For Malcolm Gunton, being a pilot was a dream of his since he was five years old. Ninety-five years later, the 100-year-old is recalling some of the experiences he has had in his illustrious career.

Mal, as he is more commonly known as, celebrated his 100th birthday this week surrounded by his family and thousands of memories from his years of service to the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

With bagpipes, letters from friends, family and even one from King Charles III, the former military pilot and Air Commodore, with more than 7000 hours of flying time, enjoyed his birthday on Thursday next to his four children, telling stories about his life, military training, childhood and experiences of the different wars he fought aboard of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.

“I first joined the army and then jumped into the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Flying was my biggest dream since I saw an aeroplane for the first time when I was just a child and lived at Ōtamarākau in the Western Bay of Plenty.”

Mal says he has had some amazing experience and adventures flying as a combat pilot.

Some good memories came to him and his family during his time flying lifesaving missions.

“My father received one of his favourite medals, the Air Force Cross of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, after saving a woman in labour. At that time he piloted a flying boat called Sunderland and that aircraft was used to bring her from Niue to Auckland,” says Mal’s daughter Lyn 

Living in different places around the world, attending more than one school and being strictly punctual are some of the memories Malcom’s children have.

“I remember living in different military bases during my father's career as an Air Force pilot, I also remember studying in 8 different primary schools, but I met a lot of people and places thanks to my dad, says Malcom’s son Ian.

Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) 1968, Air Force Cross (AFC) 1959, New Zealand Operational Service Medal, Vietnam Medal, War Medal 1939-1945, and New Zealand War Service Medal are some of the most memorable decorations Mal achieved after a life of service to the military.

The former high-ranking officer now enjoys his days at Arvida Bethlehem Views retirement village in his “eternal love”, Bay of Plenty.

The Royal New Zealand Airforce Air Commodore retired Malcolm Gunton, turned 100 surrounded by family and friends.

“It’s just another beautiful day in paradise is one of the sayings of my father,” says Susan, who also remembers him as a strict but always positive and lovely father.

Arvida Bethlehem Views village manager Jane Verry says it’s an honour for the village to have a resident like Malcolm, with all his stories and his contributions to NZ as part of the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

“It’s simply lovely to see him sharing his stories, he is always kind and nice, and despite being a high-ranked military, is a humble and lovely human being.”