In OiR’s Spring 2018 newsletter , I wrote an article celebrating a remarkable member, Harry Richardson, who celebrated his 100th birthday on 8th February 2018.
On Friday, 7th February, this year, another milestone – Harry was in the same venue-, the RAFA Club in Prestwick, to celebrate his 107th birthday, actually 8th February.
Having joined the RAF at the beginning of World War 2, Harry initially flew Tiger Moths, before moving on to Wellington Bombers. His medals from his wartime service are: War Star, Air Crew Europe Medal, Burma Star, Defence Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).
On this occasion, family, friends and distinguished visitors were again in the RAFA Club to mark this very special occasion. Present were:-
The Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire, Sheriff Iona Sara McDonald OBE,
The provost of Ayr, Iain Campbell,
Eleven members of the Royal Canadian Air Force
Air Commodore Stuart Stirrat, Assistant Chief of Staff, from Air Task Force, Prestwick
From 602 Squadron, City of Glasgow, RAF Reserves, Squadron Leader James Martin
OiC 602 Squadron, Captain Matthew Galloway,
Sergeant David Deremo,
Captain Nicole Strickland,
Flight Sergeant Ricky Richmond
Corporal Lynda Johnson
Letters of congratulations were read out by the Lord Lieutenant from:
Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of The House of Commons
Alistair Carns DSO OBE MC, Speaker of The House of Lords
Alan Gemmell MC, representing the Ministry of Defence
Air Commodore Stuart Stirrat Assistant Chief of Staff
Squadron Leader James Martin 602 Squadron Glasgow
Following the ceremony afternoon tea was served, giving all present the opportunity to congratulate Harry and to circulate among all family and friends, who were enjoying such a happy and illustrious occasion.
Harry lives in Ochiltree with his daughter, Penny. His other daughter, Linda and her husband, Alan, live in Girvan. OiR members are also very fond and proud of Harry, and I, for one, am proud to call him my friend.
Amy Kinnaird
OiR Ayr 