RAF Bomb Command veteran celebrates 105th birthday

The last surviving veteran of RAF Bomber Command has celebrated his 105th birthday at a Braintree venue.

Ron Thompson lives at the Prince Edward Duke of Kent Care Home in Stisted, run by the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institute. 

The 105-year-old celebrated the huge milestone birthday at Braintree Golf Club on Sunday, seeing him joined by his family and loved ones.

Born in Chigwell, Ron enlisted in the RAF Bomb Command in 1941 and trained as an Engine Fitter, repairing damaged planes when they returned from Air Operations.

Over the course of the Second World War, it developed from a limited and relatively ineffective force into a weapon of immense destructive power.

Ron served in India and Burma, seeing him travel into the jungle to recover crashed plans and salvage parts, as well as the UK.

After the Second World War, Ron was made a director of the Photographic Association, owned by his father, which provided studio facilities; developing and printing operations for all businesses in the East End of London.

Ron was made a Freeman of the City of London for his services, with his RAF memories contributing to the archive at the International Bomber Command Museum in Lincoln.

When Ron retired, he and his wife Peggy went to live in Ilfracombe until her passing.

Ron lived on his own in Ilfracombe until he was 101 years old, when he moved to Braintree to be closer to his family.

Last weekend, Ron's 105th birthday party was attended by around 50 guests, including his daughter-in-laws, Lorraine and Marina and many grandchildren.

Ron received a birthday card from King Charles III and Queen Camila, as well as a special cake.

Grandson Grant Thompson made a short speech drawing attention to Ron’s life span and achievement. 

The eight most senior Freemasons for the Region also attended Ron’s party and, in a short speech of thanks to Ron, said they believe him to be the oldest living freemason in the world. 

They presented Ron with a certificate, marking his 78-years of service to Freemasonry.

Another birthday party was held for Ron at the Prince Edward Duke of Kent Care Home on Monday, where staff and residents celebrated his special day.