A former RAF radar operator is to receive a squad of special guests when she celebrates her 103rd birthday on Tyneside next month (February).
Molly Gillon played a key role during WW2 ensuing that pilots returning to Northumberland from fighting the Luftwaffe in the skies above Europe were able to land safely in the blackout.
And serving members of the RAF will join her friends and family on Tuesday 3 February at a birthday celebration at Eastside Gardens Care Home, Howdon, prior to a special fly past by Steve Hornsby from 131 City of Newcastle Squadron RAFAC in a de Havilland Chipmunk.
Molly – one of 14 children – was living with her family at Willington Square, Howdon when her brother Tom Conway – then serving in the RAF himself – was shot down and killed by enemy aircraft, aged just 23.
And, as soon as she turned 18, she, too, was called up to join the service.
“I had to report to Newcastle Central Station, along with a group of other girls,” she said, “and they took us down to Wales.
“Then over the following years, I was stationed at Morecambe, in Lancashire and Ouston, in County Durham and finally RAF Northstead in Northumberland, which is now HMP Acklington.”
At RAF Northstead Molly worked deep underground following radar signals to detect enemy aircraft and obstacles and guiding RAF pilots safely to land in the dead of night during the wartime blackout.
And, while stationed there, Molly went to a dance at The Junction Inn, at Morpeth and met her future husband, George (Geordie) Gillon, to whom she was married until his early death, aged just 47.
“After they had their first two children Molly was homesick for Tyneside,” said Caroline Rowley, activities coordinator at Eastside Gardens, which is owned by Lifestyle Care, part of Malhotra Group Plc, which also owns the Prestwick Care portfolio of care homes.
“So, they returned to Howdon and had another two children before her husband sadly died.
“She never remarried but she’s been surrounded by family and friends – she is now a great grandmother – and it’s wonderful that they’re all turning out in force to mark her 103rd birthday.
“She’s the loveliest lady and we’re hugely privileged to know her and care for her.”