Margaret Barker, 86, a pioneer of Australian servicewomen

Air Force veteran Margaret Barker said it was wonderful to now see women able to go anywhere with a career in the armed services.

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“WE’RE not namby-pamby — some of us (women) are as good as or even better than the men.”

Those were the words of proud 86-year-old Air Force veteran Margaret Barker as she took part in the Anzac Day parade in Townsville yesterday.

The World War II stewardess turned signaller reflected on her own service to the nation and said she was quick to join the Air Force when she said it was recognised that women were seen as being “as good as men”.

Anzac Day parade on the Strand in Townsville. Navy veteran Andrew Barker with his mother airforce veteran Margaret Barker. Picture: Evan Morgan

Mrs Barker who saw 18 months of active service at the tail end of the war said it was good to see the efforts of service personnel past and present continue to be recognised “through the ages”.

Born in South Australia, Margaret moved from Canberra in recent years to be closer to her son, Andrew, 63, who served in the navy.

Andrew said he served on HMAS Vendetta before becoming a naval policeman and has since retired from working in corrective services.

Anzac Day parade on the Strand in Townsville. Margaret Barker. Picture: Evan Morgan

He said it was “awesome” to be alongside his mother yesterday and to also reflect on the service of his father. Mrs Barker’s youngest daughter also served 19 years in the army. “We’ve done our bit for Queen and country,” Andrew said.

Originally published as Margaret Barker, 86, a pioneer of Australian servicewomen