When Colin Bell finally retired as a valuer around three years ago, it was because “I decided I had paid the chancellor of the exchequer enough money in tax.” And given he was pushing 100 at the time, few could argue with that.
Taxes are far from Bell’s only contribution to the nation, however. As Flt Lt Bell he was a Mosquito bomber pilot during the second world war, flying 50 bombing raids over Germany, an experience he describes modestly as “a bit hairy”.
Now 102, Bell has embarked on another remarkable challenge, walking over three days between places that were significant to his wartime service in Cambridgeshire and Norfolk. On Thursday, meanwhile, he will abseil 17 storeys down the side of the Royal London hospital, from the highest elevated helipad in Europe.
It’s all part of a fundraising drive for three charities – the London Air Ambulance, the Royal College of Nursing Foundation and the RAF Benevolent Fund. “I just thought that it might be a good thing to raise funds for three very worthwhile charities,” he told the Guardian.
“I may be 102 years old, but I want to do my bit and raise money for these amazing charities. I’m glad to be doing something that can help – quite frankly, at my age I’m glad to be doing anything!”
The first part of the challenge, his sponsored walks, were completed in late August. Stage one was from Churchill College, Cambridge (“seen off by Randolph Churchill, the great-grandson of the formidable Sir Winston”) to the American Military Cemetery in Madingley, “because I wanted to pay tribute to the 3,800 American servicemen who lost their lives defending us. I think it’s right that they should be recognised.”
On day two, Bell visited RAF Wyton, where he had completed his conversion training on Mosquito bombers, and the following day he walked to RAF Downham Market in Norfolk, from where he had flown as a member of 608 squadron. Precise distances were not recorded, since “when you’re 102, two miles can feel like 22”, explained an aide.
It’s a very long time ago, but his memories of the time, said Bell, are “crystal clear. I can remember it all as if it were yesterday. I have no trouble on recall.” Of flying his missions on the tiny, wooden-framed Mosquitos, being traced by searchlights and hammered by deadly anti-aircraft fire, he said: “That was not so difficult, because the Mosquito was the best plane in world war two and it could fly faster than any propeller-driven German light fighter.
“So yes. It was all a bit hairy. But it could have been a lot worse.” It was the heavy bomber crews, flying from the same base, who were “the real heroes”, he said, “because they flew much more vulnerable and slower aircraft, and they suffered far higher casualties than we did”.
Having gone through those experiences, abseiling down a mere skyscraper holds no fear. “As I’m raising money for charity, I call it money for old rope. Though actually I hope it is a very sound rope.”
Bell was demobilised in 1946 and trained as a chartered surveyor, eventually running his own business alongside his son – who opted to retire at the same time as his father.
So how does he account for his remarkable physical and mental fitness? “A combination of exercise, alcohol, and the love of good women with the odd bad one thrown in.” His beloved wife, Kathlyn,, who was with him during his wartime service, died seven years ago after 73 years of marriage.
“The truth is, it’s largely a matter of luck,” said Bell. “It is the genes that you’re born with. And of course, one has to assume that you live a reasonably healthy life and you don’t succumb to drugs, sex and rock’n’roll.”
