103-year-old RAF veteran who guided pilots home during WWII marks milestone birthday with SSAFA

04 February 2026

A 103-year-old Royal Air Force veteran from Wallsend, Tyne and Wear has been overwhelmed with birthday cards from across the UK, celebrating both her milestone birthday and her vital wartime service.

Molly Gillon received over 500 birthday cards from the military community and the public with help from SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.  SSAFA volunteers joined her on the day to present flowers and pass on messages of thanks from the wider Armed Forces community including Flight lieutenant Steve Hornsby from 131 (City of Newcastle) Squadron RAFAC.

Molly served with RAF Fighter Command during the Second World War and was based in Northumberland at a Ground Control Intercept station at Northstead.  Working underground, she operated a cutting-edge, top-secret radar system that allowed her to track aircraft in real time.

Her role involved monitoring the skies, warning pilots when enemy aircraft were approaching and helping guide them back to safety during blackouts and after combat missions.

One of her most poignant memories was speaking to a pilot whose aircraft had been hit. His final words to her were: “Molly, I’m on fire and I can see the sea.” While she couldn’t save every man, Molly did save many others – a role she has always described with great modesty.

Molly said: “We were just girls doing a job that needed doing, and you didn’t really think about it then. 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.” 

Graham Critchlow, RAF veteran and SSAFA volunteer with SSAFA Tyne and Wear branch (pictured with Molly) said: “Celebrating Molly’s 103rd birthday is a truly special moment. It’s a privilege to recognise her RAF service and to help mark such a remarkable milestone in her life.”

Chris Tearney, Branch Chair, SSAFA Tyne and Wear said: “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 recognise her service on her 103rd birthday.”