World War II veteran 'delighted' to lead Platinum Jubilee tree planting event

Margaret Runcie, 96, of Haddington, visited Edinburgh’s Whitefoord House, a supported housing facility run by the charity Scottish Veterans Residences (SVR), where she joined residents to plant a tree in celebration of this year’s jubilee.

The tree was sponsored by the Association of Wrens and Women of the Naval Services Edinburgh Branch.

Margaret said: “I’m delighted to be here planting this tree on behalf of The Association of Wrens and Women of the Naval Services to mark the Platinum Jubilee.

“The Queen and her father, King George, were an immense inspiration to all servicemen and women throughout the war so it’s an honour to be here celebrating the 70th year of her reign.”

Hertfordshire-born Margaret served as a Petty Officer in the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS) in the Second World War.

In June 1944, at the age of 18, she was posted to Royal Naval Air Station Crail in Fife (HMS Jackdaw) as a radio mechanic for 785 Squadron.

Her duties included changing batteries from aircraft returning from missions, usually at night.

During her service, which continued until the end of 1946, Margaret lived in Crail House, a mile from the base.

Despite her south-east of England roots, Margaret spent most of her military leave travelling throughout Scotland where she eventually settled following her marriage to Ken in 1956.

Her former base in Crail is now one of the biggest preserved Naval Air Stations in the UK, and a room in Crail Museum is dedicated to the people who served on HMS Jackdaw.

Margaret, who has two sons, Ian and Charles, previously lived in Garvald, becoming a successful pony breeder and judge, before moving to the outskirts of Pencaitland and then to Haddington in 2010.

Now living at Haddington’s Hilton Lodge Nursing Home, Margaret was in Edinburgh city centre for the planting last week.

Source: East Lothian Courier.