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Motion · S6M-02047 · 9 Nov 2021

Cycling Without Age Clackmannanshire Birthday Gesture for William Dryburgh MBE

Lodged by Alexander Stewart Standard Motion 26 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament welcomes the news that a highly-respected Clackmannanshire veteran airman was treated to a journey in Tillicoultry and Alva as he turned 98 years of age on 2 November 2021; understands that William Dryburgh MBE embarked on a trishaw ride courtesy of the group Cycling Without Age Clackmannanshire, with trishaw driver Robert Bocking in the saddle; acknowledges that Willie, as he is affectionately known by many, played a big role in the life of Alva Pensioners Association and was awarded an MBE for his services to the community when he was named on the New Year Honours 1994 list; understands that Mr Dryburgh served in 518 Squadron Royal Air Force, during the Second World War, where he was a tail gunner and retired as a flight sergeant; acknowledges that 518 was no ordinary RAF squadron, flying modified Halifax bombers on missions from Tiree almost every day, no matter what the weather, and was responsible for the collection of weather reports, and observed U-boat activity, with crews often flying in the most dangerous conditions; understands that the squadron's weather reports, which covered hundreds of miles across the Atlantic Ocean, were reportedly used by Group Captain James Martin Stagg in his recommendation to General Eisenhower that the 1944 D-Day allied invasion of Normandy should be postponed from 5 to 6 June, and not only predicting a storm on 5 June, but making the vital forecast that the weather would break for long enough the following day to allow Operation Overlord to go ahead; sends its gratitude to Mr Dryburgh for his service and very best wishes on his birthday, and commends Cycling Without Age Clackmannanshire on its highly magnanimous gesture.

Supporters (26)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.