A FORMER RAF engineer and instructor who worked on Spitfires and Lancaster bombers has celebrated his 101st birthday at a Hampshire care home. 

Bryan Wardell, a resident of Sunnybank House in Eastleigh, joined the RAF as an LAC engine fitter and was posted to No 74 Squadron (Spitfires) at Biggin Hill just after the Battle of Britain.

Bryan went on to train as a Flight Engineer and completed an operational tour on No 50 Squadron (Lancasters) at RAF Swinderby.

He then became an instructor on No 7 Heavy Conversion Unit at RAF Waddington.

His final tour was as the Senior Test & Evaluation Air Engineer at Boscombe Down.

Kay Mitchell, general manager at Sunnybank House, said: "Bryan continues to lead such a full and interesting life and has so many wonderful stories to share. We all thoroughly enjoyed popping the champagne to toast Bryan turning 101."

Sunnybank House, on Botley Road, has 60 bedrooms and offers residential, dementia, nursing and respite care.

 

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