Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Daughter of Walter J.S. SQUIRES, 18 Denman Avenue, Haberfield, New South Wales.

A veteran of the Second World War, Peggy Archibald (nèe Squires) is celebrating her 100th birthday in 2025.

Peggy was born in Haberfield, NSW, in 1925. Before enlisting, Peggy worked as a dressmaker.

In April 1944, Peggy joined the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF). After her basic training at Bradley Park, Sydney, she was allocated the role of Sick Quarter Attendant. Peggy was posted to No. 5 RAAF Hospital at Tocumwal, NSW. This airbase was one of the country’s largest and was used to train aircrews preparing for service in B-24 Liberator bombers. Patients at the hospital included men who were sick and those injured in accidents. Peggy says that on one occasion, she accompanied some patients to one of the hangars to hear the famous American entertainer Gracie Fields sing.

Peggy was discharged from the WAAAF in October 1945. Peggy says she enjoyed the long-term friendships she made and the opportunity to be able to serve. Peggy was also thankful for the nursing skills she learnt. Peggy wants current serving members to ‘be proud and thankful that you can serve for the wonderful country that we live in’.

After the war, Peggy again worked as a dressmaker. She married George Archibald, who had been a sergeant in the RAAF, and the couple raised 3 children together. George sadly died in 1998.

When Peggy was younger, she liked sewing, cooking and entertaining. She also enjoyed travelling and singing. Peggy is now an avid reader and an active member of her church. Peggy is also a keen supporter of the Sydney Swans. She recently attended the Sydney Swans football ground and was given a guard of honour. After getting a tour of the grounds and being interviewed, Peggy was presented with a signed jersey with ‘100’ on the back.

And the secret to Peggy’s longevity? She is a positive person who just gets on with it. Peggy says her motto is ‘never say no if you can say yes’.