HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a Lancaster bomber pilot who went on to become a council chief executive following his death at the age of 93.

Harry Rogers, who lived in Darlington, began his local government career in the treasurer’s office of Wigan County Borough Council, where he met future wife, Hilda, days after the outbreak of the Second World War.

After getting engaged to his sweetheart, Mr Rogers left in 1941 to join the Royal Air Force as a pilot in Bomber Command.

He led countless missions, including the first raid over the German V2 rocket site, Peenemunde, and was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Force Cross medal for his exceptional service.

Mr Rogers left the RAF in 1946 and spent the next 20 years moving around the country with his wife before settling in Darlington, where he was offered the job of treasurer with the local authority.

Following the local government shake-up of 1974, he became the first chief executive of Darlington Borough Council, where he remained until 1983.

In 1979 he was one of the British government team sent out to supervise the first free elections in Rhodesia, and also became an active member of the Rotary Club of Darlington and the 41 Club.

Mr Rogers died peacefully in hospital on Tuesday, June 23 – two days after his 93rd birthday.

He leaves behind Hilda, his wife of 70 years, children Rosalie, Jon and Mark, grandchildren Harry, Jasmin, James, Jane, Jennifer, Beth and Joe, and great-grandchildren Esther, three, and Nina, one.

His granddaughter, Jasmin Shilbach, 34, described Mr Rogers as her hero.

“I just think he is amazing, he held the whole family together. We would always turn to him if there were any problems or anybody wanted any advice,” she said.

“He was a kind and friendly man and we are just really proud of him for some of the things he has done.

“He cared for grandma in recent years – she couldn’t have coped without him. They were both totally still in love with each other and devoted to each other.”

Miss Shilbach also thanked the staff, at Darlington Memorial Hospital, including ward sister Helen Lambert, who looked after Mr Rogers during his final days.

Ada Burns, chief executive of Darlington Borough Council, said: “I had the privilege of meeting Harry at Darlington Rotary and know what a great contribution he made and the interest he continued to take in all the council was doing.

“I know that he was highly respected in the town of Darlington and did an immense amount of hard work, laying a strong foundation for those chief executives who followed in his staid.

“I offer my sincere condolences to the family of a gentleman who was highly thought of in this town.”

Council leader Bill Dixon added: “I first met Harry when I was elected in 1979. He really was a fantastic guy and was very supportive of new members.”

His funeral will be held on Friday, July 10 at St Cuthbert’s Church, in Darlington.