Battle of Britain Veteran Describes Wartime Bravery As 'Just Another Day's Work'

Cover: Wing Commander Paul Farnes poses for photos during the RAF Benevolent Fund's commemorative dinner in September 2015 (Picture: PA).

One of the last surviving Battle of Britain veterans has described his wartime bravery as "just another day's work" as he prepares to raise a glass of whisky to mark his 100th birthday.

Wing Commander Paul Farne was a special guest alongside Prince Michael of Kent, a patron of The Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, for a ceremony to honour the 25th anniversary of the unveiling of the Battle of Britain Memorial in Capel-le-Ferne.

The Battle of Britain was described as the first major military campaign to be fought entirely by the Air Forces, which then turned the tide of the Second World War.

3,000 men, known by Sir Winston Churchill as "the few", took to the skies between July 10 and October 31, 1940.

More than 500 died and nearly 800 more did not live to see the end of the war in 1945.

There are thought to be fewer than 10 veterans still alive.

Wing Commander Farnes said it was important to mark the anniversaries, but said:

"For us, it was just another job to do.

"Many despised the Battle of Britain but it served its purpose at the time.

"We wouldn't be free today without it.

"It would be nice to see old friends but there are only a few of us left. I've been very lucky."

Mr Farnes joined the RAF Voluntary Reserve in 1938 before moving to the regular RAF.

He is one of the few Aces of the Battle of Britain, meaning it was confirmed he shot down five enemy aircraft.

Now he is looking forward to celebrating his 100th birthday on July 16.

He joked:

"On my birthday I'm looking forward to sitting at home, enjoying a glass of whisky and minding my own business."