with a Chief of Air Force Letter of Congratulations and Coin by GPCAPT Greg Weller, she was joined by LACW Nicole Webb, a current serving RAAF Motor Transport Driver and ACW Molly Blanch from RAAF Edinburgh to cut her 100 Birthday Cake which featured an Air Force Badge.
On 18 June, we celebrated the 100th birthday of World War 2 WAAAF, Rae Harris, at the June Combined Ex-Services Mess Lunch. Rae was a WAAAF telegraphist in World War 2 serving at RAAF Gawler and Mt Gambier. GPCAPT Greg Weller once again presented a Chief of Air Force Letter of Congratulations and a Coin while Rae was congratulated by modern contemporary equivalent, ACW Molly Blanch.
On each occasion, GPCAPT Greg Weller, spoke of the incredible contribution made by our World War 2 veterans stressing that they were a remarkable generation that gave all they could for our nation for which Australia will be forever indebted to. He also noted the remarkable contribution of Airwomen like Rae Harris and June Hunter who became pioneers for future generations of Australians establishing a precedent working in so many non-traditional trades in World War 2. The WAAAF were employed in more than 70 different musterings / trades during the war – some in traditional female employment such as catering, clerical, medical and supply but many in non-traditional trades such as intelligence, maintenance, armaments, and meteorology.
The most wonderful aspect of the celebrations was seeing the incredible respect and appreciation shown by our contemporary RAAF personnel to the 100-year-old World War 2 veterans knowing what they each had done for our nation and contributed to the Air Force of today.
We hope to continue to work with the Air Force in recognising our Air Force veterans who reach the 100 year old milestone in the future and in this respect, thank RAAF Edinburgh for its fantastic support that is so much appreciated by not only us but also our Air Force veterans.
Images:
ACW Molly Blanch and LACW Nicole Webb help celebrate WAAAF World War 2 veteran June Hunter cut her 100th Birthday Cake which featured an Air Force Badge.
ACW Molly Blanch of RAAF Base Edinburgh with new centenarian and World War 2 WAAAF veteran Rae Harris and her Chief of Air Force Letter of Congratulations.
RAAF Veteran and centenarian Milton Bradley with his Chief of Air Force Coin and a 292SQN Cap presented by RAAF Edinburgh aviators at his 100th Birthday celebration at the AFA-SA Mitcham Branch Clubrooms
Main Image: ACW Molly Blanch with 100 year old World War 2 WAAAF veteran Rae Harris celebrating Rae’s 100th birthday.
