Oasis Townsville honours Lillian (Lil Somers) with naming of hut

A 101-year-old World War II veteran has been honoured by Oasis Townsville after the veteran organisation recongised her this week.

WWII Veteran Lil Somers, with son John and great great grandsons Linkyn Smith, 16, and Mitchell Smith,11, has be honored by Townsville Oasis by having a Pee Wee Hut named after her. Picture: Evan Morgan

A 101-year-old World War II veteran has been honoured by the Oasis Townsville, with the veteran organisation naming its first pee wee hut after Lillian (Lil) Somers.

The Chair of The Oasis Townsville Lieutenant General John Caligari, AO, DSC (Retd) said Mrs Somers served in the Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS) and worked in the ‘Ack Ack’ (Anti-Aircraft) Operations Room alongside the Air Force to identify all aircraft in the Townsville airspace and plot their movements.

“Mrs Somers is a born and bred North Queenslander who served her country during WWII,” Mr Caligari said.

“She enlisted as soon as she was old enough and after being accepted into the AWAS in July 1942, she completed her initial six weeks training in Brisbane before returning to Townsville to an operational position.

“During her service, Mrs Somers was stationed at the Townsville Grammar School which had been taken over by the military. She was known by her maiden name Gerahty and during her service from 1942-1945, was known as Gunner Gerahty.

“The Oasis Townsville facility supports veterans and their families and connects with WWII through the design of their four P1 Huts (better known as Peewee Huts during WWII), to not only provide a link back to the US 5th Air Force but also to now share these huts as a meeting place that supports community activity.”

Mrs Somers still resides in Townsville.

Her son John Somers said his mother was thrilled to receive the honour.

“At 101 years old, it is truly an amazing honour for her,” he said.

Originally published as Oasis Townsville honours Lillian (Lil Somers) with naming of hut