Henry William Parkins was born in the East End of London on 3 October 1924. He grew up and attended school in Hackney. The eldest of four children, Harry can't quite believe he will be 102 this year.
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This is Harry’s extraordinary story.
Who is Harry Parkins?
We all have definitive moments in our lives and Harry was just a teenager when his wartime experience redefined his career path.
He arrived at his workplace one day only to find smoking ruins. It had been destroyed by German bombers.
This steered him to volunteer for the Royal Air Force, and he was stationed in Lincolnshire – known as Bomber County because of the many airfields sited there. These included East Kirkby (630 Squadron), Fiskerton (576 Squadron), Waddington (50 Squadron) and more.
He was very proud to serve his country during the war and feels very lucky to have survived when so many lost their lives.
Harry has always remonstrated:
I’m not a hero. I just did the job I was trained for.”
He trained as a Flight Engineer. Harry, aka ‘Ackney Harry’, enjoyed the camaraderie with the Lancaster Bomber aircrews which included men from Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Being a Londoner, he felt safer in the sky with his crew than amongst the continual bombing and devastation of his home city.
He survived several ‘near misses’ including a mid-air collision and a crash in a Stirling whilst he was an instructor at a Heavy Conversion Unit.
He is believed to have been part of the longest flight by an Avro Lancaster during a round trip of over 2,000 miles: on a bombing raid to Munich on 24th April 1944, the route crossed the French Alps and Italy to fool the Luftwaffe night fighters. After taxiing for take-off, the plane was topped up. It ran out of fuel just as they touched down at East Kirkby, 10 hours and 25 minutes later.
He would go on to fly an incredible 47 operations in the latter part of World War 2 – exclusively in Avro Lancasters.
Thankfully, through Harry's involvement with International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln, many of his stories have now been archived for future generations.
Harry, pictured second from the left, is the last surviving member of the Chips’ Fry aircrew, 576 Squadron.
V E Day 1945
On VE Day itself, his final mission in the Lancaster was to drop food parcels to the starving Dutch on Operation Manna. Arriving back safely, he made his way to Lincoln that same night to join in the VE Day celebrations. There he met his wife at Stonebow’s where they danced the night away. The never-ending love story began here and led Harry to continue in the RAF until 1954, so that he could stay in Lincolnshire.
He did indeed wed the VE Day love of his life, Mavis, on 07 January 1948, and was married to her for 79 years.
A never-ending love story, Harry and Mavis met on VE Day 1945 and were married for 79 years.
Selflessly, his concern was always the welfare and safety of others. Now as a centenarian, he would climb in his Avro Lancaster tomorrow if he could:
“Do you have one? I’m ready to go.”
Connecting generations
Harry has always been ready to share his experiences with people of all ages, recognising the importance of those stories and the freedoms still being defended today. He is closely affiliated to 1237 North Hykeham Air Cadets, helping to connect generations past, present and future.
The 1237 North Hykeham RAF Cadets officially make Harry an Honorary Member of the Squadron.
On Freedom’s Wings – the embodiment of Harry’s legacy
When the turf-cutting ceremony took place to mark the beginning of the creation of the landmark, On Freedom’s Wings, Harry was one of 7 veterans present.
Sadly, again, he is the last surviving member of the group who were there that day back in 2018.
Veterans at the turf-cutting ceremony in 2018.
And so, when the dedication ceremony of the landmark, On Freedom’s Wings was being planned, the question was asked, ‘Who should be the guest of honour and perform the unveiling of the plaque?’
There was only one person for the job.
Meeting Harry Parkins
A gentle encounter of 2 veterans from different episodes of war resulted in a beautiful portrait of Harry taken after the unveiling.
Ex-military photographer, Paul Saxby, created a very special gift for Harry and his family.
"Meeting Harry was a wonderful experience. Such a kind, gentle man who saw some terrible things when he was young. I only spent a short time with him and his family but feel extremely privileged to have met one of the remaining few heroes who helped manage the outcome of World War 2. Ultimately, it’s allowed me to enjoy the freedoms we all have today."
This is Harry Parkins – the only man for the job to unveil a very special plaque in tribute to the fallen, nearly 56,000 aircrew who never returned.
The result will endure forever.
A royal introduction
Harry is always an esteemed guest at special anniversary occasions. At the Coningsby Battle of Britain Memorial Flight 60th Anniversary celebration in 2017, Harry met Prince William and when one of his aides tried to move him on, the compassionate royal refused to hurry insisting he talked to Harry and fellow veterans.
When Harry met William – a wonderful moment caught on camera.
A personal tribute from Diane Powell
Diane, Harry’s daughter, writes about Harry, the family man, his special celebrations, and tributes.
“My mother and father led a happy family life and were very pleased to have granddaughters and great-grandchildren.
“They especially enjoyed regular holidays abroad.
“Harry was always a big DIY person, known as 'fix it Grandad' by his granddaughters. As engineers do, he could put his hands to many tasks, including gardening, sewing, drawing and painting and was very adept at watchmaking, collecting a horde of clocks and watches.
“Harry was very healthy and active until he suffered two strokes in 2017 and 2018, when sadly he was diagnosed with dementia.
“Following several nasty falls and confusion, he is now happily residing in Eccleshare Country Court Care and Nursing Home, Lincoln. He is still quite amazing for 101 years old, is well settled, and treated with the love, respect and dignity he deserves.
“He has enjoyed many organised trips - pantomime, ten pin bowling, a visit to the International Bomber Command Centre, the Churchill exhibition at Doddington Hall, and the Dambuster Inn at Scampton. He especially enjoyed visiting the poppy installation at the International Bomber Command Centre featuring his own dedicated plaque.
Harry’s special plaque at the IBCC poppy installation.
“There have been many meaningful trips none more so than a surprise 100th birthday celebration when Eccleshare Court arranged a trip to East Kirkby in July 2024, where he was stationed during the war. His VIP experience included boarding the Lancaster 'Just Jane'.
Harry, VIP, at East Kirkby about to board ‘Just Jane’ to celebrate his 100th birthday.
"Family, friends and all at Eccleshare Court are immensely proud of Harry and his extraordinary achievements."
Special thanks
The Motorfinity team wish to thank Harry and his family for sharing this extraordinary story and the staff at Eccleshare Court for the exceptional care and attention afforded to Harry.
We also show our gratitude to eligible frontline workers by offering brand-new cars at exclusive discounted prices. Find out if you’re eligible today.
Header image credit: Alamy Stock Photo
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