‘The casualty rate was so high – no one thought they’d reach 100’: War pilot respects fallen comrades as he cycles his way to centenary

A Second World War Spitfire pilot has cycled his way to his 100th birthday to the applause of his family and friends.

Douglas Seale got on his bike at his care home in Edinburgh, almost 80 years after he completed his last mission on his fighter aircraft.

He was one of generation of brave airmen hugely respected by all – including the Luftwaffe’s Messerschmitt pilots who made it their mission to shoot them out of the sky.

The average life expectancy of a Spitfire pilot during the Battle Of Britain was just four weeks, with those signing up playing a crucial role in the protecting ground troops and helping to defend their country. While Douglas joined the fight later in the war, not making it out alive was a constant threat.

Now, as the Edinburgh war veteran marked his century of life, Douglas toasted his fallen comrades.

Getting on his bike

The Australian-born Air Force veteran, who settled in Scotland after the war, said: “I am so happy to be here, celebrating a century of a wonderful life, surrounded by my family and friends whom I love so much.

“I think too, of those who did not return from war and think of them often.

“The casualty rate was so high and let’s put it like this, none of us thought they would make 100. My love of cycling goes back to my childhood since I was six, and it has certainly been valuable in reaching 100.”

The Australian Veteran’s Affairs Dept is marking his milestone birthday with a special 100th birthday letter from the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Matt Keogh. Meanwhile, many relatives and friends made a 10,500- mile journey to toast his success.

Getting back on his bike honoured a promise Douglas made a decade ago on his 90th birthday when he used to clock up many more miles. As the oldest member of the Scottish branch of the Veteran Cycling Club, he cut a fine figure on his bike, with few people guessing his age as he whizzed by them.

“I would smile as I saw them trying to work out how old I was,” he said. “No matter the weather, I was out on my bike and I believe this has served me well.”

© Andrew Cawley

He bought his 1896 bone-shaker antique two-wheeler in an Australian auction 17 years ago, for £825. He fitted a special saddle for extra comfort and to shield his aching joints.

And, apart from a touch of oil on its chain and new tyres down the years, his bike is relatively unchanged from when it was first sold.

Made by JK Starley, the model was called the Rover, and became a forerunner to the world-famous Rover car brand.

Douglas said: “I have been at the controls of many machines – from Spitfire to bikes – and the two-wheelers are by far the best.

“I bought my favourite bike when I was in the Air Force and it took me to and from the base.”

That trusty steed was a 1938 Phillips model which he bought for the princely sum of £10 – just shy of £600 in today’s money.

‘Keep moving, keep living’

Douglas has continued doing his bit for the country – earlier this month he voted in the general election.

“My dad was very keen that we continue to have the right to democracy, a tribute to his generation and many since,” he said.

© Kenny Smith / DC Thomson

Douglas, who arrived in Britain as an Air Force pilot in 1943, married and settled in Scotland where he has stayed since. Scientific research on ageing by Dr Euan Ashley, Associate Dean at Standford University School of Medicine, proves exercise is the most important factor in delaying or slowing down ageing.

Other research shows it can reduce the biological ageing speedometer by 12 years.

Testament to that is veteran cyclist Jack Eckenrode 95, who completed a 20K race at the US National Senior Games in March this year.

With a motto of “keep moving, keep living” few would argue with cycling centenarian Douglas who has beaten immense odds to celebrate his big day.