Downham Market Second World War Mosquito Pilot Colin Bell, 104, given freedom of the town
A 104-year-old Second World War pilot has been granted the “highest honour” by the mayor and awarded freedom of the town.
Colin Bell was awarded the prestigious accolade by Downham Town Council, which held a special ceremony to commemorate him.
Retired flight lieutenant Colin, who turned 104 on March 5, is a Royal Air Force veteran and Distinguished Flying Cross holder and flew the de Havilland Mosquito fighter bomber and survived 50 raids over Germany.
On his return to the UK in 1943, he converted to twin-engine Mosquito Bombers and joined 608 Squadron (Pathfinder Group) based in Downham.
He ended his full-time RAF service in 1946, flying out of Blackbushe near Camberley, carrying Diplomatic mail to embassies situated in various parts of Europe and Africa.
After the Second World War, Colin qualified as a chartered surveyor and served for many years as a Government district valuer before setting up his own firm.
He married his late wife Kathlyn in July 1943, has two children, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Now at the age of 104, Mr Bell keeps himself busy by giving motivational speeches about his experiences from the Second World War.
Mr Bell, who now lives in Royal Tunbridge Wells, was awarded a BEM for Charitable Services in the 2025 New Year's Honours List.
The freedom of the town award is a rare accolade given out by Downham Town Council. In fact, the only other freedom of the town was given to RAF Marham after their crew returned from Afghanistan in 2010.
The council, which organised the event, described Colin as a “local hero”.
The event, where Mr Bell talked and answered questions, was made possible thanks to a ‘Love Your Town’ grant sponsored by the Govenment, West Norfolk Council and Norfolk County Council.
Downham mayor Barry Hobbs said: “We were proud to welcome Colin Bell to Downham, and I was pleased and honoured to present him with the Freedom of the Town. What an inspiration he is.”
