AN RAF veteran who escaped imprisonment by the Japanese during the Second World War got the red carpet treatment for his 99th birthday.
Arthur Binks and wife, Hazel, were guests of honour at RAF Northolt last Wednesday, where they were greeted by the station commander, Group Captain Tom Barrett.
They were shown around the Sir Keith Park Building, the original operations room, which is being restored to its pre-war condition.
The couple then joined Group Captain Barrett for lunch in the historic dining room in the Officers' Mess before being taken back home to Iver Heath by helicopter, loaned for the day by Shannon Holdings and Construction.
Mr Binks joined the RAF in 1929 and served in a variety of squadrons. He fought in the Far East, where he was captured by the Japanese and held prisoner, but after managing to escape, he joined up with the Chindits, the special force fighting deep behind Japanese lines.
Group Captain Barrett said: "Binks is an exceptional gentleman and I am delighted that we were able to make his 99th birthday rather special for him.
"In a few months we will be celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. It is good in these busy times for the armed forces to occasionally take time out to honour the contribution made by our predecessors in the services."
