A BERKSHIRE resident, who survived imprisonment at a concentration camp in World War II, has recently celebrated his 100th birthday.
Stanley Booker, born in Gillingham now living in Berkshire, marked the event with an array of activity.
The celebrations took place over a number of days to allow family and friends to spend quality time with him on this special occasion.
A veteran of bomber command and a former squadron leader, Mr Booker witnessed more in the first 25 years of his life than many do in a lifetime.
He was just 22 years old when his Halifax heavy bomber was shot down over northern France in June 1944.
He was imprisoned until May 1945 and later received an MBE for his post-war work with British intelligence.
In December 2020, Mr Booker was awarded the Legion D’Honneur – France’s highest military award – which recognises his military engagement and steadfast involvement in the liberation of France during the Second World War.
Mr Booker shared his thoughts as he approached his 100th birthday: “As I approach my 100th birthday, I pause and reflect on the events, experiences and the people who have influenced me during the years that span my long life.
“I have experienced the best and worst of mankind. The generosity of a loving wife and family, the comradeship of fellow airmen during combat and imprisonment and the small kindnesses given by fellow prisoners incarcerated with me in the notorious Buchenwald Concentration camp.
“I have known fear, pain and abandonment during Gestapo interrogations and solitary confinement in Fresnes Prison.
“This contrasts with my positive experiences during the Berlin Airlift where the Allied Air Forces worked as a coordinated team to supply essential food and humanitarian aid to a starving German population.
“My personal belief and actions have echoed the words on the KZ Buchenwald memorial.
“‘It is the duty of the living, to honour the dead’.”
SSAFA, the armed forces charity, sent Mr Booker a birthday card with a personalised message to thank him for his support over the years.
He was also visited by Special Operations Executive historians as well as a group of officers from 10 Squadron RAF Brize Norton, who presented him with a signed framed photograph of the Voyager aircraft.
On top of military celebrations, Mr Booker was sent a bottle of Highgrove champagne and a personal letter from HRH Prince Charles.
