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Happy 103rd birthday from Moray's 8 Squadron


By Alistair Whitfield

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Peter Lemon marks his 103th birthday. Image: MOD Crown Copyright.
Peter Lemon marks his 103th birthday. Image: MOD Crown Copyright.

A Second World War veteran from an RAF squadron that's now based in Moray has celebrated his 103rd birthday.

During the conflict Peter Lemon served with 8 Squadron as a wireless operator on Wellington bombers.

Operating from Aden in the Middle East, his task was to help protect shipping using the Suez Canal from being attacked by Nazi submarines.

By the end of the conflict Peter had logged 419 hours on these maritime patrol operations.

Squadron leader Leon Tidbury travelled to Orpington in Kent to join Peter on his big day.

He said: "It was our great privilege to be able to celebrate Peter’s birthday with his family.

"The RAF has a proud legacy of maritime reconnaissance operations which RAF Lossiemouth now hosts.

"To be able to thank one of the wartime maritime reconnaissance trailblazers was a real honour.

"We owe so much to the men and women of Peter’s generation and continue to be inspired by them.

"While the Squadron has now moved from maritime operations to airborne early warning, it is important that the history carved out by airmen like Peter lives on."

Stationed since 2021 at RAF Lossiemouth, 8 Squadron plays a role in protecting the UK's skies and waters.

It is due to take delivery of the E-7 Wedgetail AEW Mk1 aircraft next year.


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