Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Daughter of Mervyn Joseph PAYNE, Melbourne Street, Parkes, New South Wales.

Born in Parkes, NSW, Betty enlisted in the Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS) in August 1943, after working in retail.

Betty’s initial training was with the 2nd AWAS Training Battalion at Ingleburn. She was then posted to Headquarters, Newcastle Fortress and sent to Raymond Terrace for training on the Range Finder Depression Telescope, as a range and bearing finder. After this, Betty became a member of the coastal defences, manning long-range artillery on the cliffs at Fort Wallace in Stockton and Fort Scratchley in Newcastle. In October 1944, she was posted as a staff member of 28 AWAS Barracks at Burwood, Sydney.

Betty was discharged from the AWAS in December 1945. She returned to Parkes and worked as a machinist in a glove factory. In 1948, she married Chris Job who had served in the Australian Army during the war. The couple worked their farm and raised two sons. They now have 4 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Chris sadly died in 1987.

When Betty was younger, she played tennis and bowls and enjoyed sewing and knitting. She also did voluntary work for the local community, receiving a life membership from the Parkes RSL Auxiliary. Betty also served on the district hospital board for 19 years. Now, Betty likes to keep in touch with family members online.

Betty says the secret to her longevity is her determination and being involved in what’s happening around her.