A WOMEN’S Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) veteran celebrated her 100th birthday with a visit to Royal Air Force Valley with her family.

Betty Roberts, who was called up to the WAAF at age 18 in 1943, turned 100 on May 24.

She served in the Royal Air Force as a teleprinter operator until 1946, and was based at RAF Blackbrook, Lancashire (a signal centre for the north).

She was married to Joe, who died in 1994, and who was a high-speed telegraphist stationed in the Middle East (where 4 Flying Training School has its roots) and in Italy.

Joe was from Bangor and tried to join up when he was 17 years of age.

READ MORE:

Anglesey establishment up for prize at British Restaurant Awards 2024

SPAR and Post Office celebrates re-opening in Dolgellau

He was held at RAF Valley until his 18th birthday, when he commenced his training.

During her 100th birthday visit, Betty met with fast-jet aircrew on the training squadrons, and also spent some time with 202 Squadron learning about winching personnel from the Jupiter helicopters as part of rescue operations.

She visited the Station Heritage Centre and the newly opened Military Veterans’ Hub.

She also spent some time in the aircrew kitting room, learning about how pilots are equipped to fly in the Hawk T2.