War hero left speechless by 90th surprise

Jun 26 2009 by Katy Gordon, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A LOCAL veteran was thrown a surprise birthday party fit for a hero, writes Katy Gordon.

Renowned World War Two hero John Moffat was given the 90th birthday lunch by staff at the Hilton Dunkeld House, where John regularly attends fitness classes.

John, who lives near Dunkeld, said: “I couldn’t believe so many people could keep such a big secret from me.

“I attend aquafit classes at Hilton Dunkeld twice a week and I had no idea that Peter and John had arranged the birthday celebration.

“When I arrived for class as usual they said happy birthday and I thought that was it. Little did I know that was only the beginning.”

During the Second World War, John fired a torpedo at a German battleship crippling its rudder. However, it was only later that he learned that the ship was the mighty Bismarck, the pride of the German fleet.

The shot left it at the mercy of Royal Navy ships which sank the battleship in the Atlantic.

Peter Richardson, manager of LivingWell at Hilton Dunkeld House, said: “We wanted to do something special to celebrate the 90th birthday of national hero John Moffat.

“John is an inspirational character who has lived a varied life and has played an integral part in the way that history has unfolded.

“We were delighted to invite friends and family to surprise him with a special lunch and show a local legend our appreciation.”

John said: “I can’t thank them enough, it was incredibly kind. I was utterly gobsmacked.”