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It is with great sadness that the Association has learned of the passing of Alma Leedham on 19 December 2020, just 98 years young.
Alma joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force in 1941 at the age of 19 and trained as a driver. After a period working as a general driver at RAF Scampton, she transferred to the newly-arrived 57 Squadron as a tractor driver in the Summer of 1942. There she would take out the bombloads from the Bomb Dump to the Squadron’s aircraft as they were prepared for bombing raids. Alma met her husband-to-be on the Squadron – Flight Sergeant Terry ‘Lofty’ Leedham who was an armourer – and they began courting in June 1943. They both moved with the Squadron to RAF East Kirkby and married in September 1943. When their first child arrived the following year, Alma left the RAF but she and their growing family continued to follow Terry as he was posted to various jobs. You can read more about Alma’s life, her wartime memories and Terry’s RAF career in the archives of the International Bomber Command Centre by clicking here
Alongside the written memoirs, there is an audio recording of an interview that Alma gave in May 2016.
Terry passed away in the 1990s but 57 Squadron had made its mark and Alma was to become a stalwart of our Association Reunion for many years. Her sense of fun and radiant smile will be especially missed.
While current restrictions mean that Alma’s funeral will be a predominantly family event, it is hoped that there will be the opportunity for Association Members to remember her during their Annual Reunion in 2021.
Alma enjoys a musical interlude at the 2018 Annual Reunion
On Monday 11 January 2021, I had the honour to represent the Association at Alma’s funeral. The service was warm, loving and a fitting tribute to a wonderful woman who will be missed by all those who knew her.- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.