Stowmarket: Second World War veteran celebrates 100 birthday

Queenie Hall, known affectionately as Robbie, turned 100 on February 16. She celebrated in style with a party at Stowmarket Golf Club, surrounded by friends and family, including her nephew Mike Robinson, and his wife, Jill. 

“Celebrations have been going on for a week, and they still haven’t stopped,” said Mrs Hall. 

“It started on February 10 when I went up to London, and my feet haven’t touched the ground since.” 

Mrs Hall is one of nine siblings, and was born in Stowupland. Credit: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Mrs Hall is a former member of the Women’s Auxiliary Airforce (WAAF), and attended the 75th anniversary of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans. 

Mrs Hall joined the WAAF on December 13, 1940, aged just 17. She worked as a clerk for the WAAF – but cannot go into the specifics of her duties, as she was required to sign the Official Secrets Act. 

For this service, she was awarded two medals when the war finished; the Defence Medal, and the European Medal, which were awarded to every citizen who served in some capacity during the war. 

Mrs Hall has been abroad twice with fellow veterans in the past 12 months. 

Mrs Hall was delighted with her telegram of congratulations from King Charles III. Credit: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

In September, she and fellow veterans visited the trenches of the First World War in France and Belgium, marvelling at the trenches large enough to fit horses. 

In May, she visited the Netherlands to mark the anniversary of the Dutch being liberated from Nazi occupation Liberation Day, Thursday, May 5. 

“It was quite emotional. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world,” said Mrs Hall. 

“We toured the town, and the streets were lined with people behind barriers, all clapping, and shouting out, ‘Thank you! Thank you for our freedom!’ 

“One little girl brought me a paper tulip and on the back she had written, ‘Thank you.’”