There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when personnel from RAF Leeming’s 100 Squadron paid a unique birthday visit to a wartime hero and congratulate him on reaching a Tonne of his own.
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It was a particularly poignant celebration for Sqn Ldr (Ret’d) Geoff Green, DFC, whose celebratory candles and cake came with a special delivery from his former squadron.
Sqn Ldr Green has a tale which is quite literally the stuff of legend. Assigned to the iconic Phantom of the Ruhr Lancaster Bomber in 1943 as the Rear Gunner, Geoff completed a full tour over Wartime Germany. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroic actions in shooting down an enemy jet whilst under attack.
Now living with dementia, Sqn Ldr Green cherishes his original 100 Squadron crest and cites his time on the ‘Phantom’. Squadron Leader Mark Lawson, Executive Officer of 100 Squadron, said: “It’s been an honour to meet him. We live the life we do because of people like him. They did incredible things at a time when they had no choice. I can’t imagine what it was like.
“As a rear gunner, he was the most vulnerable member of the crew. The story of the Phantom of the Ruhr is something which has gone down in 100 Squadron history. He’s an absolute hero and will always be part of 100 Squadron.”
Squadron Leader Mark Lawson
Executive Officer of 100 Squadron
The emotional reunion was thanks to Geoff’s daughter, Laura. She said: “I contacted the Squadron to ask for a birthday card – this is more than I could have hoped for. Dad told me a lot about his crew but didn’t say much else – he’s the only one left now. He wouldn’t tell me why he got the DFC – I only found it in a newspaper clipping. I am very proud of him.”