Support for ex personnel

As the RAF marks its centenary on April 1, I had to write and tell you about my mother Rose Davies, who herself celebrated a centenary in 2016.

Now older than the service she loyally served during the Second World War, my mother is a true inspiration in my eyes.

She joined the WAAF in 1941 after my father, then her fiancé, had been posted to the Middle East for four years.

It was her reckoning; if she contributed to the war effort she may just get her love home sooner. So she became a radar operator and served on the Isle of Wight during the D-Day landings in 1944.

Typically, my mother doesn’t think her story is worth telling, but she’s underplaying what a vital role she had.

A role for which she was honoured, receiving the French Legion d’Honneur and being guest of honour at a USAF/RAF banquet in Washington, America in 2014.

She helped to guide the hundreds of ships which took part in the landings, across the Channel safely in very challenging conditions, all the while hoping those brave men would return.

This Mother’s Day I reflect on all she did for her country alongside all she did for us as a family.

Now she is part of the RAF Family, a family which looks after its own. This is borne out by the incredible support she receives from the RAF Benevolent Fund.

They give us the peace of mind to know mum has all she needs in her retirement to live comfortably and with dignity.

Should her needs grow, I know they will continue to be there for us as a family.

If your mum or dad served or you know someone that did and they need a little support, I encourage you to reach out to the RAF Benevolent Fund, which has stood side by side with the RAF for the last 100 years. visit www.rafbf.org to find out more. Jonathan Davies, Proud RAF son