A RADIO mechanic who served during the Second World War has been presented with a commemorative coin.

Margaret Runcie was presented with the special coin on August 14 ahead of VJ Day commemorations the following day.

The 94-year-old, who lives in Haddington, was a member of the WRNS (Women’s Royal Naval Service) and based at Crail in Fife from 1943 to 1946.

All surviving veterans were presented with the VJ Day Thank You Coin.

Her son Charles made the trip from London to be with his mother.

Margaret was presented with the coin by Tommy Douglas, Royal British Legion Scotland veterans community support manager.

Originally from Hertfordshire, Margaret spoke to the Courier about her time in Fife where she worked on torpedo bombers.

She said: “We were worked hard but were very happy.

“They were very good with us and the planes flew in the winter.

“They could not fly in the summer because there was no darkness but in the winter the nights were longer.”

When news broke that Japan had surrendered, Margaret was actually on a short break from her role with the WRNS.

Her father was on holiday in the Highlands and Margaret had made the trip north to visit him.

She described her “relief” at the announcement, as her brother Alec was in the British Army in the Far East.

Margaret, who described the presentation as “a nice surprise”, had been due to go to London for the VE Day commemorations earlier in the year. But events were cancelled due to the coronavirus.

Margaret, who has another son, Ian, who lives in Berkshire, has lived in the area for more than 50 years.

She met her husband Ken while travelling to America on the Queen Mary ahead of a year studying agriculture.

The couple would move to Garvald in 1967, with Margaret, who is still a member of Association of Wrens Edinburgh and District Branch, becoming a successful pony breeder and judge.

They would then live on the outskirts of Pencaitland before moving to Haddington in 2010.

Ken, who received an OBE for his services to agriculture in 1987, sadly passed away the following year.

Celia Saywell MBE, from the Association of Wrens and Women of the Royal Naval Services, said: “Congratulations to Mrs Margaret Runcie (Power) 1943-46 recipient of the RBL Commemorative Coin who has kindly shared the unique story of her service as a Wren at HMS Jackdaw, Crail.

“She epitomises the spirit of a true Wren, always ready for adventure and excelling in her chosen category of a P.O. Radio Operator, working on torpedo bombers.

“We are extremely proud of all our Veterans and welcome all who served in the WRNS, WRNR, QARNNS together with former and serving RN and RNR female ratings and officers.”