Australia’s most decorated World War II servicewoman, Nancy Wake, was a straight-talker who will be missed by those who knew her, Independent Member for Lyne, Rob Oakeshott, said this week.
Ms Wake, who died on Sunday aged 98, lived in Port Macquarie for 15 years before moving to London in 2001.
“In a world where over use of the word hero cheapens heroism, Nancy Wake was a true hero in the true meaning of the word,” Mr Oakeshott said.
“She was a feisty woman with a spirit that bowed to no one, a characteristic that was exemplified by her service during World War II as part of the French resistance. Nancy’s story is one of the great Australian stories.
“She will be missed by many locals in Port Macquarie, as she will be missed by many throughout the world,” Mr Oakeshott said.
“I have fond memories of sitting with Nancy in her third-floor unit on William Street and talking all things military and all things politics. She was a keen follower of both.”
For more tributes see next week’s Port Macquarie Independent.