One of Britain’s oldest veterans has marked his 107th birthday in style.
Flying Officer Arthur Steel, the last surviving member of RAF Coastal Command’s 254 Squadron, celebrated the milestone at Beach Lawns Residential and Nursing Home in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.
Steel, who flew in strike missions between Britain and Norway during WWII, also worked in the RAF’s Intelligence section.
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He miraculously survived a near-fatal crash in 1944 when his Bristol Beaufighter plunged into the North Sea at over 300 mph after suffering engine failure during a mission to Norway.
Recalling the terrifying moment, Arthur described how the plane went into a vertical dive before disintegrating upon impact.
His pilot, Flt Lt Anthony Adams, was killed instantly, but Arthur managed to free himself from the wreckage, despite serious injuries.
“My leg was flopping about, and my head was nearly scalped,” Arthur recalled. Holding onto the plane’s fuel tanks, he was eventually rescued by a Grimsby-based trawler that navigated through a minefield to reach him.
The ship’s captain was awarded an MBE, and the crewman who jumped into the sea to save Arthur was recognized for his bravery.
After spending seven months in the hospital recovering from his injuries—doctors initially thought his leg would need to be amputated—Arthur was able to return to the RAF, albeit in a non-flying role.
He went on to help resettle airmen after the war and later focused on his family, raising three children with his wife, Rachel.
To honor his incredible service, Arthur was visited on his birthday by representatives of the Scouts King’s Guard and local dignitaries, including Weston-super-Mare’s Mayor, John Crockford-Hawley.
Arthur, who was a King Scout during the reign of George V, was also awarded the Scout Association’s Thanks Badge for his decades of dedication to Scouting in Bristol and Somerset.
Those celebrating his big day praised Arthur’s vitality and sharp memory, with well-wishers showering him with messages of admiration.
One local, Sharon Rachel Williams, remarked, “You look fabulous for your age,”
While another, Eileen Lloyd, said, “Wow, happy 107th birthday—you’re looking fab!”
Arthur Steel’s remarkable story of survival and service is one of inspiration, embodying the courage and resilience of a true hero.
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SOURCE: Brit RAF veteran who survived horror plane crash celebrates 107th birthday
