“Refusing to go on that plane saved my life”: World War II RAF Veteran celebrates his 100th Birthday

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A World War II veteran who served in the Royal Air Force and played a crucial role in supporting allied agents has celebrated his 100th birthday.

The much-loved grandfather, Richard Wellings, who lives independently in Davenport, Stockport, (born in Wigan) was joined by family and friends for a celebration on Friday, March 3.

During his time in the war, Richard served as a Navigator and Bomber in the Royal Air Force's 357 Squadron. He also flew in Dakota and Liberator planes enduring long flights under terrible weather conditions.

READ MORE: Driver 'abandons car' after getting stuck in Deansgate traffic in three-hour nightmare Richard tells the Manchester Evening News of his experiences with friendship and loss, and the moment he was faced with a decision that ultimately saved his life. "I volunteered for the RAF because I didn't fancy being stranded in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, and decided I'd rather fancy my chances with a parachute.