RAF Northolt were delighted to welcome 98-year-old veteran Leading Aircraftwoman Anne-Marie Allen back to the station today, to be formally presented with her WWII Medal.
Leading Aircraftwoman Allen completed her basic training at RAF Innsworth and Cranwell and was then posted to RAF Northolt. She held the role of plotter and radio operator and remembers vividly meeting Douglas Bader, who she really admired.
RAF Northolt’s Station Commander Group Captain Mcphaden presented the medal in the VIP lounge much to Leading Aircraftwoman Allen’s delight. She was overcome with emotion at one point demonstrating a real pleasure at once again returning to her WWII billet.
I feel like I just want to join up again, I remember all the old buildings. It's so lovely to see all these young men and women today, I feel so special.
Leading Aircraftwoman Anne-Marie Allen
As the World War Two medal was presented, Anne-Marie was flanked by some of the young men and women of the movements section who provided a guard of honour to the VIP lounge. Amongst them was Air Specialist 2 Heald who was presented with her Air Specialist 1 rank tabs on promotion today. Leading Aircraftwoman Allen was delighted to be asked to present these rank tabs….at one point LAC to LAC was divided by 70 years.
We are delighted to present Anne-Marie’s medal today and even more so as RAF Northolt was the last unit that Anne-Marie served on. Due to the vast number of people across the world who contributed to maintaining our freedom during the Second World War, it was inevitable that some people would not receive due recognition. We have already seen many worthy individuals come forward and would encourage any others that feel that they have been overlooked to come forward as soon as possible, bearing in mind that these individuals will be nearly 100 yrs old today, in fact, Anne-Marie will be 99 this Friday.
Group Captain Mcphaden
RAF Northolt Station Commander
Leading Aircraftwoman Allen was interviewed by the National Press and was then taken to the Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess for a well-earned lunch of bangers and mash. She was welcomed into the Mess by the Station Warrant Officer, Warrant Officer Harris and Sergeant Sinclair the Catering Manager. After lunch, the Mess presented Leading Aircraftwoman Allen with a 99th Birthday cake baked by Corporal Woods.
The visit concluded at the Sir Keith Park Sector Operations Room where Leading Aircraftwoman Allen picked up the Bakelite phones as though it were yesterday!
