I enjoyed my time in the WAAF
and I'm proud that I did my bit.
That's how I looked at it.
I did my bit and I did
help to save civilization
in Europe and in the world, in fact.
And I do value our democracy
We are so privileged in this country
Sometimes we say we're not
We have to be careful,
But we are still
And doing my bit during the war
what there is to be proud of.
We are so privileged in this country to have such freedom.
Born in October 1925, Olga joined the Women’s Junior Air corps and then the WAAF, serving as a wireless mechanic during WW2. Her amazing stories detail everything from training, duty and dancing.
| Role Wireless Mechanic |
He told all his friends it was my birthday and from that minute on I had a lovely time, I can tell you!
Olga Hopkins
Towards the end, with American influence, there was a bit of jitterbugging going on.
Olga Hopkins
We are so privileged in this country to have such freedom.
Olga Hopkins
You realised that people were fighting for you, and I think I wanted to be part of that.
Olga HopkinsThey had Swordfish Byplanes from WWI, I thought my goodness, I didn't realise we were that desperate!
Olga Hopkins
It was an adventure I very much enjoyed.
Olga Hopkins
Working with a Spitfire, oh what a thrill that was!
Olga HopkinsMy father said "About bloody time" and my mother burst into tears.
Olga HopkinsIt was always a joke with these passion killers, as we used to call them.
Olga HopkinsThat's one thing I'm very grateful to the RAF is that they completed my education because we learned physics and radio.
Olga Hopkins
On a whim, really, I went into Cardiff and joined up in the WAAF because I wanted to serve.
Olga HopkinsWe thought so much of Mr Churchill, we looked upon as the person with the right leadership mentality.
Olga Hopkins
I remember that day, we cheered. And then we heard about the cost and the casualties.
Olga Hopkins