World War II nurse, Beatrice (Betty) Erica Wakely (Regiment No. 811713) and her son Dennis wearing his father's World War II medals, at this year’s Anzac Day civic service at the Dannevirke Cenotaph.
World War II nurse, Beatrice (Betty) Erica Wakely (Regiment No. 811713) and her son Dennis wearing his father's World War II medals, at this year’s Anzac Day civic service at the Dannevirke Cenotaph.
Beatrice (Betty) Erica Wakely, the last surviving female member of the RSA in Dannevirke who served overseas during WWII, has passed away in her 100th year.
Mrs Wakely was born and raised in Dannevirke, began her nursing career in 1939 at Waipukurau and went on to become a registered nurseand midwife.
Asked to serve as a nurse in the army Betty, 23, left Wellington Harbour aboard a hospital ship heading to the Middle East, where she served in Egypt, North Africa and Italy.
She served in the Middle East at No 5 New Zealand General Hospital (NZGH) in Helwan, south of Cairo.
The camp was originally a summer camp for wealthy British until it was commissioned as a field hospital.
On November 22, 1945, the couple married in Cairo, eventually moving back to Dannevirke and on to the Wakely family sheep and beef farm at Mangatoro, where they had six children.
Mrs Wakely was a familiar face at Dannevirke Anzac Day services, placing a wreath on the Cenotaph on behalf of the Prisoner of War Association, in memory of her husband Bill.
Her life will be celebrated at a service today at the Chapel of Tararua Funeral Services at 2pm.
