The Czech Defence Attaché of the Czech Embassy in London, Colonel Jiří Svatoš, congratulated her personally on behalf of the Czech Republic on this significant life jubilee and warmly wished her good health and all the best.

Mrs Anděla Haida is the oldest living Czechoslovak war veteran. She worked during World War II as an auxiliary worker – a driver of the WAAF (Women's Auxiliary Air Force).

On the same day, Colonel Jiří Svatoš laid flowers at the graves of the two best known Czechoslovak fighter pilots in the Royal Air Force (RAF), on the occasion of the recent anniversary of their deaths - Sgt. Josef  František, who was the most successful RAF fighter pilot overall in the Battle of Britain (he is buried at the military cemetery in Northwood) and Flight Lt. Karel Kuttelwascher, the most famous night fighter pilot in the RAF during WW2 (he is buried in Uxbridge).

Czech Defence Attaché Col. Jiří Svatoš with Mrs Anděla Haida on the occasion of her 103rd birthday

Mrs Anděla Haida while working in the WAAF

Col. Jiří Svatoš pays homage at the grave of Sgt. Josef František

The grave of Flight Lt. Karel Kuttelwascher