Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) Veteran, Betty Roberts, from Coed Mawr in Bangor, has celebrated her 100th birthday with a visit to Royal Air Force Valley with her family.
During her visit she met with fast-jet aircrew on the training squadrons, and also spent some time with 202 Squadron learning about winching personnel from the Jupiter helicopters as part of rescue operations.
She visited the Station Heritage Centre and the newly opened Military Veterans’ Hub. She also spent some time in the aircrew kitting room learning about how pilots are equipped to fly in the Hawk T2.
Betty was a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force when she was called up in 1943 at 18 years of age. She served in the RAF as a Teleprinter Operator until 1946, and was based at RAF Blackbrook, Lancashire, (a signal centre for the north).
She was married to Joe (who sadly died in 1994), who was a high-speed telegraphist and was stationed in the Middle East (where 4 Flying Training School has its roots), and in Italy. Joe was a local man from Bangor and tried to join up when he was 17 years age. He was held at RAF Valley until his 18th birthday, when he commenced his training.
Betty celebrated her 100th birthday on 24th May this year.
