101-Year-Old Veteran Loops Legendary WW2 Aircraft

[@jetsons101]

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

[@iakona23]

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]

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

[@SteveDentonClassics]

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]

They say they are the greatest generation of that era.

[@harrybourne1149]

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

[@Ryback1992]

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

[@Fatherofheroesandheroines]

When real men saved the world from evil!

[@wmelliott3802]

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

[@guylancaster2055]

From real evil

[@stephenharrison7514]

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

[@Seygem]

"real men" as opposed to?

[@wmelliott3802]

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

[@GrayWolf-745]

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.

[@privatepilot4064]

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]

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..

[@jeremymorrall6750]

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'.

[@user-iv4io3im2k]

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

[@hailstone2554]

Your post is a testemt to your service as well Sir

[@janebruce6625]

Thank you sir for your service with respect 🇬🇧🏅🏅🏅🏅🇱🇷

[@thephilpott2194]

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!

[@philjones6054]

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

[@benjy-adams]

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

[@MrSunlander]

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

[@skyislands8887]

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

[@mikeschillinger4427]

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

[@martijnphilipse6864]

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

[@danfarris135]

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

[@AW-Services]

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

[@mrs.g.9816]

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!

[@chrisfoster9080]

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.

[@scottmartinezguitarandbass]

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!!!

[@simonrichards6739]

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

[@darkstarnh]

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

[@jimibotang]

The little smile as he takes off again :)

[@GTX1123]

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]

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

[@heythisisminenotyours]

What a incredible man and 101! Wow!

[@buffplums]

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

[@ianlloyd1182]

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.

[@YachtReport]

Outstanding! Congratulations to everyone involved in getting this hero back in the air!

[@benmiz9742]

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 ❤️

[@maxwellfan55]

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.

[@williamrobinson7435]

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. 🇬🇧🌟👍

[@SS-17333]

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.

[@FingalsMyst]

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.

[@privatepilot4064]

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

[@alainchampot6421]

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

[@badkatrising3918]

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

[@hadleyscott1160]

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.

[@davidholmgren659]

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

[@sergioleone3583]

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.

[@peterbrown1208]

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

[@andrewmacdonald4833]

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

[@MrBrentles]

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

[@kevindelaney1951]

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

[@gillie-monger3394]

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

[@Paul-lm5gv]

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

[@davidcreager1945]

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

[@ChevyBM]

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!

[@sisuriffs]

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]

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

[@danlovett3697]

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 ....

[@oneshotme]

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

[@lieuwina]

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.

[@joereedsmith1531]

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.

[@seegurke93]

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

[@gavinvalentino1313]

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

[@isotope3223]

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

[@coldlakealta4043]

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

[@angusgow1887]

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.

[@LittleBird777]

Incredible man, incredible aircraft, wonderful legacy ❤

[@HoratioNelsonDukeofBronte]

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

[@starliner1649A]

Happy birthday Mr. Bernard ! From Brazil 🇧🇷.

[@gmccord1970]

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

[@tadhgcronin175]

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

[@damiendavis5151]

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.

[@torn.blue.sky101]

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

[@payres48]

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

[@timgrinton6249]

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

[@philclarkstone6873]

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

[@Jmo-liv]

More life to you sir. Well done.

[@enwz96]

Such a great gentleman, hero, role model and more. Thank you for your service.

[@alexandrugarvaneanu2510]

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

[@jamesboston7457]

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

[@mickymikehodge3510]

Thank you Bernard

[@thomasnewton8997]

Thank you Bernard

[@shinvelcro]

Chappy looks and sounds amazing for 101! Many thanks for your service.

[@davidrudd9846]

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

[@rezamostafid8810]

This young man is truly inspiring ....

[@silent1967]

Fine looking man at 101, GOD BLESS HIM.

[@vintagetintrader1062]

The 2 seater hurricane just looks right, amazing story, aircraft and especially the gentleman that flew these aircraft into battle in WW2

[@Rabmac1UK]

God Bless That Man. Thank you Bernard

[@dalj4362]

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

[@pjhunton]

Awesome fella, great man flying a great machine....Thank you Sir for all you and your colleagues did for us

[@zeberdee1972]

What an incredible Gent , good on you Bernard Gardiner 🙂

[@neilfleming2787]

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

[@strizhi6717]

Happy Birthday!! Wow just wow my absolute highest respect and honored just to see this.. Thank you for your service and we will remember all those who fought by our side

[@MrAndrew1953]

That’s incredible to see and hear a from a man who flew a Typhoon for 71 combat missions and survived the war. It would be fascinating to read about some of the missions he flew, the type of operations they were given and some of the key events- ie when he lost his wingman.

[@P-CROZIER]

Absolutely Wonderful to see this, Thank You Sir for Your Service to Freedom 👏🏼👏🏼

[@patricklemarie1314]

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

[@Dzordzikk]

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

[@borninjordan7448]

Thank you for everything you have done for us, Bernard.

[@richardharp4398]

Happy birthday Bernard Gardner. You are an incredible inspiration to us!! Wow

[@soggybottom3463]

God bless everyone involved here. Wonderful, thank you xx🤗🤗

[@mfgc2610]

Thank you sir for your service to return world peace. Sure looked like a great fit in that cockpit!

[@freedomforever6718]

A remarkable and incredibly important piece of WWll aviation and, indeed, human history. Bravo!

[@davidareeves]

Hurricane 101 - By Bernard - We salute you!

[@JohnSmith-ro6vw]

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

[@davidjewell3227]

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

[@garethjackson9563]

Thanks