Former Fife-based war veteran is given honour of planting Jubilee tree

A 96-year-old Second World War veteran, who served as a radio mechanic in Crail, was the guest of honour at a tree-planting event marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee held at Edinburgh’s Whitefoord House.
By Kevin McRoberts
Published 20th May 2022, 08:44 BST
Updated 20th May 2022, 08:44 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Margaret Runcie, originally from Hertfordshire and now residing in Haddington, served as a Petty Officer in the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS).

In June 1944, at the age of 18, she was posted to Royal Naval Air Station Crail (HMS Jackdaw) as a radio mechanic for 785 Squadron where her duties included changing batteries from aircraft returning from missions.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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

World War Two veteran Margaret Runcie at the tree-planting event ceremony to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at Edinburgh’s Whitefoord House.World War Two veteran Margaret Runcie at the tree-planting event ceremony to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at Edinburgh’s Whitefoord House.
World War Two veteran Margaret Runcie at the tree-planting event ceremony to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at Edinburgh’s Whitefoord House.

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 life and people who served on HMS Jackdaw.

Read More
Historic Fife castle dubbed a ‘hidden gem’ plans new orangery cafe

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

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The tree was sponsored by the Association of Wrens and Women of the Naval Services Edinburgh Branch. The Royal Naval Association Edinburgh branch also planted a tree as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative.

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.”

Martin Nadin OBE, SVR chief executive, said: “We were thrilled to have Margaret and so many representatives from the Naval Services Association at our tree planting. As we mark the Queen’s historic milestone, it’s important we also acknowledge the commitment and sacrifice of our veterans who have kept the UK secure during the past 70 years.”​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Related topics:QueenFife