Two World War II veterans recently celebrated their 100th birthdays by taking to the skies in a Spitfire. Queenie Hall, also known as Robbie, who has already reached this milestone, and Dorothea Barron, 99 and with a birthday next month, each enjoyed a flight in an aircraft flown from the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar in Westerham, Kent. The experience was organised by the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans. Dick Goodwin, the charity’s vice president, said the two women had enjoyed the trip and even experienced a couple of rolls. When they landed, they gave the impression they were used to it.
Ms Barron, a former member of the Women’s Royal Naval Service, said she had been enchanted with the “beautiful little aircraft” and that she had “absolutely fallen in love with it”. Ms Hall was a plotter with the Women’s Royal Air Force, based at High Wycombe with Bomber Command. She said flying in a Spitfire had been “absolutely wonderful” and “glorious”. She even experienced flying upside down. Both women are regulars on trips arranged by the Taxi Charity, whichworks to maintain connections between veterans from various conflicts and provides support and entertainment.
The charity, set up in 1948 by London taxi drivers, has arranged thousands of free trips for veterans to museums, concerts and social events across the UK. Last weekend, Ms Hall travelled to the Netherlands with the charity for the Wandeltocht commemorative march in memory of the Battle of Arnhem. The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans is run entirely by volunteers and is funded through donations.
Ms Barron’s flight was a gift from Taxi Charity ambassador Johnny Gallagher for her birthday and the charity paid for Robbie’s flight. At the time of the flights, Robbie was already 100, whilst Dorothea was 99 with a birthday next month
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