This is Betty Daniell (nee Peppercorn) and today she is turning 100.
Betty was born in Blackheath, NSW, and is a Second World War veteran. She was brought up by her mother after her father passed away when she was just six years old.
In October 1942, Betty was a 19-year-old showroom assistant when she joined the Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS). Betty already held a drivers licence, so quickly went on to become a motorised transport driver in the Army. She saw service in NSW, Victoria and Queensland, before being posted to the Royal Military College at Duntroon, Canberra, in May 1944. Betty enjoyed the activity, structure and company while serving and has fond memories of that time. She said she particularly enjoyed servicing the vehicles and recalls driving an important Asian dignitary around Canberra and being impressed with his traditional pony tail.
Betty discharged from the AWAS in March 1946. She then studied at a Melbourne Design College and worked as an airline hostess with Trans Australia Airlines (TAA). She married David George Daniell MBE in 1951. David served in the Australian Army during the war as an air liaison officer. He was appointed an honorary major in December 1945, and for his excellent co-operation with the Royal Australian Air Force in Bougainville, was also awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in February 1946. The couple went on to have two children.
After she married, Betty owned and operated an interior decorating business in Tamworth, NSW. She also trained with the June Dally-Watkins modelling agency and working as a model in the matron category. Betty and David operated an agricultural spare parts business from home during their retirement. David sadly passed away in 1986.
Betty used to enjoy gardening, swimming, tennis, bowls and golf. She also loved travelling and looking after her pets.
Betty credits her longevity to her healthy, although austere, childhood during the Depression years, her love of outdoor physical activity and her self-discipline.
#veterans #mattkeogh
