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Recognition for 105-year-old veteran Joan

Eleanor LawsonWest Midlands
News imageSutton Coldfield Heritage Network An old woman with white hair grins. She wears a red cardigan and pink floral scarf, while having a medal pinned to the cardigan. She sits at a round table next to other people.Sutton Coldfield Heritage Network
Joan Langley served in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force from 1940 to 1945

A 105-year-old veteran who served in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) in World War Two has been honoured with a special presentation from a deputy lieutenant of the West Midlands.

Joan Langley, from Sutton Coldfield, served from 1940-1945, mainly on barrage balloon defence, helping to protect Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.

Speaking after the presentation on Saturday, during a sold-out Remembrance Day concert at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, Langley said the recognition had been wonderful and surprising.

In May, she also had high tea with Birmingham's Lord Mayor at The Council House to celebrate her 105th birthday.

News imageSutton Coldfield Heritage Network A woman kneels down and hands a small hamper basket down to an elderly woman who is sat in a chair. People sit in rows of red chairs around her.Sutton Coldfield Heritage Network
Joan Langley said the recognition from the deputy lieutenant had been wonderful and surprising

Langley still has a fantastic memory, saying she can remember things from when she was four years old.

The 105-year-old spoke about her time in the WAAF, saying: "It was the best time of my life. It was wonderful companionship.

"I've told the cadets if they go in the forces and they take to it, they'll have friends for life.

"From the top to the bottom, everybody on my unit was smashing."

News imageJoan Langley/ Sutton Coldfield Heritage Network Head shot of Joan Langley in the 1940's in military uniform.Joan Langley/ Sutton Coldfield Heritage Network
Joan Langley, from Sutton Coldfield, served from 1940-1945

Langley and her husband missed D-Day due to her WAAF officer's insistence that her wedding go ahead, despite unknowingly being scheduled at the same time.

It meant she was puzzled about the extra men mysteriously arriving daily at RAF Wythall living in tents.

She was also evacuated on Winston Churchill's instructions the night before the Coventry Blitz as part of a team of balloon defence that he felt could not be lost to the German's raid.

News imageSutton Coldfield Heritage Network A row of men in military uniforms stand on a stage while holding flags.Sutton Coldfield Heritage Network
The 105-year-old was honoured at a sold-out Remembrance Day concert at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

After retiring from housekeeping work at 97 years old in 2018, she has since thrown herself into local veteran affairs such as encouraging veterans and war widows to avoid social isolation.

During the summer, she received a letter of thanks and recognition from Sir David Jason in his role as honorary vice-patron of the RAF Charitable Trust.

As a former military musician playing the trumpet and bugle, she has also recently received a special recording of 'Coming in on a wing and a prayer', her favourite wartime song, from RAF Music based in RAF Northolt.

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