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A Royal Air Force veteran, who served during the Second World War, has celebrated her 100th Birthday.
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Eileen Mary Blythe, who turned 100 years old on the 8th November, was stationed at RAF Ouston and RAF Acklington during the Second World War. For her 100th Birthday celebrations, which took place at Barchester-Hunters Care Centre in Cirencester, Eileen was visited by Flying Officer Eve Westlake from RAF Brize Norton, who spoke to Eileen about life in the service today. She also personally delivered a card on behalf of the Station Commander, Group Captain Claire O’Grady and Commander Air Wing, Group Captain Gareth Burdett, wishing her a happy Birthday from the Aviators and Officers of RAF Brize Norton.
Flying Officer Westlake said:
“It was so nice to be able to go and wish Eileen a happy 100th Birthday and deliver her Birthday card from the Station Commander and Commander Air Wing. Her face lit up when she saw me in my uniform and she loved telling me all about her time in the Royal Air Force. These interactions outside of the Station are so important for maintaining the connection with the local community, especially for people who have served”
Flying Officer Eve Westlake
RAF Brize Norton
Flying Officer Westlake was just one of several visitors to Barchester-Hunters Care Centre for Eileen’s 100th Birthday. Family and friends were also there to help Eileen mark the occasion, including her grandsons, who are both current serving members of the RAF, Warrant Officer Chris Blythe and Flight Sergeant Martin Blythe. Warrant Officer Chris Blythe said:
“A huge thanks to RAF Brize Norton and Flying Officer Westlake for attending my grandmothers Birthday. It meant a lot to us all that the Station took the time to visit her today. Our family connection with the RAF obviously goes a long way back and it was great to see my grandmother enjoying Flying Officer Westlake’s company while discussing life in the RAF today”
Warrant Officer Chris Blythe
Flight Sergeant Martin Blythe added:
“My grandmother’s first fiancée, a pilot, was killed in action during her time serving but she eventually met my grandfather, another pilot, and married towards the end of the War. He served a total of 36 years, retiring in 1977. My brother has currently served for 35 years and I have served for 27 years so with my grandmothers own service we have currently provided 100 years service to the RAF”
Flight Sergeant Martin Blythe
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