LAC Anne-Marie Allen, now 99, has returned to RAF Northolt to be presented with a long overdue service medal
Personnel at RAF Northolt were delighted to welcome veteran Leading Aircraftwoman Anne-Marie Allen back to the station she had served at during World War Two, formally presenting her World War Two Medal.
LAC Allen completed her basic training at RAF Innsworth and Cranwell and was then posted to Northolt. She served as a radio operator and plotter – a role she has never forgotten. She greatly admired the revered, legless fighter pilot Douglas Bader who she can vividly remember meeting.
The medal was presented to LAC Allen by Northolt’s Station Commander Gp Capt Toria McPhaden inside the base’s VIP lounge. Anne-Marie was clearly delighted to receive the accolade and said she intended to wear the medal as often as possible. “I feel like I just want to join up again,” she said. “I remember all the old buildings. It's so lovely to see all these young men and women today; I feel so special.”
Gp Capt McPhaden said: “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.”
