Ruth Klauber, a 101-year-old veteran, fled Germany with her family in 1933 due to Hitler’s rise. When World War II began, she enlisted in the Royal Air Force, becoming a flight mechanic despite little prior knowledge. She recalls her unique experience as one of the few women in her role. Watching a Lancaster bomber flypast, Klauber reflects on both fond and sad memories, including the loss of a friend who piloted bombers. Recently, she received two medals for her service, which she proudly displays, having not initially applied for them.
101-year-old veteran served against Nazi Germany after escaping Hitler
published at 16:25 British Summer Time
Ruth Klauber, now 101, was born in Germany but fled the country with her family when Adolf Hitler came to power in 1933.
When World War II erupted six years later, she chose to enlist with the Royal Air Force to fight against Nazi Germany.
“I thought it was best to be a flight mechanic, even though I didn’t know what a spanner was back then,” she laughs.
“I worked on airframes, not engines,” she clarifies. “It was truly an incredible experience… Not many women were doing this, at least not at my station.”
After witnessing the Lancaster bomber perform a flypast today, Klauber tells the BBC, “it was a long time ago, but the memories return.” However, she adds that there is a “sad memory” tied to the sound, as a friend who piloted Lancaster bombers tragically lost his life during the war.
Klauber was recently awarded two medals for her service, which she proudly displays on her lapel, despite not having initially applied for them.