A Second World War decorated 'plotter' who identified Nazi targets for air strikes is to take to the skies above Helston in a glider – aged 99.
Kate Orchard served in the Women's Auxilliary Air Force in India throughout the Second World War.
She worked as a 'plotter', marking air raids for RAF fighters.
A plotter was focused on 'mapping' the known locations of enemy aircraft and allied aircraft so that Allied Command could send warnings to potential targets and RAF units able to attack the incoming foes.
Achieving the rank of Warrant Officer First Class, and winning both the Service and India Service medals between 1941 and 1945, her incredible efforts and hard work were recognised by RAF command, even training new plotters to do the job.
Now, some 76 years after the war ended, Kate has taken to gliding rather than plotting.
Kate, of Camborne, is due to take off from Seahawk Gliding Club, based at RNAS Culdrose in Helston, on Saturday, October 30.
She will do so to raise money for Help For Heroes.
Kate was a 'plotter' identifying Nazis in the Second World War Picture: Bentley Orchard/SWNS
She said: “I’m looking forward to raising money for Help for Heroes.
“I believe passionately that it’s very important that all ex-military personnel are looked after, especially those unfortunate enough to have physical or psychological injuries.''
After the war had ended, Kate married her husband Bill, who she had met during her service in India, and the couple moved to Cornwall – the first time she had ever seen England.
Kate is a decorated war veteran Picture: Bentley Orchard/SWNS
Last year she was invited to attend the recent annual Battle of Britain Sunday service, at Westminster Abbey, which was also attended by the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, the Prime Minister and many other dignitaries.
She even enjoyed a friendly chat with their Royal Highnesses at a reception following the event.
Help for Heroes’ area fundraising manager, John Carpenter, said: “Kate is a truly amazing lady, full of spirit – but I suppose we should expect nothing less of the generation that served us so well during our darkest days.''
Kate has a fundraising target of £5,000 for the charity, and you can donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Kate-Orchard
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