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. Yet the conditions we flew in were atrocious due to dangerous environments and weather but it was our responsibility to provide supplies on target to support the men on the ground.
"There was one instance where I was set to board a flight with my friend Alex - we built a strong bond on duty- but it was the first time I refused to fly. You could get into a lot of trouble if you declined to board a plane but the senior let me stay.
"I couldn't shake the awful feeling I'd felt and urged my friend not to go and even tried to stop him. Despite my attempts to dissuade him from flying with the pilot he still went and unfortunately did not return.
"The plane did crash and there were no survivors - refusing to go on that flight saved my life. That experience is something that stays with you and is unforgettable even when you are 100 years old."
The veteran later served in a special duties unit that provided support for guerrilla fighters and allied agents behind Japanese lines in Burma.
He worked alongside soldiers from various countries, including Ghurkhas, Canadians, and Australians as well as helping the American squadron deliver an 'unusual' parcel.
Richard said: "We were tied up with giving spies behind enemy lines supplies on target but due to weather or the receiving party not sending the correct message at the drop zone we wouldn't drop supplies. If we didn't support them they wouldn't exist.
"When we were in Myanmar (formerly Burma) the Americans asked for help in delivering supplies to their soldiers in the jungle. For days we flew over and would have to return without any ground signs to drop supplies. We began to give up hope that they hadn't been captured.
"As we grew close to giving up we flew over in fleeting hope until the American shouted he could see his man below - we were all stunned and asked how he knew it was him to which he replied 'it's his bald head!'.
"We took his word and dropped the parcels by parachute and it flared my curiosity into asking what necessities we'd dropped - only to hear we'd delivered a ping-pong table in the middle of the jungle! It's one of my fonder stories that always stuck with me."
Following the war, Richard pursued a career in education, working as a school teacher and eventually becoming the Divisional representative for the English Schools Swimming Association and played a key role in introducing water polo to Manchester.
Richard's daughter, Carolyn Taylor, said: "He taught at Cheetham Hill Primary School and then Cheetham Hill High School before helping at an adult education centre in Gorton.
"He also organized summer schools for the Manchester Education Committee for numerous years and served as the Head of an Evening Centre in Manchester until his retirement. He was always giving to the community and was dedicated to helping children receive opportunities and a good education."
Richard became a good friend of ex Manchester United player Jack Rowley when they owned shops next to each other in Shaw, Oldham and worked together to coach many local football teams, and has been a devoted fan of the Manchester United football club throughout his life.
READ NEXT:
