Lost medals replaced for 101-year-old Second World War veteran in Barrie

Second World War veteran Marie Warren received replacement medals after the 101-year-old Barrie woman was unable to find hers.

Marie Warren likely didn’t expect to find herself in the spotlight at 101 years old, but a ceremony held at a Barrie, Ont., retirement residence this week made sure she knew her service hadn’t been forgotten.

Warren, a Second World War veteran who served in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), was recognized at the Waterford Retirement Residence Thursday after volunteers arranged to replace two of her medals that had gone missing.

Bill Sergeant, president of the RCAF Association 441 Huronia Wing, said the idea began when a group of local veterans conducted a Service of Remembrance on Nov. 4 at the Waterfront residence.

“She was wearing her WAAF forage cap from her time in uniform from 1942 to 1945. She said that she would have worn the rest of her uniform, which still fits her, but she could not find the two medals that she has received,” he explained.

‘You made her day’

Warren enlisted in Toronto at the age of 18 and was posted to Ottawa. She received the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and the War Medal for her time in service.

“A plan was spawned at that time to obtain a replacement set of medals for her,” Sergeant shared.

On Thursday, Col. Wesley Cunningham from 16 Wing Borden presented the medals in a ceremony, which Sergeant called “very special,” adding Warren’s reaction made the effort worth it.

“The smile on our 101-year-old WAAF veteran, Marie Warren, says it all,” Sergeant said, telling the group, “You made her day.”

The Women’s Auxiliary Air Force played a key role during the Second World War, with members serving in communications, meteorology, intelligence, aircraft maintenance and other essential non-combat roles that allowed the Royal Air Force to operate.