Stirling war veteran David Berrie and his wife Margaret celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary this week.
Credit: Stirling Council
Stirling’s Provost Christine Simpson visited the couple, who was left amazed after hearing the life story of the former RAF wireless operator.
David and Margaret have been happily married for three quarters of a century, but things could have turned out so differently. A mere four months after their marriage, David found himself trapped behind enemy lines.
The couple’s daughter, Elizabeth, told Provost Simpson of how her father was captured by the Germans in World War Two, and placed in a Prisoner of War camp.
In July 1944, David was serving in the Royal Air Force’s Bomber Command, when he was shot down over the Black Forest, in the south-west of Germany.
After a week on the run and meeting up with his pilot, he was captured and taken to a nearby Prisoner of War camp, where he faced interrogation from the enemy.
In May 1945, he was liberated by the Russians, then marched in minus 26 degrees, before arriving back in Stirling three months later.
On returning home, David resumed his job at the quarry in Cambusbarron, before working at the telephone exchange and in Social Security.
Margaret worked in Stirling Tractors, Govan dental practice and the tax office before spending her final working years at Stirling Council.
Speaking on behalf of the couple, their daughter Elizabeth said: “My parents were thrilled to have the Provost visit to help celebrate their incredible 75th year of marriage together.”
Provost Simpson said: “David’s story is incredible. It’s such a privilege for me to meet people like him and his wife who’ve lived such fantastic lives.”
She added: “They are a real symbol of the character of people who live in Stirling.”
The happy couple have three children, David, Rory and Elizabeth. David Jnr passed away two years ago and they also have seven grandchildren, two step grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
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