Veteran in Surrey receiving letter of thanks for service, celebrating her 100th birthday
Posted June 29, 2020 10:02 pm.
Last Updated June 29, 2020 10:03 pm.
SURREY (NEWS 1130) — A Canadian veteran, who turned 100 last month, will be handed an honorary letter from the Chief of the Royal Air Force Tuesday.
Service woman Winnie Tyler will receive a hand-printed copy of a letter from the chief wishing her a happy birthday and thank her for her service.
“I am extremely grateful to the men and women like Winnie who served our country during the Second World War. It’s an honour to be able to present this letter to her on behalf of the Chief of the Royal Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Wigston. The freedoms both our countries experience today are due in part to her service and dedication. Thank you Winnie, and happy birthday,” Consul-General to Vancouver, Nicole Davison says.
Tyler enlisted in the Royal Armed Forces in August 1941. She was stationed at RAF Mount Batten in England, where she served as a cook.
She later worked at the now-closed St. Mary’s Hospital in New Westminster. Tyler will be given the letter at the care home she lives in Surrey.
While her niece says she never won medals or goes beyond any spectacular events, she says “she did come out strong, help her nation, and in my eyes is a compassionate and grateful woman.”
The ceremony will be taking place Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. at the Revera Fleetwood Villa Retirement Residence in Surrey.
