Colin Truelove celebrated his 100th birthday at the Helderberg Society for the Aged’s La Rochelle independent living facility on Friday 14 February.
The World War II veteran officially turned a century old on Saturday (15 February), but his neighbour at La Rochelle, Erica Miller, decided to organise a birthday bash on Valentine’s Day as a way for him to socialise with the rest of the community of the independent living facility.
“I am totally bewildered by all these people who have come to wish me today,” he said. “I normally deal only with four or five people, perhaps six at most.”
Truelove has lived at La Rochelle since 2002. He is still wholly independent, as he cleans his own unit and cooks for himself even as he enters his triple digits.
“I usually enjoy my own food,” he said to the laughter of his guests.
Truelove, who is British, retired to South Africa and has lived in the Helderberg for 35 years.
He was born and bred in Bradford, West Yorkshire, and spent most of his life in the former industrial town.
“The one thing I remember about my childhood was seeing my first silent film at the age of five.”
In his late teens Truelove joined the Royal Air Force, and was an air gunner during World War II. He said he accumulated more than 500 hours of operations and flights on four-engine Stirling bombers.
According to the centenarian, when the Nazis began developing an atomic bomb his was one of 10 aircraft sent to Germany to destroy the facility where the nuke was being built.
“I did a job and I didn’t regret it, let’s just say that,” he said when told he saved the world.
The Englishman has one daughter, two granddaughters and eight grandchildren.
“Regrettably, my wife died in 2010 and I miss her dearly. Since then I’ve pretty much had to make my own life.”
Reflecting on his life, Truelove didn’t consider it terribly outstanding, despite such aspects as defending his country and reaching the milestones in age. According to him he simply did what he could. “I’m not saying I’m looking forward to the next 100, because it’s not going to happen,” said Truelove, jokingly.
His advice for young people is simple; they must ensure they get a good education and don’t fight with anyone.
“I don’t like arguments, so be friendly and do what you can. That is as much as I can say.”
