'Tears in the eyes' - couple who met serving in WWII given special award for Anzac Day

The surprise announcement for Alf and Hazel Peacock added a great touch to today's ceremony.

A South Canterbury couple in their 90s who met while serving in World War II have been honoured with a special award from the RSA.

Alf and Hazel Peacock, both 93, were recognised at their local ANZAC Day service in Temuka, in an announcement neither were expecting.

The couple were both given the Royal New Zealand RSA Badge of Merit, to recognise several decades of dedicated service to the RSA.

Alf Peacock said he was speechless. “I can’t put words to it! It’s a privilege. Just to be here, and to have these things adorned on me. I never ever expected it. I’m just gobsmacked!”.

His wife Hazel was equally surprised. “This is out of the blue! It’s absolutely marvellous.”

The couple met during World War II in a British Hospital while serving in the airforce for England. Alf worked as an aircraft mechanic servicing Spitfires and Mustangs in Norway, Germany and Britain. Hazel worked as a motor transport mechanic, serving with the Royal Airforce Balloon Command and the Air Sea Rescue.

After the war the couple moved to Dunedin and began several decades of service for various RSA Clubs. Alf has been a member for nearly 63 years, and says he’s done nearly every job under the sun.

Hazel Peacock said the day was moving. “You start talking about old soldiers never fade away . I thought we had. But obviously we haven’t . They remembered us.”

The couple celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary later this year.


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