Temperance Davies

RAF widow Temperance Davies can now live in comfort, in her home of more than 70 years, thanks to help from the RAF Benevolent Fund.

Warrant Officer Ted Davies

Temperance's husband Edward flew in Lancaster bombers during the Second World War, before being shot down and becoming a prisoner of war.

Sadly, Ted died in 1999 leaving Temperance in their home in Pontypridd. She struggled to keep on top of maintenance work and as she grew older the house fell into a poor state of repair and was becoming more and more difficult for her to live in. The RAF Benevolent Fund provided funding for renovation works including tackling a rising damp problem, re-plastering, redecorating, and providing some new furniture.

Temperance, 90, said: "I am amazed at what the RAF Benevolent Fund has done for me. I can never thank them enough for the difference they have made to my life. I can now rest easy knowing I will be able to live in my beloved home, the home I shared with Ted, for years to come.

"I could never have imagined my home like this. I'm so grateful for what has been done to return it to a place of happy family memories."

Temperance's husband Edward joined the RAF in 1938, training as a Wireless Operator and air crew. Reaching the rank of Warrant Officer, he served in the RAF throughout the Second World War and was a member of 166 Sqn as part of Bomber Command, based in Kirmington, Lincolnshire.

Edward had completed 21 successful operational sorties over Germany and surrounding countries in Lancaster Bombers. Unfortunately on his 22 operational flight to Berlin in November 1943, his aircraft was shot down. He baled out over Emlicheim, Germany and was captured. From November 1943 to May 1945 he was a prisoner of war in Stalag 1V and V1 from where he did attempt to escape once. At the end of the war Edward was released by advancing Russian Forces.

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