A Belleville WWII veteran had a big surprise on Friday as he celebrates a special birthday.
Members of 8 Maintenance Squadron at CFB Trenton and 418 Wing RCAF Association Belleville gathered outside Quinte Gardens to sing Happy Birthday to Bill Robertson. (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)
They were joined by members of the community and of Quinte Gardens as well.
Robertson turns 99 on Saturday.
Veteran Bill Robertson celebrated his 99th birthday in a big way. (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)
He is a long-time member of 418 Wing.
During World War II, Robertson joined the RCAF and ended up as a Flying Officer “bomber aimer” on bombing missions over Europe.
During one of those bombing raids his Halifax aircraft went down over Belgium.
Parachuting out safely, his first contact was with two school children who took him to an uncle.
From there he went on to be questioned by the Resistance.
Next, a miraculous reunion with a few of his crew, and months of dodging the Germans, hiding out with the help of brave local citizens.
In one case, he was temporarily shuttled into another house while his host was taken in to be questioned by the Germans, then back to his hideout home.
Robertson spent months with these Resistance helpers before being rescued when the area was liberated by the U.S. Third Army.
Members of 8 Maintenance Squadron at CFB Trenton and 418 Wing RCAF Association Belleville gathered outside Quinte Gardens to sing Happy Birthday to Bill Robertson. (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)
Lieutenant Colonel Brian Tang of the 8 Maintenance Squadron tells Quinte News that Robertson has been a guest at Squadron dinners for a number of years and they appreciate his dedication to the country.
418 Wing Chair Murray Hope says the Wing serves veterans like Robertson who have served their country.
