Provost attends 107th birthday celebration
South Ayrshire Provost Iain Campbell recently attended Harry Richardson DFC's 107th birthday celebration at the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) Club in Prestwick.
This was one of a number of events held by the RAFA Club Ayr and Prestwick Branch to celebrate the milestone birthday of Harry Richardson DFC. Celebrations were also attended by Harry's family and a contingent from the Canadian Air Force (Prestwick).
Local hero Harry was a bomber pilot during World War 2 serving from 1939 to 1947. He was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery and his airmanship during his service.
During his RAF career, Harry was posted to 149 Squadron flying Wellingtons. Upon completion of this tour he transferred to training bomber pilots, flying the Avro Anson. Harry then moved to India and the Far East with 159 Squadron flying Liberators. At the end of the war, he assisted with the repatriation of Prisoners of War.
Harry then joined the National Air Traffic Service as an Air Traffic Controller, where he successfully climbed through the ranks, assisting in the planning of the Air Traffic Service over the Atlantic.
As a loyal member of the RAFA Club Ayr and Prestwick Branch for an impressive 67 years, Harry still enjoys the club's social dance evenings!
South Ayrshire Provost Iain Campbell said: "Harry's 107th birthday was an occasion that most definitely deserved special recognition and celebration. It was an honour to be invited to celebrate this milestone with Harry and his family.
"The RAFA Club Ayr and Prestwick Branch hosted a fantastic event to mark the occasion - one befitting Harry's status as a decorated war hero and valued member of the local community."
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