RAF Veteran to Receive Freedom of City at Age 99
Thomas Doherty, a 99-year-old Royal Air Force (RAF) veteran, is set to be honoured with the freedom of his home city.
Doherty served as a driver in the mechanical transport section of the RAF, achieving the rank of corporal. He was stationed in Singapore towards the end of World War Two.
The freedom of the city is the highest civic honour that a council can bestow.
The Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council is recognising Doherty for his lifetime of service, which spans his military contributions as well as his ongoing dedication to community and charitable activities.
"I never expected anything like this, and I am very grateful to the council for this recognition," Doherty said ahead of the event.
"I have always tried to do my bit, whether through my time in the RAF, supporting local charities or being involved in the community. Lisburn and Castlereagh has been my home for many years, and it means a great deal to be recognised in this way. This is a very proud moment for me and my family."
Mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, Alderman Amanda Grehan, described it as a "true privilege" to honour Doherty.
"His life is one of extraordinary service, resilience and generosity," she said.
"Even at 99 years of age, Tommy continues to inspire us all with his kindness and commitment to helping others. His fundraising efforts and his active role in community life are a testament to his character. We are incredibly proud to recognise his achievements with this most prestigious honour."
Who is Thomas Doherty?
Thomas Doherty was born in January 1927 and grew up in east Belfast. He was the seventh of ten children, with three of his brothers also serving in the British armed forces.
During World War Two, Doherty's childhood home was damaged in the Belfast Blitz.
After joining the Army Cadets, he enlisted in the RAF. In addition to standard military training, Doherty completed specialised training in maintenance and vehicle operation while based in Northern Ireland and England.
In the 1940s, he was stationed in Singapore, then a British colony in Asia, a posting that involved a journey of over two weeks aboard the troopship Dilwara.
He moved back to Northern Ireland after completing his RAF service and settled with his family in Castlereagh before relocating to Lisburn in the 1980s.
Doherty was married to his wife Edna for nearly 80 years until her death in 2025. Together, they had three children.
