World War II veteran pilot Colin Bell has marked his 105th birthday after appearing on BBC Breakfast, where he reflected on his wartime service.
Bell, believed to be the last surviving pilot of the de Havilland Mosquito bomber from World War II, joined presenters Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt during Thursday’s programme.
His appearance came as aviation enthusiasts marked the 90th anniversary of the first flight of the Supermarine Spitfire on March 5.
During the broadcast, the presenters also surprised Bell with a birthday cake.
“Happy birthday! Thank you for celebrating your birthday with us,” Munchetty told him.
Bell said he had already begun celebrating by reading messages sent to him.
“I’m reading cards from the King, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Air Staff so that’s a good beginning!” he said.
When asked about the secret to his long life, Bell said it partly comes down to genetics.
“There are two answers,” he said. “There’s the honest answer and that is the genes that you are born with. If you’re born with the right genes and you live a sensible life and don’t get involved in the drug scene, then you might live to 102 or in my case a bit longer.”
He then added with humour: “That’s the honest answer, the amusing answer is, it’s a combination of exercise, alcohol and the love of good women with the odd bad one thrown in!”
Bell joined the Royal Air Force at 19 and flew Mosquito bombers with the Pathfinder Force. During the war, he completed 50 missions over Germany, including 13 raids over Berlin.
Reflecting on his survival, he said luck played a major role.
“You might call it blessed, but I call it luck. I have been lucky all my life,” he said.
Despite his long service, Bell said he does not see his role as extraordinary.
“I don’t see myself as having given exceptional service,” he said. “I stepped up when the need was there and I did a job that had to be done.”