Wartime memories recalled at funeral of former WAAF driver

Teddy Dixon, who helped liberate Dachau concentration camp, died of Covid-19 last November aged 100, less than a week after the death (not related to coronavirus) of his 97-year-old friend Bill Eames, one of the last surviving RAF pilots who took part in D-Day.

And another local WWII veteran who more than occasionally shared wartime memories here very sadly passed away at the weekend.

A valued member of Maguiresbridge Presbyterian Church, Rita Hamilton, former Leading Aircraftwoman and WAAF driver (Women’s Royal Auxiliary Air Force) died of Covid-19 last Friday aged 96.

On a number of occasions Rita and her dear friend and comrade WAAF-driver Frankie Hornby shared their memories and photographs here.

Rita was buried on Sunday and amongst the many messages of condolence read at her funeral, a tribute from the RAF recalled some of the stories that she’d shared on Roamer’s page.

This is just part of that message, from Wing Commander Jacqueline Rankin on behalf of Air Marshal Sean Reynolds CB CBE DFC ADC, Air Officer Northern Ireland.

“Rita was very humble about her role as a personal driver for the GOC during WWII.…and she played other key roles, from driving a three-ton truck during WAAF training in England at the age of 18 to delivering depth charges to the seaplanes at RAF Castle Archdale that were tasked to undertake key operations over the Atlantic…She also drove air crews to the slipways for their sorties over the Atlantic. ‘Some didn’t come back, sadly,’ she recounted ‘but that was part of the war.’”

First Minister Arlene Foster said at the weekend “I have known Rita for many years and she was always a humble, joyful person. I was greatly saddened to hear that she had passed away. The last time I saw her was at the VJ-Day commemorations at Portora in August 2020.

“She was of a generation who served without complaint, nor did she seek acknowledgment for her service, but I am very glad to have known her and I pay tribute to her as she passes from this life to the next. With deepest sympathy and proud remembrance.”

In his tribute to Rita, Viscount Brookeborough KG, said: “We give our sympathies and condolences to the family and we also feel privileged to have known yet another Fermanagh person who served to preserve our freedom during the Second World War. We salute her for her service and friendship.”

At Rita’s funeral, Ray Hall, Chairman of the Royal Air Force Association (Fermanagh Branch) read the Royal Air Force Association Ode and paid tribute by laying an RAF poppy wreath.

Part of the Ode states: “We are pledged to keep alive the memory of those, of all nations, who died or served in the RAF.”

Councillor Diana Armstrong, chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, sent a message of sympathy to the family of an “agile and active lady, interested, full of fun and joy but Covid robbed her of her life and this is so very cruel.

“During the Second World War, she displayed great spirit and fortitude in taking on her role as a driver, displaying independence and grit. She was a formidable lady who gave great service to her country, who remained resolute and positive, with a love and a value of life and freedom.”

As a young girl, Rita attended Maguiresbridge Primary School.

Honor Irvine, the school’s principal today, sent a tribute to her family saying “she was a remarkable lady with wonderful stories to tell.”

Liz Brown, NI Veteran’s Support Officer, remembered the various wartime anniversaries and commemorations that Rita attended.

“I particularly remember her joy at re-living her WAAF driving days,” said Liz.

It was while she was stationed at Castle Archdale in County Fermanagh during WWII that Rita drove American aircrews to their awaiting seaplanes, for their dangerous sorties over the Atlantic.

“Some didn’t come back, sadly,” she recounted “but that was part of the war.”

Today’s page ends, very fittingly, with just part of a wonderful tribute to Rita, from the other side of the Atlantic.

Bryan Wockley, Political Officer and Acting Consul General in the United States Consulate General in Belfast wrote: “On behalf of the United States Government, the United States Mission in the United Kingdom, and the U.S. Consulate General in Belfast, I would like to express our sincere condolences on the passing of Rita Hamilton.

“I would also like to express our most sincere gratitude for her contribution to theAllied victory during the Second World War….Like so many others at home and abroad, Rita gave herself to the cause, and made a mighty contribution to the glorious preservation of freedom.

“In doing so, Rita joined a very special and highly revered community here in Northern Ireland. Sadly, this community has lost several beloved members in the last year - Teddy Dixon, Bill Eames, and now Rita Hamilton.

“We’ll be forever indebted to them for their sacrifices made during the war, and the service and commitment to their communities for the many decades after.

“Thank you, Rita, God bless, and may you rest in everlasting peace.”