Irene Causley 1923-2024

We are saddened to report the death of former Pembridge resident Irene (Rene) Causley at the age of 101.

Last year she  celebrated her 100th birthday with a visit from the Deputy Lieutenant of Herefordshire and a guard of honour formed by members of Pembridge Royal British Legion. Deputy Lieutenant, Air Commodore Tim Howson, presented Mrs Causley with her wartime medals and a veteran’s pin, at her home in Leominster, watched by members of the Pembridge Royal British Legion who honoured the last surviving World War II veteran of the branch.

Mrs Causley, formerly of Parson’s Walk, Pembridge, joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force in 1941 and served until the end of the war in 1945.

 She was initially trained as a wireless operator but was later promoted to air traffic controller. She received a commendation for safely bringing in a lost squadron of Lancaster bombers.

She first met her future husband while stationed in Beaulieu, Hampshire. They lost touch, but met again in Norwich, when she was stationed at RAF Langham. After the end of the war, she took a trip in a Wellington bomber over Berlin and occupied the bomber’s seat which she said was very uncomfortable.

Mrs Causley who  died peacefully on 30th July, was the last surviving  World War II veteran of the Pembridge RBL branch. Her funeral will take place at 11 am on 27th August at Hereford crematorium. Pembridge  RBL will provide a standard bearer at the private family  service.

Irene pictured in her WAAF uniform during World War II

Kay Ingram