‘Be lucky!’ – One of the last surviving Lancaster Bomber navigators turns 100 revealing his secret to a long life

An Adderbury care home resident had a special birthday celebration to honour his status as one of the last surviving navigators of Lancaster Bombers from World War Two.

Clifford Storr celebrated his 100^th birthday on 27^th June with family, residents and team members from Care UK’s Seccombe Court in Banbury, where he lives. 

The team at Seccombe Court knew they wanted to do an extra special celebration for Clifford and joined forces with his family to create two memorable days. 

On the Saturday, Clifford, his family and all at Seccombe Court were treated to entertainment by the Banbury ATC military band, and the Military Wives Choir from Brize Norton who sang songs from throughout the 1940s. The centurion also revealed his secret to living a long life: “Be lucky and don’t get shot down!”

He added: “Stay positive, no matter what life throws at you.” 

Clifford was born on 27^th June 1923 in West Yorkshire. He joined the Royal Air Force aged just 17 and in 1942 he volunteered for the bomber command where he trained as a navigator on a Lancaster Bomber. 

During his career he completed two tours – overall completing more than 50 operations. Knowing he had only 50% chance of survival for each mission, he survived, against the odds, and was uninjured.

He found the hardest part of being a Lancaster Bomber during the war was losing so many friends and comrades. He “never knew if it was his turn next and would see the empty places at breakfast the next morning”. 

Describing being on board a Lancaster Bomber, Clifford said: “Conditions on board were very basic with no creature comforts. It was cold, noisy and very frightening when subjected to almost constant anti-aircraft fire over Germany.”

After the war, Clifford forged a hugely successful career as a Legal Executive, where he was highly respected for his sharp perception and incisive thinking, with some of the highest judges in the country holding him in huge esteem. 

Due to his job, he moved across the country, living in Essex, the Midlands and then settled in Sussex, where he stayed until his retirement. 

He married three times during his life and has two children and a step-daughter, and two grandchildren and three step grandchildren and one great granddaughter. 

Karen White, Clifford’s daughter, said: “My dad’s a very modest war hero. We’re incredibly proud of all his achievements and surviving despite the odds being very much against him throughout the war. He is a brilliant story teller, with fantastic memories which keep people spellbound. Happy birthday, Dad!”

Wojciech Kuczkowski, General Manager at Seccombe Court, said: “Clifford is a much-loved resident here at Seccombe Court. Inspired by Clifford’s history in the RAF, we were excited to organise a truly special birthday for his milestone. 

“Here at Seccombe Court, we always like to celebrate significant milestones, and Clifford’s 100^th birthday was no exception. The team worked tirelessly to make sure his day was one to remember, and we would like to thank everyone who came along to wish Clifford a happy birthday.

“It has been a day of honouring all of Clifford’s many achievements and one we will not forget for a long time to come. A very happy birthday Clifford!” 

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Seccombe Court incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The home provides full-time residential care, nursing care, dementia care and respite care. 

To find out more about Seccombe Court, call Home Admissions Advisor, Steve Dumbrill, on 01295 298795, email steve.dumbrill@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/seccombe-court