RSL Welfare Officer Peter Smith has visited 99-year old Connie Greaves to present her with a plaque celebrating her 60 years of membership of the Mount Isa RSL. The RSL has gone through a few name changes since she first joined in 1958 and is now part of the Buffs Club. Connie is in excellent health except for failing eyesight.
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Connie was a member of the Women's Royal Air Force and her job was to change and service the spark plugs on Rolls Royce Merlin engines on Spitfires, Hurricanes and Defiants during the Battle of Britain. She remembers her and others hiding under their beds during the German bombing raids in 1940. Connie also said she wasn't fussy about the Polish pilots as they didn't like the idea of women servicing their planes.
Connie was also a long time member of the CWA, was a political activist and stood up relentlessly for Aboriginal rights including additional housing in Camooweal and Dajarra.
“We hope Connie remains a member of the Mount Isa RSL Sub-Branch for a few years yet,” the club said.
Connie also worked as a journalist for the Mount Isa Mail – the forerunner of the North West Star.