On Friday 27th October 2023, 63 members of the Association of RAF Women Officers (ARAFWO) hosted 11 veterans from WW2. Seated, with their companions, for afternoon tea, the veterans regaled ARAFWO members with fascinating and humbling accounts of their wartime service. The ladies, all aged between 92 and 102, were truly remarkable in every respect.

Their guests were introduced and welcomed by ARAFWO Chairman, Club Member and former Trustee, Air Cdre Wendy Rothery. Representing all three services and SOE, the veterans were involved in a broad range of roles including training, nursing, plotting at Bomber Command HQ, catering, and administration. Two veterans were deployed in the centre of conflict; one on board ship transmitting messages to and from the beaches on D Day. Another serving with SOE in Italy acting as a look out in support of airfield reconnaissance.

Every recounter has an inspirational story to tell. But, equally inspirational is the very essence of the women themselves. All were bright, engaging and engaged as they were interested in the RAF today. To a woman, everyone was delighted, that their valuable service helped, not only our war effort; but, to propel women to their success in fully integrated service of today.

The Taxi Charity kindly provided transport for the veterans and their companions to The RAF Club.

The Association of RAF Women Officers (ARAFWO) was formed in 1955 to provide a medium through which serving and former-serving women officers could maintain contact with the Royal Air Force and with each other. The Association is a lively, friendly world-wide networking group. Membership is exclusive to all serving and former-serving women officers of the RAF, RAuxAF, RAFVR(T), WRAF, PMRAFNS, WAAF, WRAuxAF and WRAFVR who hold a Queens’ or King’s Commission.

Visit their website arafwo.co.uk and discover the benefits of ARAFWO membership, plus see what activities and events they offer all over the world, including the Annual Reunion Lunch at the RAF Club in October.

You can join the Association by contacting Membership Secretary Jane Chappell by email: janetwojane@gmail.com or download the membership Application Form from our website arafwo.co.uk.