A World War II Women’s Australian Auxiliary Airforce (WAAAF) Centenarian is set to share the lead of the Cooroy Anzac Day March with Cooroy-Pomona RSL Sub Branch president Patricia Geelan.
Wilma (Billie) Ayles (nee Galloway) had her 100th birthday on the 21st of March this year and if all goes well, she will be able to attend.
Billie joined the WAAAF on the 26 June 1942 as an Aircraftwoman Wireless Operator and received and transmitted communications by morse code.
Based in Townsville and then Bowen, Billie received communications from the war zones in Port Moresby, Milne Bay, Horne Island and Rabaul, and then forwarded them to either Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne.
Whilst in Bowen, where the No.1 Flying Boat Maintenance Unit was based, Billie also received transmission from the Catalina, Martin Mariners, Seagull and other flying boat pilots, registering their flying patterns when on training flights and test flights.
Billie discharged from the WAAAF on the 17 April 1945 and became a wife, mother and a successful tomato and mango farmer in Bowen.
As part of the 1921-2021 Centenary of the RAAF celebration, Billie received a Certificate of recognition as a Centenarian Veteran in an official RAAF ceremony at the Kabarra Nursing Home.
The officiating Officer, Group Captain Iain Carty said, “It was an absolute honour and a privilege, on behalf of the Chief of Airforce and Warrant Officer of the Air Force, to be able to recognise and celebrate Billie’s WAAAF service and her contribution to the war efforts from 1942 to 1945.“
“The role Billie played in helping defend Australia’s north by recording and sending Morse Code was critical in keeping Allied Command informed and the Japanese forces at bay.”
It is with this same honour and privilege that the Cooroy-Pomona RSL Sub Branch embrace the opportunity for Billie to be able to lead the 2021 Anzac Day march in Cooroy.
The parade will assemble at the Cooroy Butter Factory at 10am and will step off at 10.30am passing the RSL Club where Air Commodore Ian Whisker AM (RETD) will take the salute.
Prior to the march, the Dawn Service will commence at the Cenotaph at 4.55am after which the $5 Gunfire Breakfast will be held at the RSL Club at 6am.
After the march festivities will continue in the RSL Club and from 2pm to 5pm Two-up will be available in the Cooroy Memorial Hall.
