Celebrating 100 Years of Belle Stark and Her Remarkable Wartime Story

As Cronulla Sub-Branch member Belle Stark celebrates the extraordinary milestone of turning 100, we reflect not only on a life well lived, but on the remarkable stories she has shared with our community over the decades.

In a Cronulla Sub-Branch newsletter from 2005, Belle wrote about a deeply meaningful journey back to England, where she attended the unveiling of the Women of World War II Memorial in Whitehall.

Belle travelled to London in July that year as an invited guest, attending the official unveiling by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, followed by a reception at the Ministry of Defence. Among those present were some of the most recognisable figures of the era, alongside many of Belle’s fellow servicewomen. For Belle, it was a reunion of comrades as much as it was a moment of national recognition.

Her visit took place in the shadow of the London bombings just days earlier, a stark reminder of the realities of conflict and resilience, themes that echoed throughout the ceremony.

Now, twenty years on from that reflection, Belle’s words carry even greater meaning. At 100 years young, her story connects generations, reminding us of the service, sacrifice and quiet determination of women whose roles were often overlooked, yet absolutely vital.

We are honoured to celebrate Belle Stark, her century of life, and her enduring connection to the Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch. Her story, preserved in the newsletters and shared again today, is a powerful reminder of why these memories matter, and why it is so important to continue telling them.