A former Bletchley Park codebreaker has said “moderation” is the key to his long life as he celebrated his 100th Birthday.
Patrick Fields, from Bishops Stortford, is marking his centenary as he is looking forward to turning 100 on Monday, July 20.
He spent Sunday, the day before his birthday, celebrating at the Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club in the town centre.
Speaking to GB News, Mr Fields said he was delighted to see so many people turn out early to wish him well.
He told The People’s Channel: “I’m very surprised to see so many people here today. Honestly, I’m just amazed I’ve made it so long.”
“It was so different way back then, people don;t forget everything was rationed back then. Not just food.”
When asked what advice he would give to young people, he said: “Take advantage of what life offers you. Do the things you love but always keep moderation in mind. Never go the whole hog.
“There’s an old Greek saying, ‘Μηδὲν ἄγαν’, it means ‘nothing in excess’. I think that’s why I’m still here.”
Patrick Fields celebrated his 100th birthday
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GB NEWS
Mr Fields worked in the second half of the 1940s at Bletchley Park, where he would decode and decipher Japanese messages.
Japanese intercepts were picked up by listening posts in India and East Africa before being sent to Bletchley.
They were received in four-figure groups and later decoded before being translated by Mr Fields.
Bletchley Park supplied Japanese Air Force intelligence, meaning it was possible to counter air raids in real time.
During his time at Bletchley, Patrick joined the orchestra and played the clarinet.
He also joined their drama group, adding one of his happiest memories was being in a production of The Importance of Being Earnest.
Patrick alongside daughter Caroline and son Roger
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GB NEWS
Speaking about his father’s achievements, Roger Fields, 55, said his father was the “last of his kind”, adding the family is now eagerly awaiting a letter from the King, which they said they were expecting to receive later this week.
He told GB News: “He’s outlived so many others from his era, but I’m delighted there’s so many people who have come here to support him. He’s the last of a kind.
“He’s got a great network of friends around him and it’s very touching to see what he means to everyone.”
Patrick’s daughter, Caroline Mulliez, added, “I’m so proud of what he’s done. He’s been brilliant.”
Mark Greatbatch said Patrick is still ‘sharp as a tack’
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GB NEWS
Shortly after World War Two, Mr Fields was employed by GCHQ (Government Communications Headquarters) and posted to Cyprus, where he continued to work in the civil service.
In the years since, he joined the Bishop’s Stortford Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club, which meets at The Port Jackson on the first and third Sundays of the month from 9.30am.
At the helm of the club is Mark Greatbatch, who told GB News about the crucial support the club provides for veterans.
He said: “It’s a privilege to be here this morning. It’s been incredible to see Pat get to such a milestone.”
Patrick is celebrating his 100th birthday
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GB NEWS
Mr Greatbatch continued: “It’s all very casual, everyone’s very likeminded, it’s all very laid back. Everyone is really friendly.”
“Patrick is honestly as sharp as a tack. He knows what he wants, he has vey little external support and he loved to get out and about.
“I mean it’s absolutely heartwarming. Sadly, the values of people like Patrick are being forgotten. That sense of hard work. Back in the day, people had appreciation and pride in what they did.
“Having said that, Pat is happy with what he did and what he has got. That’s all that matters, really.”
Mr Fields celebrated the birthday with a cake donated by South Street Pantry of Bishop’s Stortford, plus being gifted a DAB Radio courtesy of Eddie Latham and PJ Scott of Majority Audio and a laptop from local IT company, IT vet.