Victor Harbor veteran marks Anzac Day ahead of 100th birthday

Bolton Clarke Ross Roberston resident and soon-to-be centenarian Betsy says her service in the Air Force during World War II reflected values she’d learned as a child growing up in the Riverland.

The soon-to-be centenarian grew up in the Riverland during a time where she says life was simple but demanding, requiring hard work, resilience and care for family from a young age.

“I grew up alongside my twin sister Mona and we would do everything together. We helped pick citrus fruits and grapes, earned a bit of money – it was honest, hands-on work,” Betsy said.

At 18, Betsy began her service with the Air Force in Melbourne during World War II, leaving her hometown of Renmark for the first time.

“I worked in the sheds counting, organising and preparing supplies that were sent to Darwin for Australian soldiers during the war.

“I was in the Air Force for two and a half years – I reflect on those times fondly as it gave me a sense of purpose and there was a lot of pride in serving for your country then.”

Afterwards Betsy cared for wounded soldiers and it was fate and this is what brought her and her late husband Alan together.

“I would make the rounds through the wards, checking on the soldiers, making sure they were okay and offering them comfort.

“There was one person that stood out, though I didn’t realise it at the time, we would have long conversations and he was looking after some of the soldiers as well.”

This is where their love story began and on 1 February 1945, Alan and Betsy tied the knot and would eventually start a family.

While family was at the heart of Betsy’s world, she continued her commitment to helping others, working to support veterans and many charities.

“In 1999, I actually volunteered here at Ross Robertson aged care because I thought that one day I wanted this to become my home.

“It’s nice to be surrounded by that familiarity and community I once was a part of when volunteering.”

As Betsy approaches her biggest birthday yet becoming a centenarian, she says she is grateful that she took courageous steps in her life and cherished her connections with others.