Olive 'humbled' by Quilt of Valour presentation

Bolton Clarke Milford Grange residential aged care resident Olive Pugh has always treasured warm memories of her time in the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAF) during World War II.

Now those memories have been transformed into a Quilt of Valour, which was presented to Olive by RSL Queensland Moreton District Vice President Ross Wadsworth for her service.

The beautifully crafted quilt was lovingly made by Margaret Argent of Mackay, one of a group of quilters who donate their time and talent to make individual creations recognising the contribution of servicemen and women.

Olive joined the WAAAF in 1943 when she turned 18. After achieving high marks in her aptitude tests, she was sent to Point Cook in Victoria to be trained in coding and decoding messages as part of the Cypher Unit. 

On passing her exams Olive was sent to Brisbane to General MacArthur's Building in RAAF Command Headquarters as a Cypher and Decoder. Later, RAAF Command moved to buildings in Victoria Park at Herston.

Corporal Olive Davies (as she was then) was discharged in 1946 after the end of the war. 

“Mum’s time in the WAAF remains a very significant part of her life - the friends she made then have remained friends since that time,” daughter Robyn recalls.

“It enabled her, in a time when women weren't given many opportunities to show and use their abilities, to enhance her horizons and use her considerable intelligence,”

“She was very moved and humbled to be recognized for her service in the WAAAF when she was presented with the Quilt of Valour for her service, sacrifice and valour."