War hero shot down in bombing raid celebrates 100th birthday

Geoff Bushell celebrated his 100th birthday with family and friends at Hazelmere House Bupa Care Home in Wilmslow.

Daughter Susan Gibson prepared a party with champagne, a homemade cake and buffet.

Geoff Bushell celebrates his 100th birthday with daughter Susan (Image: Hazelmere House)

The day was made extra special with a visit from a lieutenant colonel of the Royal Canadian Air Force, who presented him with a letter of thanks and commendation for his service, signed by a commander.

Geoff, from Wilmslow, joined the RAF at 17.

Geoff Bushell joined the RAF at 17 and served as a flight engineer in Bomber Command during the Second World War (Image: Bushell family archive)

During the Second World War he was assigned to the Royal Canadian Air Force Snowy Owl squadron as a flight engineer to work the Halifax bomber.

The former flight engineer says he is only alive today thanks to his parachute.

On March 23, 1944, he was shot down half an hour’s flight time from Berlin.

Geoff Bushell is presented with a letter of thanks and commendation from Lieutenant Colonel Alan Merilainen, of the Royal Canadian Air Force (Image: Hazelmere House)

“A night fighter attacked us and set our starboard inner engine on fire,” said Geoff.

“We were unable to extinguish the fire and it was blazing fiercely so the captain decided to abandon the aircraft.

“I went over to the escape hatch, the rest of the crew couldn’t open it.

“I nudged them aside, opened it and we bailed out.

“It wasn’t brave, we had to get out. If you didn’t you’d die.

“We had a job to do and we just got on with it.”

Geoff landed in two foot of snow near Erfurt and sneaked onto a goods train.

“A signal man must have seen me because the train stopped and Germans pointed rifles at me,” he said.

“I was taken to an interrogation centre.

“An officer said if you don’t answer my questions I can have you taken out and shot as a spy.”

Geoff spent 13 months as a prisoner of war.

Geoff Bushell spent 13 months as a prisoner of war (Image: Bushell family archive)

“We were very hungry and lost weight,” he said. “We lived day by day. You had to be positive or you wouldn’t survive.”

Following liberation by the Russians, he returned to England and became a warrant officer, escorting VIPs including Winston Churchill.

Later, he rejoined the RAF, taking part in significant events such as a flypast over Buckingham Palace.

Geoff Bushell proud to war his caterpillare badge, awarded to aviators whose lives were saved by a parachute (Image: Bushell family archive)

Afterwards, working for British European Airways at Liverpool Airport, he met his late wife Estelle, who was in reservations.

Geoff attributes his long and fulfilling life to her love and care.

“I wouldn’t be here if it hadn’t been for Estelle,” he said.

“She looked after me and cossetted me.

“It was a good partnership.”

Geoff’s many interests included clay pigeon shooting, guitar and extensive travel with Estelle.

He supported the local Riding for the Disabled school and The Mare and Foal Sanctuary.

Asked about his secret for such a long and happy life, Geoff said: “To enjoy life and be calm and kind to others.”

Joanne Thackwell, home manager at Hazelmere House, said: "Celebrating residents' milestones is incredibly important to us.

“Geoffrey is a special resident and it was heartwarming to see everyone come together to make his 100th birthday a truly memorable occasion."