Veteran takes to the skies to mark 102nd birthday

A 102-year-old military veteran took to the skies as he returned to the airfield he was stationed at during World War Two.

Casimer "Casey" Bukowski said he was excited to "brag" about the surprise birthday experience which was sprung on him at the former RAF Ridgewell base, near Halstead in Essex, on Thursday.

He was assigned to the 381st Bomb Group in 1943, having arrived as a teenager from New York, US. He later spent time as a prisoner of war in Germany.

"I thought I was going to win the war for the Allies, but I soon learned the difference," the former staff sergeant told the BBC.

Bukowski, who served as a waist gunner on Boeing B-17 aircraft, was shot down in Germany in February 1944.

Six of his crewmates were killed, but Bukowski was captured and taken to a prisoner of war camp.

He spent 14 months captive before being liberated by US troops on 26 April 1945.

"At that age it seemed like it was all fun and games. As a matter of fact, I learned the difference right away," said Bukowski, who grew up in Buffalo.

"I never thought of [being shot out] when I enlisted and went into the service at first. That was the furthest thing in my mind."

Volunteers at Ridgewell, who now run a museum at the former bomber base, threw Bukowski a surprise party for his return.

He was taken for a flight on a glider plane to see the runway from above again, and even got to briefly take control of the aircraft.

The veteran said: "I enjoyed it. It was another experience for me to brag about."

Museum volunteer Gary Maddocks said it was "amazing" to welcome Bukowski back.

"He's such a great character, full of stories, and he's so humble as well," he said.

"I suppose, through Casey, we're just remembering all those guys that didn't come back."

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