Jul 28, 2026
Welcome back to True Blue Conversations, where we preserve the stories of the men and women who have shaped Australias history through service, sacrifice, and resilience.
Todays guest is nothing short of extraordinary. Henry Young is one of the last living links to the Greatest Generation. At an incredible 102 years of age, Henry served as a Royal Air Force Spitfire pilot during the Second World War, taking to the skies at a time when courage was measured not in words, but in actions. He belonged to a generation of young men who answered the call without hesitation, knowing every mission could be their last. But Henrys remarkable life didnt end when the war was over. Returning home, he forged an outstanding career as a professional tennis player, proving that the determination and discipline that carried him through combat also drove him to excel in sport. His life has spanned more than a century of extraordinary change, from the darkest days of World War II to the modern world we know today.
In this conversation, well explore Henrys childhood, his decision to become a fighter pilot, the realities of flying the legendary Spitfire in wartime, the mateship and sacrifices of those who never returned, and how he rebuilt his life after the war through professional tennis. Well also reflect on the lessons hes learned across more than 100 years of life—lessons on resilience, purpose, gratitude, and what it truly means to serve something greater than yourself. It is an absolute privilege and honour to welcome one of the last surviving World War II Spitfire pilots.
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Henry Young
Editor: Kyle Watkins