A 100-year-old war veteran who flew bombers in the classic film The Dam Busters has received an honorary membership of the Royal Air Forces Association.
Ken Souter, who lives with his wife at the Haig Housing Trust in Morden, flew Spitfires and Hurricanes for the RAF during the Second World War. He survived two air crashes in his additional role as a test pilot.
He went on to become a personal pilot for the head of the McAlpine family, and was the lead Lancaster bomber pilot in The Dam Busters, released in 1955.
Ken was presented with his honorary membership by David Meanwell, Chairman of the Kenley and Caterham Branch of the RAF Association, the charity that supports the wellbeing of RAF veterans, serving personnel and their families.
David said: “It was an honour to present Ken with his membership. As well as being one of the few surviving RAF pilots who flew in the war, the part he played in The Dam Busters – one of the best-loved films about the RAF – was vital in recreating that remarkable mission onscreen.”
Earlier this year, Ken celebrated his 100th birthday with his family and the RAF Association’s Director of Membership Del Rowlands, as well the Chief Executive of the Haig Housing Trust Brigadier James Richardson and the Mayor of Merton, Janice Howard. He also met Her Majesty The Queen when she visited Haig Housing Trust in October.
