RAF jet pilot and WWII veteran shares 100th celebrations with former unit at Edinburgh Tattoo

A World War Two veteran who was at the forefront of the jet age has celebrated his 100th birthday at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo alongside his former unit – also celebrating its centenary.

Spitfire and Meteor pilot Joe McCulloch marked the occasion at Edinburgh Castle alongside the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, in which he served.

Retired Group Captain Bob Kemp, life president of 603 Squadron Association, said: "Joe has been an icon of 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron for over 75 years."

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And Air Commodore Bill Gibson, Air Officer Scotland, said: "It is particularly poignant that Joe, who served in Royal Auxiliary Air Force, is turning 100 in the same year as the RAuxAF.

"Joe belongs to a unique generation who served the nation during the Second World War and later became pioneers of the jet age.

"The RAF continues to be inspired by the bravery and sacrifice of those men and women as we serve in defence of the United Kingdom."

He added: "We were delighted that he was able to join us at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and be recognised as among the best of British as both he and the RAuxAF enter their second centuries."

Mr McCulloch and his family were invited to the Tattoo as guests of Air Cdre Gibson.

During his career, he flew Hurricanes in Africa and the Far East in the Second World War and, after the war, became a reservist aviator with 603 Squadron, flying Spitfires from RAF Turnhouse.

He became famous for his bulldog spirit, and his mastery of the two wartime fighters, later flying the powerful twin-engine Gloster Meteor.

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo chief executive Jason Barrett said: "Connection is a core value for us at the Tattoo.

"We pride ourselves on the wide audiences that we attract to the show from across the globe, with different age ranges and variety of backgrounds.

"The stories they bring with them are magnificent. And after they see the Tattoo it is our hope that we've created more for them to take away.

"We're delighted that Mr McCulloch was able to celebrate the centenary of his birth at the Tattoo – not only with us, but with his family in attendance too."