Piper’s musical salute as WWII fighter pilot hero Ernie turns 100
Flight Lieutenant Ernie Holmes, one of the last surviving WWII fighter pilots, celebrated his 100th birthday on Friday, January 29, 2021.
The great grandfather was at Kincarrathie House Care Home, Perth and was paid a visit by Pipe Major Alastair Duthie, Piper to the City of Perth.
Due to social distancing Mr Duthie stood by the open doors of the lounge with Ernie listening attentively from within.
The provost of Perth and Kinross Dennis Melloy and lord lieutenant of Perth and Kinross Stephen Leckie sent their congratulations.
Ernie was surrounded by cards, including an official one from The Queen.
Members of his family were due to visit on Saturday.
Ernie first came to Perth in 1941 to train as an elite pilot with 35 Squadron within No 8 (Pathfinder) Group RAF leading Lancaster bombers to the spot where they were to drop their bombs.
He returned to Perth a decorated hero of the skies after ending the war as a PoW and married local girl Irene Spinks in 1946.
The PA’s pictures of Ernie enjoying his birthday on Friday attracted interest from Dutch media in Holland where he is well remembered for his lucky escape in 1944 from his crashed plane after which he was sheltered by a brave farming family despite the country being occupied by the Nazis.
Remembering this significant life event, the piper played Flowers of The Forest in memory of the Dutchman Fons, who hid Ernie, but was then killed by the Gestapo.