WWII Mosquito Aircraft Pilot Recounts 50 Bombing Missions Over Germany, Remembers Victory in Europe (VE) Day Occasion
A Legendary Vet's Tale: A Chat with Colin Bell, RAF's Centenarian Hero
A regular at London's RAF Club, Colin Bell, a sprightly 104-year-old, doesn't shy away from a stiff G&T and a lively chat with fellow members. As we gather 'round in the Churchill Bar, his infectious laughter rings out.
Dapper and walking unbothered by a cane, Colin is just a week away from his birth centenary. Patting him on the back, I ask him his secret to a long life.
"Ah, it's all about the right blend of exercise, alcohol, a love of fine women, with a dash of the bad ones!" He spills with an infectious laugh.
Colin donned an RAF uniform at 19 and joined 608 Squadron, part of the Pathfinder Group. His journey led him to Downham Market in Norfolk, where he soared the skies in a Mosquito bomber. Over the next few years, he undertook 50 bombing raids over Germany, 13 of them over Berlin alone.
"Let me tell you, it was a bloody hair-raising experience," he confesses, recounting the dangers that came with the job. "The Germans had perfected the art of shooting down enemy aircraft."
Remember when a shell exploded beneath his aircraft, crippling both engines? Hours later, Colin and his navigator, Doug Redmond, managed a cautious return home. The next day, an engineer inspected the battered bomber and handed Colin two shards of shrapnel - stern reminders of the gravity of his missions.
One early morning, while stationed at an airbase in North Bay, Canada, the news of Victory in Europe (VE Day) broke. The commotion woke Colin, and as he scrambled from sleep, a comrade broke the news of the war's end in Europe. "Well, that's nice, now let's get some shut-eye," Bell replied, caring little for the celebrations.
As the conversation shifts to present-day conflicts, Colin's concerns are palpable. He frets over shrinking defense budgets, the wobbling NATO alliance, and the hesitance to respond decisively to aggression. His vantage point - a teenager living through the 'wilderness years' and the era of appeasement; a crucial observer of history's unfolding.
"Believe me, I've seen all this play out before, and the dangers are as real as ever," he cautions.
Colin shares a simple message for the new generation: "Talk less about rights and more about duties."
As we leave the RAF Club and stand before the RAF Bomber Command Memorial, we gaze up at the towering sculpture. Bell's gaze is somber, his thoughts heavy with the memory of the countless brave young men who sacrificed everything in the name of victory.
"Sadness," he murmurs. "But remember, it was a battle for survival, and we had to win."
Additional Info
- Colin Bell's Remarkable Life: A WWII RAF veteran still sharing his stories at 104, Colin Bell's life is a testament to courage, resilience, and a strong will to engage with the world. His service in the Mosquito bomber, as well as his reflections on contemporary global conflicts, offers unique insights into the sacrifices made during wartime and the lessons drawn from those experiences.
- Career in the RAF: Colin Bell, a dedicated member of the RAF, served as a skilled Mosquito bomber pilot during WWII. He flew in numerous perilous bombing missions over Germany, displaying immense bravery and skill in the face of adversity. Bell's service is a stark reminder of the perils faced by WWII aircrew during the conflict.
- Reflections on the Modern World: As a seasoned observer of history, Colin Bell's views on modern conflicts and defense matters reflect the gravity of his war-time experiences. His concerns center around shrinking defense budgets, NATO's stability, and the need for swift and decisive action in the face of aggression. His insights provide valuable perspectives on the current global security landscape.
a) Despite the jovial atmosphere at the RAF Club, Colin Bell's concerns about modern conflicts are palpable, as he recalls the shrinking defense budgets and the wobbling NATO alliance.
b) During a conversation about present-day conflicts, Colin Bell, a champion orator from a era of war, cautions the new generation not to focus solely on rights but rather on the importance of fulfilling one's duties.
c) In a poignant moment, Colin Bell, a seasoned veteran of European leagues battlegrounds during WWII, stands before the RAF Bomber Command Memorial, his gaze somber, reflecting on the sacrifices made by the brave young men and recalling the gravity of the battle for survival.
