Harry Richardson’s name will be known to many OiR members, as Harry’s bravery as a bomber pilot in WW2 has appeared in several past editions of OiR’s newsletters over the years.
Harry has, very recently, received further recognition of his outstanding courage and bravery.
On Saturday 7th February 2026, David Bowman and I were invited to attend the RAFA Club in Prestwick, where Harry was to have a “party” to help him celebrate reaching his amazing, incredible, age of 108 years.
RAFA Club members, family and friends, gathered on the Saturday evening of 7th February 2026 for this auspicious occasion.
During this evening Harry was invited to sit on a chair placed in front of the stage. Then his story of war-time bravery and courage was related by a representative from Bomber Command. To this amazing story Harry responded calmly in a clear articulate fashion, describing his joining the RAF at the age of 21. He had been very impressed by the sight of many planes while at RAF Northolt and was so inspired that he felt a huge desire to learn to fly one of those remarkable fabulous machines.
It was really heart-warming and so impressive to see this elderly gentleman of 108 years respond in such an articulate manner, so that those present could hear his story so clearly and well. (Harry has recently mislaid his Flight Logbook.)
It was a pleasure and a privilege to be there with Harry and his family on this very happy occasion. Guests then gathered around Harry and the birthday cake while he expertly wielded the knife to make the first cut, and all the guests gathered around him to sing “Happy Birthday”.
Harry’s birthday was actually the following day – Sunday 8th February, but as Saturday evenings were, for many years, Harry’s “Ballroom Dancing” evenings at the RAFA Club, it was felt by Harry’s two daughters, Penny and Lynda, that the Saturday evening of the 7th February, Harry’s night for ballroom dancing, was a more suitable time for his party.
Harry and his late wife, Marjorie, loved ballroom dancing and were excellent dancers – rarely missing a Saturday “dance evening” at the RAFA Club.
It was indeed a privilege to be invited to that special event in the RAFA Club, and to join in sincere good wishes to our good friend, Harry, who in May 2025, could be seen on the television at Horse Guards Parade arena London seated beside King Charles – both chatting animatedly together, while Penny chatted to Princess Catherine of Wales on the other side of the Royal Party.
Harry and Penny have now many memories – choc-a-bloc with their unique visit to London in May 2025 on the 80th Anniversary of the end of World War 2 in Europe.
OiR members will join with me in congratulating our distinguished member – Harry Richardson DFC.
During the evening Harry was also presented with an enlarged copy of his Logbook, but in the form of a magazine type of book.
OiR members might remember that Harry enjoyed a short fight in 2024 from Prestwick Airport in a Piper Cub, piloted by my son Tom’s friend – Graeme Smith – a retired BA pilot. At one point during the flight down the coast and out to Ailsa Craig, Graeme let Harry take the controls of the plane – what a thrill! Graeme’s brother Finlay told me that he had entered Harry’s flight for him in his Logbook. Finlay said that his hands were shaking as he was writing, as it was such an impressive story.
It is indeed a pleasure to be counted as one of Harry’s friends. Despite all the incredible story, Harry remains a kind and courteous gentleman, and it is an honour to be counted as one of Harry’s friends. OiR members will be happy to join me in sending our best wishes for good health and happiness in the future years to come. Harry is a Life Member of OiR, and his daughter Penny is also a member.
Amy Kinnaird
Harry lived for many years in a bungalow in Prestwick, but after Marjorie died, he moved to live with Penny in Ochiltree. Penny takes excellent care of her dad, who is still very much an individual, and tries always “to do his own thing” Penny needs to have a lot of patience and deserves huge thanks for her impressive patience with “Dad”. – AK
OiR Ayr 