His Grace The Duke of Hamilton, President of Veterans Housing Scotland (VHS) together with Group Captain Bob Kemp, VHS Chairman and Life President of the 603 Squadron Association led the congratulations for RAF veteran Joe McCulloch at a special 100th birthday party.

Joe McCulloch who lives in Edinburgh celebrated his 100th birthday on the 13h August joined No 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force in 1947. As a fighter pilot he flew Spitfires and later Vampires from the airfield at Turnhouse.

The Vampire was one of the first jets in service with the Royal Air Force after World War Two. Joe also flew the Meteor and indeed flew the actual aircraft that is now on display at the Montrose Station Heritage Centre. Joe was mobilised for active service during the Korean war in the early fifties although none of the Auxiliary Air Force was deployed. He worked with British Railways but remained with 603 Squadron as a part time reserve pilot until the Squadron was disbanded in 1957 along with all the other Auxiliary flying squadrons in the UK.

Following the successes of the Auxiliary Air Force during World War Two His Majesty King George VI conferred the title ‘Royal’ on the Force. In addition, there was further recognition when a number of steam locomotives, designed by Oliver Bulleid, were built as Battle of Britain Class and operated in the Southern Region. These locomotives were named after certain RAF leaders, air stations and squadrons that were all closely involved in delivering the success of the Battle. One of squadrons honoured was 603 Squadron and Joe, working for British Railways, requested that the number plate and badge be presented to the Edinburgh Squadron when the locomotive ended service.

The number plate and badge went missing for some thirty years until Joe saw in a magazine that it was about to be auctioned. He was pivotal in helping the Edinburgh Unit to secure the 603 Squadron badge and nameplate when it went under the hammer for what was a world record of £25,000. The badge is now on permanent display in the Headquarters of the Edinburgh Squadron.

Group captain Bob Kemp, said: “Joe has been an icon of the Squadron for over 75 years. His service in the Royal Auxiliary Air Force for over ten years after World War Two set a remarkable standard of voluntary service that continues to this day and his part in securing the badge for posterity was legendary.”