World War Two veteran of Llechryd celebrates 103rd birthday

Pauline Penrose of Llechryd has been professionally cared for at home in the last two years, after suffering an unfortunate fall and breaking her hip.

Rod, Pauline's son, expressed how ‘exceedingly proud’ he was of his mother who has lived to such a remarkable age and everything she has achieved.

Pauline worked as a plotter for the RAF during World War Two. (Image: Pauline Penrose) Pauline has lived in Wales for over 35 years after an incredible career in the RAF when she worked as a plotter at a Spitfire fighter station, tracking the movement of enemy aircraft in an ops room.

Born in North London, Pauline was employed by Standard Telephones and Cables as a tracer before training to become a draughtsman.

After getting engaged, Pauline’s future husband John was posted abroad in February 1942 and the pair did not officially tie the knot until he returned after the war was over.

On May 2, 1942, Pauline joined the RAF and reported to Innsworth in Gloucester where she was appointed as a clerk with special duties.

Then she undertook weeks of training prior to working as a plotter with 11 group – a Spitfire fighter station located in Hornchurch.

As a qualified draftsman, she also painted the squadron identification numbers on boards displayed around the ops room.

For the remainder of the war, she was transferred to North Weald.

By 21 years old, Pauline was a corporal, but she spent her birthday doing all the washing up for the watch.

In the run-up to D-Day Pauline was asked to prepare a map of the French coast.

Pauline got married to her husband, yet four days later John was sent back to Italy.

When he came back, they were finally able to start their new life together.