Bombing of Darwin hero Brian Winspear celebrates his 100th birthday

One of Australia’s greatest wartime heroes, Brian Winspear, has turned 100 years old and reveals his tips for how live as long and as happily as he has.

• Sole survivor unveils plaque to honour his fallen Bombing of Darwin mates
• Brian Winspear celebrates 99th birthday at bowls club and reveals secrets to long and happy life

ONE of Darwin’s greatest wartime heroes, Brian Winspear has turned 100 years old today, some 80 years after he helped defend the Top End in the Bombing of Darwin.

Now living in the Hobart suburb of Bellerive, Mr Winspear had a few tips for how live as long and as happily as he had.

Bombing of Darwin veteran Flight Lieutenant Brian Winspear at the unveiling of a plaque which represented the 2 and 13 RAAF Hudson Bomber Squadrons. Winspear is the last remaining crew member from these squadrons. Picture: KERI MEGELUS

“When I was about 6 or 7 I used to get sixpence a week pocket money, that went straight to the Clover Leaf cafe in Launceston to get a milkshake and I’ve been drinking milkshakes ever since,” he said.

“If you’ve got stairs in the house you live 17 per cent and a half longer so I take the stairs whenever I can.”

Mr Winspear said knowing when to stop the grog was also important, while spending his five months of the year in warmer climates was also important.

Brian Winspear joined the Royal Australian Air Force as a navigator and Hudson wireless air gunner in 1939 at the age of 19 and was stationed in Kupang on 18 February 1942.

“I was always a heavy drinker until I got to about 80 and started falling over with alcohol so I had to give it up,” he said. “I don’t know whether climate’s got anything to do with it but for the last 29 years, (my wife) Shirley and I have both gone to Bowen for five months in the winter and I think that’s got a lot with health.”

Mr Winspear said he was looking forward to celebrating his birthday in Darwin as soon as the authorities allowed him later this year or early next year.