AITCHISON, Gloria Dawn
| Service Number: | 114400 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 29 May 1944 |
| Last Rank: | Aircraftwoman |
| Last Unit: | Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force |
| Born: | Port Pirie, South Australia, 29 May 1926 |
| Home Town: | Port Pirie, Port Pirie City and Dists, South Australia |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | House Duties |
| Memorials: |
World War 2 Service
| 29 May 1944: | Involvement Royal Australian Air Force, Aircraftwoman, 114400, Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force | |
|---|---|---|
| 29 May 1944: | Enlisted Adelaide | |
| 29 May 1944: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Aircraftwoman, 114400 | |
| 23 Jan 1946: | Discharged |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Gary Fradd
Gloria Dawn Aitchison of 31 Fourth Street, Port Pirie was born on the 29th May 1926 to Rowland Carr Aitchison and Alice May (nee Tully).
She desired to enlist as a Trainee Technical, Telegraphist or Transport Driver when she joined the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF) on her 18th birthday in 1944.
Her record stated that she was neat and clean with an intelligent manner who should make an efficient servicewoman. Her aptitude test showed her suitable for a technical role. Her Official Number was 114400.
Before students could embark on the technical training they were keen to get stuck into, they were forced to endure a period of standard initial training, where they would be introduced to life in the forces. This would consist of drill, physical training, firearms training and a host of other disciplines. Gloria attended Initial Training School in Victor Harbour, South Australia and was then posted to No 1 School of Technical Training in Ascot Vale, Victoria and studied as a fitter and flight rigger and was classified Aircraftwoman (ACW). Flight Riggers were charged with looking after airframe and related components, including the important task of fuelling the aircraft.
During World War 2, Gloria spent time in her home town being posted to No3. Aerial Observer School in Port Pirie, South Australia. Straight after the war ended, Gloria engaged to marry Flight Sergeant Brian Crane and left the WAAAF proud of her achievement looking forward to resettlement in post-war Australia. She discharged on the 21st January 1946 and attended a big welcome home function for all women who served in the various auxiliaries arranged by the Citizens Soldiers Reception Committee and the Country Women’s Association in Port Pirie. She married and settled in Rose Park, South Australia.
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