Prestigious Provost’s Medal awarded to 107-year-old war hero

A 107-year-old war hero is the latest recipient of the prestigious Provost’s Medal.

Provost Iain Campbell presented the medal to Harry Richardson DFC in a ceremony on Friday 18 July in County Buildings, Ayr.

The Provost's Medal recognises national or international achievement at the highest level for people who were born in, or are residents of, South Ayrshire. In the last 13 years, the medal has only been awarded on one other occasion.

Local hero Harry was a bomber pilot during World War 2 serving from 1939 to 1947. He was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery and his airmanship.

During his RAF career, Harry was posted to 149 Squadron. Upon completion of this tour, he transferred to training bomber pilots. Harry then moved to India and the Far East with 159 Squadron. At the end of the war, he assisted with the repatriation of Prisoners of War.

Harry then joined the National Air Traffic Service as an Air Traffic Controller, where he successfully climbed through the ranks, assisting in the planning of the Air Traffic Service over the Atlantic.

During VE Day 80 celebrations earlier in 2025, Harry was honoured at events locally and nationally. He was present at the VE Day 80 concert at Horse Guards Parade in London and had the honour of sitting next to their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla. During the event, portions of Harry’s letters to his wife and daughters were shared, accompanied by touching images of his loved ones on screen.

Harry has been a dedicated member of the RAFA Club Ayr and Prestwick Branch for 67 years, and still enjoys a social night at the club – including celebrations which were held earlier this year for his 107^th birthday!

In addition to the Provost’s Medal, Harry was also given the Lord Lieutenant Award. This award was presented to him by Lord Lieutenant Iona McDonald.

The civic ceremony was attended by Harry Richardson DFC and his family, alongside Alex Lobban, Chair of the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) Club Ayr & Prestwick Branch; and Sqn Ldr James Martin 602 (City of Glasgow) Sqn RAuxAF.

South Ayrshire Provost Iain Campbell said:

“The Provost’s Medal is a significant and rare honour, reserved for only the greatest of achievements. I’m delighted to be able to bestow this honour upon Harry Richardson DFC.

“Harry’s dedication to his country is already well-known. The Distinguished Flying Cross is just one of the accolades he has achieved for his admirable bravery during his service. It was my absolute pleasure to welcome Harry, his loved ones, and esteemed guests to County Buildings to recognise his outstanding achievements.”

Lord Lieutenant Iona McDonald said:

“Harry is a remarkable man who along with many others served with distinction during the Second World War. I was delighted to present him with a Lord Lieutenant’s certificate marking his contribution to the RAF and aviation.”

Alex Lobban, Chair of the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) Club Ayr & Prestwick Branch, said: “On behalf of Ayr & Prestwick Branch Royal Air Forces Association it was an honour and privilege to be present at the Award Ceremony for our member Harry Richardson DFC. Our appreciation goes to the Lord Lieutenant and Provost for their support of Harry.”

Sqn Ldr James Martin 602 (City of Glasgow) Sqn RAuxAF said: “It was a privilege to attend today’s Civic Reception in Ayrshire, on behalf of Air Officer Scotland, in recognition of the extraordinary RAF service of Harry Richardson DFC. Our sincerest congratulations to Harry, on the receipt of the prestigious Award of the Provost Medal and Lord Lieutenant certificate, so richly deserved.”

Harry Richardson DFC said: “Thank you very much for this award which I shall treasure for the rest of my life.”