Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Alice Ivy Capp was born in New South Wales in 1915, the daughter of Alfred and Ivy Capp (nee Chapman).

Her father was a Boer War veteran who subsequenty became a Policeman.   

Alice had six siblings and was working in Grafton when war was declared in 1939. Her father was serving as the local Police Sergeant. 

Alice was a Saleswoman in a large Grafton Showroom, when war was declared. She had been working for the same firm since 1933. Alice also had experience as the firm's switchboard operator. Her employer held her in esteem as an efficient long term employee. 

However, after the delaration of war, Alice wanted to do her bit for her King and Country. Like her dad had done years ago during the Boer War.

Alice preferred the RAAF as opposed to Army or RAN service. However, there was oppersition that had to be overcome before women could serve as Auxiliaries.

Hence it was not until March 1941 that the WAAAF was finally formed. However, Alice was not accepted until late October 1942.

That may have been because she was older than other eager teenage WAAAF recruits. However, it was her Telephone switchboard operator experience that was instrumental in her selection as an RAAF Telegraphist.  

Aircraftswoman Alice Capp passed her WAAAF recruit drill course. Then she was sent to No. 1 Engineering School, Ascot Vale for her RAAF Telegraphist course.

Later while serving in a RAAF Personel Holding unit, Alice applied for a compassionate discharge. It was April 1943. Hence the immediate threat of Imperial Japan invading Australia had passed by then.

Alice applied for a discharge in order to marry and have a family. For she had reached the age of 28 years, which was older than most new mothers.  

Alice was discharged on 19 April 1943. Five days later, on 24 April 1943, Alice married Clement Musgrove. He too was from Grafton. Her husband was two years her junior. However, their marriage was happy and fruitful.

Their marriage ended after 63 years with Alice's death, at 91 years in 2006. Alice predeceased Clem who died, at 93 years in 2010. They were survived by their children, grandchildren and great grand children.

NAA RAAF Service File cited and MyHeritage Family Records.