The Royal Air Force has joined in heartfelt celebrations to mark the 103rd birthday of Molly Gillon, a remarkable Second World War radar operator whose clandestine work was instrumental in safeguarding Allied airmen and combating enemy threats. Based in an underground facility in Northumberland, Mrs Gillon utilised advanced 360-degree radar technology to track Luftwaffe bombers and direct RAF Spitfire pilots, often serving as the final voice for crews too damaged to return home.
A Secret Service Revealed
Molly Gillon's pivotal contributions remained largely hidden for decades, even from her own family. Her son, Paul, aged 66, disclosed that he only uncovered the full extent of her war service in recent weeks while preparing for her birthday festivities with the RAF. "She kept it to herself," he remarked, expressing profound emotion at the discovery. Mrs Gillon had enlisted in the RAF at the age of 18, following the tragic death of her brother, Tom, an airman shot down in Egypt. Originally considering work in a munitions factory, she instead chose a path that would place her at the forefront of technological warfare.
Emotional Toll and Vital Role
Operating under immense emotional strain, Mrs Gillon's duties involved monitoring radar screens to guide aircraft back from perilous night missions. Christopher Lloyd-James, chairman of the Newcastle and Gateshead Royal Air Force Association, emphasised her impact, stating, "If it wasn't for Molly, we would have lost far more boys than we did." Her role required steely resolve, as she sometimes communicated with crews facing certain doom, knowing she might be their last human contact. This secrecy extended to her personal life, where she refrained from sharing details with friends or her four children, underscoring the solemn nature of her responsibilities.
Community and RAF Tributes
To commemorate her milestone birthday, RAF personnel and veterans gathered at Eastside Gardens care home in North Tyneside, where Mrs Gillon now resides. An RAF spokesman conveyed the service's delight, saying, "The Royal Air Force is delighted to wish Molly Gillon, one of our former radar operators, a very happy 103rd birthday. The serving RAF personnel and members of the RAF Association present were thrilled to be with her today to celebrate her special day." The event was enriched by cards and well-wishes from the local community, including schools, residents, and scout groups, all expressing admiration for her legacy.
A Life of Resilience
Beyond her wartime service, Mrs Gillon's life has been marked by personal resilience. She married her husband, George, who passed away at the young age of 47, and together they raised their family in Howdon, North Tyneside. Today, she enjoys the companionship at her care home, where activities coordinator Caroline Rowley noted, "We love listening to Molly's stories and are full of admiration for what she did. She's a wonderful lady and it's a pleasure and a privilege to care for her." Reflecting on the celebration, Mrs Gillon herself shared her joy, saying, "This suits me – plenty of company – it's great," highlighting the warmth and recognition she has received in her later years.
