Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Myrtle Alicia Wollaston was born in Port Lincoln South Australia on the 28th of May 1924 and joined the Royal Australian Air Force (R.A.A.F) on the 22nd of February 1943. After initial training in Victor Harbour, South Australia; Aircraftwoman Wollaston Official Number 107586 was posted to Port Pirie spending 15 months with No. 2 Bombing and Gunnery School and then No 3. Aerial Observer School. Below she reflects on her time in Port Pirie writing a letter to the editor.
"Thank You Pirie" W.A.A.A.F. Member Is Grateful
SIR—I once was stationed at Pirie for 15 months with the R.A.A.F, It is about 10 months since I left there. I felt on behalf of myself and my pals that I should like your townspeople to know just what our impression was of Pirie.

We certainly did not enjoy the inevitable sulphur, but what stands out in our memory since our departure is the wonderful hospitality we received there. We often wish that we were back with you again. We have been in numerous dance halls, but we have never yet been to a dance that would equal those in Pirie.

While we realise that we will never be privileged to be posted there again, we are looking forward to the day when we can pay your town another visit. In the course of duty I have encountered numerous members of the services who were once stationed at or have passed through your town, and their first words are usually "Remember the good old Pirie days?" Believe me, we shall.

On behalf of my pals and myself I desire to thank all those folk who helped to make our stay in Pirie a memorable one, and we know that the hospitality we received is now being accorded to our mates.

I am, Aircraftwoman M. Wollaston. W.A.A.A.F

Myrtle discharged from the service on the 3rd December 1945 as an Equipment Assistant. She married Ken Knowling and they raised 5 children. Myrtle Knowling (nee Wollaston) passed away in Adelaide on the 30th August 2016 aged 92 years.