103-Year-Old RAF Veteran Overwhelmed by Birthday Cards Honouring Wartime Service
A remarkable 103-year-old Royal Air Force veteran from Wallsend, Tyne and Wear, has been deeply moved by a flood of birthday cards from across the United Kingdom. The outpouring of gratitude celebrates both her incredible milestone birthday and her crucial service during the Second World War.
A Heartfelt Tribute from the Nation
Molly Gillon received an astonishing collection of more than 500 cards from members of the public and the wider military community. This touching gesture was organised with the invaluable assistance of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, which has been supporting service personnel and their families since 1885.
SSAFA volunteers joined Molly on her special day to present beautiful flowers and convey heartfelt messages of thanks from the Armed Forces community. Among those paying tribute was Flight Lieutenant Steve Hornsby from the 131 (City of Newcastle) Squadron RAFAC.
Vital Wartime Role in RAF Fighter Command
During the global conflict, Molly served with distinction in RAF Fighter Command. She was stationed in Northumberland at a Ground Control Intercept facility located at Northstead. Working in underground conditions, she operated a highly advanced and top-secret radar system designed to track aircraft movements in real time.
Her responsibilities were absolutely critical to the war effort. Molly meticulously monitored the skies, alerting pilots to approaching enemy aircraft and guiding them safely back to base during blackout conditions and following intense combat missions.
Poignant Memories and Modest Reflections
One of her most enduring and poignant memories involves speaking to a pilot whose aircraft had been severely damaged. His final words to her were, "Molly, I’m on fire and I can see the sea." While she could not save every airman, Molly's skilled work undoubtedly saved the lives of many others—a role she has always described with characteristic humility and modesty.
"We were just girls doing a job that needed doing, and you didn’t really think about it then," Molly reflected. "I’m very touched that people have remembered my service and helped make my birthday so special. I’ve been quite overwhelmed by the kindness."
Honouring a Lifetime of Service
Graham Critchlow, an RAF veteran and dedicated SSAFA volunteer with the Tyne and Wear branch, shared his thoughts on the celebration. "Celebrating Molly’s 103rd birthday is a truly special moment. It’s a privilege to recognize her RAF service and to help mark such a remarkable milestone in her life."
Chris Tearney, branch chair of SSAFA Tyne and Wear, added further praise. "SSAFA supports the Armed Forces community in many ways, but today was simply about saying thank you. Molly’s work helped protect pilots at some of the most dangerous moments of the war, and it has been an honour to recognize her service."
The charity continues its vital work supporting regulars, reserves, veterans, and their families across the nation, upholding a legacy of care that spans well over a century.
