By Lucy Waldron
At the remarkable age of 100 years and nine months, Ida Jackson stands as one of Queensland’s oldest living Australian Women’s Army Service members.
Joining the Army at 18, she played a vital role as part of the anti-aircraft team, later operating switchboards in Brisbane and Toowoomba until she turned 21.
Eager to contribute to the war effort and support her country, Ida embraced the opportunity to serve alongside her family.
“It was a bit of fun, and I thought I could do some good in the Army,” she said.
During World War II, Australian women were keenly aware of the evolving role of British women in bolstering Britain’s war effort.
Inspired to “do their bit“ for Australia, women across the nation joined various groups, including the Australian Red Cross Letters Association, the Australian Comforts Fund, the Women’s Air Training Corps, and the Women’s Emergency Signallers.
Encouraging others to follow in her footsteps, Ida said for any woman or young person thinking about joining the Army to “go ahead and join”.
On the occasion of Anzac Day, Ida participated in the Warwick Anzac Day ceremony with pride, riding as a passenger in a Rolls Royce during the Parade.
“I felt very special and important in the car,“ she said.
Following the ceremony, while sitting amongst fellow veterans at the Warwick RSL, Ida reflected on the significance of the day.
“[Anzac Day] is an exceptional day because they only come once a year, and I have been to most here in Warwick, and this could very well be my last,“ she said.
After the war ended the AWAS was no longer required and was demobilised in 1947, but the experiences developed from such opportunities live through the long lives of Ida Jackson and the other women who served.
