101-Year-Old Veteran Loops Legendary WW2 Aircraft

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101-Year-Old Veteran Loops Legendary WW2 Aircraft

Рет қаралды 206,989

Күн бұрын

A veteran pilot has returned to the skies to celebrate his 101st birthday. Bernard Gardiner took off in the world's only two-seat Hawker Hurricane having last flown it more than 80 years ago during the Second World War.
The flight was a thank you from the Hawker Preservation Group after Bernard's support to help raise funds for the rebuild of another aircraft, the Hawker Typhoon, that he also flew during WW2. The group is hoping to raise £6.5 million to restore it back to its former glory.
In this heartwarming video, you can watch Bernard soar through the skies once again in a Hawker Hurricane, reliving his memories and embodying the spirit of courage that defined an era.
Remember to subscribe to our channel for more compelling stories of courage, history, and the preservation of our past.
You can find out more about the group here: hawkertyphoon.... and to make a donation please click the following link: hawkertyphoon....
Thanks to Mark Litherland for supplying extra footage.
#AviationHistory #VeteranStories #HawkerTyphoonPreservation #HawkerHurricane #DuxfordAirfield
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Пікірлер: 356

@iakona23 Жыл бұрын

He sounds really great. Great voice. If I only listened to him speak I would have no idea whether he was 50 or 101.

@mazdaman2315 Жыл бұрын

It’s suprising sometimes I work for an agency that transports elderly people to doctors appointments one of our drivers is 96 years old he sounds like he’s about 50

@jetsons101 Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Bernard Gardner, for your service to your country and to Freedom....

@SteveDentonClassics Жыл бұрын

You would never think Bernard was 101, he talks and walks as good as someone half his age. Such a gentleman, so humble about what he has done for his country. And so grateful for his birthday flight. What a guy! They don't make them like they used to. Happy Birthday Bernard, thank you for all you have done for us during the war, and I really do hope you live to see the Typhoon fly again 👍

@1998gst4611 4 ай бұрын

They say they are the greatest generation of that era.

@harrybourne1149 Жыл бұрын

Happy 101st Birthday Bernard! A true hero! 🎂 🇬🇧

@jeremymorrall6750 Жыл бұрын

I knew an old fighter pilot who had flown Hawker Typhoons among other aircraft during WW2. He wrote to his parents to say that the Typhoon 'sounded as though it ran on chisels'.

@Ryback1992 Жыл бұрын

Incredible. Thank you to Bernard & it will be incredible to see a Typhoon flying.

@Fatherofheroesandheroines Жыл бұрын

When real men saved the world from evil!

@wmelliott3802 Жыл бұрын

They'll be spinning in their graves at the state of our world now 😔

@guylancaster2055 Жыл бұрын

From real evil

@stephenharrison7514 Жыл бұрын

Very disrespectful to young service people (and their families)who die in modern wars.

@Seygem Жыл бұрын

"real men" as opposed to?

@wmelliott3802 Жыл бұрын

@@Seygem as opposed to the alphabet of weirdos nowadays I'd reckon eh 🤔

@philjones6054 Жыл бұрын

What a truly wonderful man, flying in a truly wonderful aircraft.

@thephilpott2194 Жыл бұрын

A humble gentleman....and he does of course know the difference between a roll and a loop; he was just too polite to point it out!

@skyislands8887 Жыл бұрын

My family served in the RAAF. We call them men, but they were boys provided with the most formidable of task's , to return safely only to be given the next mission to return from . To Bernard , my respect and gratitude. Lest we forget

@Dan-gg8fk 4 ай бұрын

I'm a senior citizen now and have not flown in almost 40 years. I seriously doubt that I could have executed a roll as well as he did. God bless you sir and thank you for your service.

@mikeschillinger4427 Жыл бұрын

What a lovely gentleman. I hope he gets to see the Typhoon fly again.

@privatepilot4064 Жыл бұрын

Flying is similar to riding a bike. You never forget how to do it! You could see 1944 in his expressions as he flew. He was indeed a young man again! Absolutely wonderful story!

@brianperry 11 ай бұрын

l started riding a motorcycle 60 years ago, even now when l throw a leg over the seat of my present bike and fire her up I'm a young 'rocker' from the sixties...injury and perhaps death is just as close....but at least I'm not being shot at....Respect Bernard..

@martijnphilipse6864 Жыл бұрын

Seeing that legend's face lighten up the moment weight was off the wheels was just magic

@MrSunlander Жыл бұрын

Amazing how lucid and expressive Mr Gardiner is. Thanks for this episode HH!

@darkstarnh Жыл бұрын

A quiet, self effacing man who did extraordinary things. Legend.

@benjy-adams Жыл бұрын

What an absolute legend....sad to think there's only a few of his generation left...a very special generation indeed...

@jimibotang Жыл бұрын

The little smile as he takes off again :)

@danfarris135 Жыл бұрын

Just for a moment, he was young again. Thank you for doing this for him.

@user-iv4io3im2k Жыл бұрын

Happy Birthday Sir. Thank you for your service and saving freedom. Former U.S. Marine myself.

@hailstone2554 4 ай бұрын

Your post is a testemt to your service as well Sir

@heythisisminenotyours Жыл бұрын

What a incredible man and 101! Wow!

@chrisfoster9080 Жыл бұрын

To answer your 1st question, Most likely feeding the worms. So that's why i'm happy to be able to see this while i can. It is an honor to be able to see the work The Hawker Preservation Group has done and a pleasure to see Captain Gardiner, A man born in Moose Jaw. get back in the saddle again. Thank you for giving such an appropriate gift to a MOST deserving man.

@buffplums Жыл бұрын

What an incredible man is Bernard. He makes me feel like there is hope

@simonrichards6739 Жыл бұрын

What a humble hero, I hope he gets to see her fly!

@mrs.g.9816 Жыл бұрын

Mr. Gardner's ride in the Hawker Hurricane, the rebuilding of the Hawker Typhoon, and Mr. Gardner himself - Totally awesome! Mr. Gardner was from my dad's generation, and from my dad, a sniper in the US Army, I heard stories about the awful sacrifices it took to help save the world from evil. Thank you, and God bless you, Mr. Gardner!

@AW-Services Жыл бұрын

What an amazing gentleman who doesn't look a day older than 70. Thank you for your service

@GTX1123 Жыл бұрын

This brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful way to honor both this man and this aircraft's legacy. Most people think of the Spitfire when they remember the Battle of Britain, but without the Hawker Hurricane the battle would have been lost. While it was slower, the Hurricane could easily outturn the Spit and the bf109. It was actually the perfect compliment to the Spit and vice versa.

@peterjones7673 Жыл бұрын

What a great video. We owe so much to this magnificent gentleman and all who participated during WW2 many paying the ultimate sacrifice who served our country so that we can have the freedom we have now. I salute you Sir

@scottmartinezguitarandbass Жыл бұрын

Please History Hit, sit down with this hero and tease those stories out of him! What a national treasure this gentleman is!!! May he live much longer!!!

@FingalsMyst Жыл бұрын

Thank You Bernard, gentlemen like you and my great uncles made our world a safe place. My ultimate wish is to fly a spitfire, but the Hawker Typhoon is grand plane.

@williamrobinson7435 Жыл бұрын

Heartwarming indeed. Thank you for this! But most of all, thank you Bernard for your distinguished service. The Typhoon is a hugely impressive marque, especially once it found its 'ground attack' niche. That huge airscoop, coupled with the high pitched, high revving engine plus formidable black/white invasion stripes, when used, must have made this an awesome weapon to face, even before it had fired a shot. The ack ack Bernard will have faced in his, was it 77 missions? Remarkable. His family must be as proud as punch, and deservedly so. 🇬🇧🌟👍

@benmiz9742 Жыл бұрын

So so good. This legend getting to jump back in his chariot almost 80 year later, brings a tear to my eye. Thank you for the service and sacrifice you gave to the free world ❤️

@hadleyscott1160 Жыл бұрын

For 101 this man’s is still strong. Probably stronger than I am at 70. I wish him many flights he’s Earned That! Without Those “Few Brave Men” we’d all be speaking German or Japanese.

@maxwellfan55 Жыл бұрын

Eloquent and persuasive introduction, let's hope this fantastic project gets finally "off the ground". Thank you Bernard, my old RAF dad (enlisted 1944) would have loved this had he still been here. We lost so many Typhoon pilots in training or accidents, I understand the aircraft was tricky to fly and land till the pilots became more accustomed to its ways.

@alainchampot6421 Жыл бұрын

So touching to see this old eagle flying again in a fighter of his time. One can imagine his thoughts as he takes-off!

@gillie-monger3394 Жыл бұрын

Now that's a hero. The very definition in fact.

@lieuwina 2 ай бұрын

You would not say that Bernard Gardner is 101 years old, he is so humble and such a gentleman. He was so thrilled that he did the loop. Well done Sir. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Salute.

@davidholmgren659 Жыл бұрын

A gentleman and a pilot. I would expect no less from his generation.

@peterbrown1208 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Bernard! I hope I'm that sharp when I'm in my second century. Wonderful man.

@badkatrising3918 Жыл бұрын

Can only imagine how many emotions went through his mind during that flight. The sadness, the joy, all coming to him in waves.

@andrewmacdonald4833 Жыл бұрын

He's so typical of his generation..a remarkable man..gentle and unassuming....

@SS-17333 Жыл бұрын

What a magnificent individual. It’s amazing at 101 he is in full command and has the energy and presence of a far younger man. The body aged but the man is still a warrior. Respect.

@philclarkstone6873 Жыл бұрын

I do declare he became 21 again in that flight. What an amazing fellow..

@MrBrentles Жыл бұрын

Looks tops for his age. What a legend. Happy birthday old sport!!

@privatepilot4064 4 ай бұрын

Did you notice the smile on his face as soon they they were airborne? It never gets old even when we do!

@ianlloyd1182 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Bernard, you are one of those to whom we owe so much for the freedom we have had for the past 77 years. Let us not forget that freedom has cost many dearly. Lest we forget.

@davidcreager1945 Жыл бұрын

That's just freaking AWESOME !!!! Good for him 👍 it's hard to believe that he's 101 !!!!!!

@sergioleone3583 4 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for keeping the memories of what these young men did for us all those many years ago. The act of remembering the forgotten is a fundamental refusal to surrender the future to entropy.

@sisuriffs Жыл бұрын

With respect, their sacrifices will never have been “in vain”; thanks to them, we have freedom, democracy, and the institutions that promote and advance them. The responsibility is now on us and on the next generations to stand up for what they passed to us. Projects like this will help us all to remain vigilant and to avoid taking anything they fought for, for granted. Thanks for your work on this important project.

@douglasjones2955 Жыл бұрын

Wake up, look around you, look at the state of our country, our cities, the invasion of our land, aided and abetted by the traitors in Westminster - it was all for nothing

@isotope3223 Жыл бұрын

So awesome, what a great project to honour men like Bernard

@kevindelaney1951 Жыл бұрын

Well done Sir. So few of the so few left. Glad he got to fly again.

@davidgray3321 5 ай бұрын

People sometimes forget how young WW2 pilots were, my father was trained to fly by the RAF aged 17 straight out of The Leys School Cambridge. Went solo very fast, and loved every minute of it. Chocks away Bernard.

@jademorriz Жыл бұрын

More life to you sir. Well done.

@gavinvalentino6002 Жыл бұрын

*THANK GOD FOR THE ARROW IN THE THUMBNAIL TO SHOW US WHERE THE AIRPLANE IS.*

@seegurke93 Жыл бұрын

Damn tears in my eyes... I wish on my 101st I can fly in a 737-800 again. I missed the days as First Officer on the Beauty... happy to still have more than 30 years of flying ahead of me for the Airlines :) - Now A320 First Officer

@coldlakealta4043 Жыл бұрын

from Canada: there is no way to adequately thank those of all nations who fought at great cost to give us the freedom we have today. bless them all - may they never be forgotten

@Paul-lm5gv Жыл бұрын

*We owe so much to the men - and women- who fought and supported the fighting to save the world!*

@LittleBird777 Жыл бұрын

Incredible man, incredible aircraft, wonderful legacy ❤

@HoratioNelsonDukeofBronte Жыл бұрын

Truly beautiful and inspiring. Thank you from the thousands Bernard!! Happy birthday 😁🙂

@payres48 Жыл бұрын

What a wonderful old gentleman. I had an uncle who was a Spitfire pilot.

@ChevyBM 4 ай бұрын

This is wonderful, he was 20 again when he got back in the cockpit! God bless him and the good folks that restored this wonderful aircraft!

@joereedsmith1531 Жыл бұрын

Talk about keep calm and carry on. What an absolute 100% genuine Legend is Bernard. Next time you are fortunate enough to pass a WW2 Veteran dont let that moment pass without a Handshake and a hearty thanks as you may not have the chance again.

@mickymikehodge3510 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Bernard

@rosalindyates7331 7 ай бұрын

"I was just doing my job"! I think that sentence alone says everything about this generation of brave men and women.

@oneshotme Жыл бұрын

You know he LOVED that and a BIG THANK YOU to those who made it happen!!!!!! Enjoyed your video and I gave it a Thumbs Up

@torn.blue.sky101 Жыл бұрын

Absolutely remarkable and heartwarming to see. God bless yah, Bernard.

@Dzordzikk Жыл бұрын

Taking up WWII vets again after all these years must be a great feeling in a pilot's career.

@angusgow1887 Жыл бұрын

Yes takes a little time to get veterans to open up with their stories, I found asking them about how bad the rations were was a good opener . Thank you Barnard for your service and all those of the RAF. A generation that was asked to do so much and responded with dedication and humility.

@gmccord1970 4 ай бұрын

What a great birthday for a great man to fly a great aircraft! Greeting from across the pond! 🇺🇸 🇬🇧

@starliner1649A 4 ай бұрын

Happy birthday Mr. Bernard ! From Brazil 🇧🇷.

@JohnSmith-ro6vw 6 ай бұрын

These men like Gardiner are legends. God bless them all.

@rezamostafid8810 5 ай бұрын

This young man is truly inspiring ....

@dalj4362 2 ай бұрын

The best generation Britain has ever had! My Nan was the same. A very special lady with morals, manners, and respect.

@silent1967 Жыл бұрын

Fine looking man at 101, GOD BLESS HIM.

@tadhgcronin175 Жыл бұрын

What a wonderful story. Not alone reaching 101 but taking to the air again and the aircraft was beautifully restored.

@thefinalseries Жыл бұрын

Blokes a legend. Flew 71 missions so people like me can enjoy their freedom and remains totally humble.

@patricklemarie1314 Жыл бұрын

We must pay tribute to these brave men who were part of our recovered freedom.

@jamesboston7457 4 ай бұрын

Thank. You Bernard for your service this was amazing seeing you back in the air

@michaelwhite8031 Жыл бұрын

What a marvellous old man.

@sergioleone3583 4 ай бұрын

This Yank has the highest appreciation, respect, and gratitude for these true Brits.

@zeberdee1972 Жыл бұрын

What an incredible Gent , good on you Bernard Gardiner 🙂

@Rabmac1UK Жыл бұрын

God Bless That Man. Thank you Bernard

@alexandrugarvaneanu2510 Жыл бұрын

Da stimate domnule pilot. Sunteți un mare reverend cu înalt respect în materie de zbor.

@damiendavis5151 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Youth of today shall never know those dark days and the selflessness of you and your fellow servicemen and women.

@kennethandersson4325 Жыл бұрын

This man is a real hero👍👍👍👍👍

@neilfleming2787 Жыл бұрын

WOW, for 101 he looks so good and obviously his mind is still sharp

@jj3710 4 ай бұрын

This man is such an inspiration.

@How_to_Fish Жыл бұрын

Bernard's in excellent condition, not just for 101 years old but for someone 20 or 30 years younger!!

@roconnor01 6 ай бұрын

He took that loop, like it was nothing at all ; wonderful !

@danlovett3697 4 ай бұрын

It literally gave me chills , a laugh out loud , and a thunderous clap of the hands to watch the smile on his face as he looped the Hurricane !!!!! Well done sir , and thank you from a former Marine ( Yank 😉 ) . Love aviation , worked on F 18s during my time in service .... I sincerely appreciate everything our veterans have done , both here and across the pond . Thank You . Hope you are still with us and that you somehow see this ....

@Tron-Jockey Жыл бұрын

"Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few", thank you, Bernard Gardner. We owe you so much.

@Englander284 Жыл бұрын

beautiful aircraft

@timgrinton6249 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Bernard for your service and sacrifices in keeping us all safe during those terrible times.

@davidjewell3227 4 ай бұрын

God Bless these men, we are here thanks to them..

@davidareeves Жыл бұрын

Hurricane 101 - By Bernard - We salute you!

@johnishikawa2200 4 ай бұрын

Captain Bernard Gardiner put in his substantial contribution to the preservation of the free world all those years ago . He looks spry enough now to have really enjoyed this recent excursion in that airplane , and I bet that he appreciated that there weren't any Germans shooting at him this time !

@davidrudd9846 Жыл бұрын

It's amazing to hear these grand heroes saying Just doing my job. Nothing Special amazing human beings!!!!

@captainjonna1034 Жыл бұрын

o7 (salute) to Bernard Gardner, your saved my ancestors and saved me, i would not be here right now writing this comment without all of your sacrifices.