RAF Night Fighter turns 100

[Mackrick]

An RAF veteran who test-piloted early Spitfires and commanded one of Fighter Command's leading Night Fighter squadrons during the Second World War has celebrated his 100th Birthday at his home in Guernsey.

Retired Air Commodore Charles Widdows and his wife, Nickie, 93, marked the occasion with family and friends last Sunday, 4 October 2009.

The champagne flowed while, Charles himself celebrated with a small glass of Famous Grouse Whiskey. Charles is one of 'The Few' survivors who defeated the Luftwaffe in the summer of 1940.

Charles married Nickie the day before war broke out in 1939 and the couple celebrated their Platinum (70th) wedding anniversary last month, complete with an acknowledgement and card from HM The Queen. Their sons, Robin and Geoffrey said of Charles: "As a father he always gives encouragement. Now and throughout his life he demonstrates courage, determination and kindness and above all a healthy respect for life."

Before the Second World War, Air Commodore Widdows was awarded cadetship to RAF Cranwell to become a full commissioned officer.

He served in No 29 Squadron and did a tour of duty in the Middle East, including Egypt, the Sudan and Palestine.

Charles then became a test pilot at RAF Martlesham Heath where he carried out extensive testing of the first production Spitfire in 1938 and early Hurricanes.

In 1939, at RAF Digby, he was given command of No 29 Night Fighter Squadron and flew Beaufighters during the Battle of Britain.

Taking part in the night defence of London, No 29 Squadron became one of the leading night fighter squadrons in Fighter Command. After Charles retired from the RAF, he moved to Guernsey with his family where he was elected by the community to become the People's Deputy for eight years.

For his considerable service to the Nation, Charles was made a Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (Military Division) (CB), twice Mentioned in Dispatches (the oldest form of recognition of gallantry within the UK Armed Forces), and received the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).

The members of 29 Squadron, the Fighter Pilots Association, and the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust helped celebrate Charles's birthday by sending birthday cards and signed photographs of various RAF aircraft

[Mayfly]

Congratulations Sir

[Jigsaw]

excellent

[Xplumberlives]

:ymapplause: excellent

Evening Mr Burns!

[Saracenman]

wow what a career! congratulations Air Commodore Widdows

one thing though - the wife is a mere 93 years old?

cradle-snatcher!