ONE of the last members of 'The Few' was honoured in military style as he celebrated his 99th birthday.

Terry Clark, from Wheldrake, is one of nine surviving RAF veterans from the Battle of Britain.

On his 99th birthday yesterday (Wednesday, April 11), Group Captain Keith Taylor, commanding officer of RAF Linton-on-Ouse, with a contingent from the station, and members of the Military Wives Choir, joined guests at his birthday party at Minster Grange Care Home.

“I’m not special,” said Terry. “I was just doing my job.

“It’s their way of saying thank you and of course I appreciate it.”

He wore his special Battle of Britain tie, only worn by those with flying connections to the Battle of Britain, for his special day.

Staff at the care home off Haxby Road, York, where Terry now lives, gave the party a 1940s feel.

Terry received the Distinguished Flying Medal for his bravery and service as an air gunner protecting York and the surrounding airfields in the Second World War.

He joined the Auxiliary Air Force at the age of 19, training in Surrey and on the Isle of Man.

He later joined 219 Squadron, a Blenheim fighter unit based at Catterick.

Speaking to The Press in 2010 about his experiences, Terry said: “I think the Battle of Britain proved to be the turning point of the war.

“But at the time we were unaware how vital it was to win. Then Churchill made his famous speech and we realised what it all meant.”

He helped mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain at York Minster in 2010 to commemorate the fallen.

He said that some of his fondest memories are of his pilot who had saved his life.

He said: “I was with Dudley Hobbis for three years and it was almost like a marriage really. We were very close; we had to be to do our job.

“After Hobbis stopped flying he planned one last patrol, but by then we were on different flights, so he took the spare navigator.

“It was the last time I saw him.”

Terry also took part in a service at Westminster Abbey in 2015 to mark the aerial conflict’s 75th anniversary, when thousands of people including the Prince of Wales spontaneously stood up to clap and cheer for him and six other air crew who took part in the battle.

He said it had been an “absolute privilege” to take part in the event and added: “I was very near to tears. It was very emotional.”

Terry was awarded five medals, including the rare Battle of Britain medal and clasp, as testimony to his courage.