On Wednesday 1st March Members joined Flt Lt Colin Bell DFC AE, former Mosquito pilot, and frequent visitor to the Club, as the RAF Club celebrated his 102nd Birthday!

The evening was an incredible celebration fit for a very special Member. Flt Lt Colin Bell was born in Surrey in 1921 and joined the Royal Air Force towards the end of 1940. His flying training was carried out in the USA prior to their entry into the War in December 1941. Following Pearl Harbour and, having been commissioned into the RAF, Colin was retained by the American Army Air Corps as an advanced single engine flying instructor responsible for training American and British Cadets. On his return to the UK in 1943, he converted to twin engine Mosquito Bombers and joined 608 Squadron (Pathfinder Group) based at Downham Market in Norfolk.

During his tour of operations he carried out 50 bombing raids - all over Germany - 13 of them over Berlin. He experienced much action and survived many close scrapes, all with the wit and good humour still present today. The evening started with a Champagne reception, followed by a delicious 3 course meal with wines and Port. Please find photos taken at the event attached below.