Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Daughter of Rubean J CORSIE, 101A Rusden Street, Armidale, New South Wales.

Betty Birchall (nee Corsie) is a veteran of the Second World War.  She was born in Inverell, NSW, and grew up in Armidale.

Before her war service, Betty worked as a retail cashier. When she was old enough, Betty enlisted in the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF) in January 1945. Her two older sisters, Thelma and Veletta, also served in the WAAAF. Betty served as a fabric worker’s assistant at No. 5 Aircraft Depot (AD) at Forrest Hills, Wagga Wagga. No. 5 AD serviced and stored a large number of different aircraft, including bombers, fighters, and trainers.

Betty was discharged from the WAAAF in March 1946. She has some advice for younger service personnel, ‘I was taught how to help others less fortunate and I would encourage others to do the same’. Betty says the best thing about her service was meeting her husband John Wilson Birchall who was a fitter (mechanic) in the Royal Australian Air Force and was serving at No. 5 AD at the same time as Betty.

After returning to civilian life, serving members had the opportunity to retrain in a profession of their choice. Betty chose podiatry and worked tirelessly for 68 years as a registered podiatrist, only to retire at the age of 96. Betty was given lifetime membership to the Australian Podiatry Association for her services.

Betty married John after the war and they moved to Blakehurst to set up their family home where they raised their three children. Sadly, John died in 2014 and their son has also passed away.

In her spare time, Betty played lawn bowls after helping establish the Air Force Memorial Bowling Club at Rockdale. She was treasurer for 21 years and, when the club eventually folded, Betty joined the Ramsgate RSL Ladies Club. She was given lifetime membership to the NSW Women’s Bowling Association for her dedication to bowling. Now, Betty likes watching quiz shows, tennis and football on TV. She also enjoys socialising at the local club.

Betty credits her longevity to working hard, keeping active and helping others. Her motto is ‘get up and get on with it’. Betty continues to have good health and enjoys socialising. She says ‘life has been good’.