ONE of the men who took the blitz back to Germany has been honoured for his efforts at keeping alive both the memory of his fellow servicemen and wartime history.

Bomber Command veteran Doug Petty served at RAF Leeming as a flight engineer on Halifax and Lancaster aircraft as part of Royal Canadian Air Force 429 (Bison) Squadron.

Now 92 and living in York, his own personal archives, research and experiences have been instrumental in transforming the station's Historical Training Facility, which gives personnel and visitors an insight into the base’s history.

Mr Petty, who is a frequent visitor to the base, where he is regarded as something of a celebrity, has also attended various events to talk to personnel about life at RAF Leeming and the application of air power during the war.

And for his unwavering commitment and dedication to the station’s wartime past he has now been presented with a “Good Show” award by station commander, Group Captain David Bradshaw.

Mr Petty said: “When I first came here all those years ago, nobody every travelled very far and meeting people from a different country was a totally new thing.

“Within days we flew together, worked together and lived together. Every time I come here, I remember those days.”

Gp Capt Bradshaw said: “Mr Petty is extraordinarily modest about his own service.

“He has provided great comfort to many, especially those families of Canadian airmen, who were away from home for up to six years with only occasional letters to describe their lives.

“He has frequently visited to support the station in engagement activities and increasingly as an ambassador for Bomber Command. Always undertaking this work in his own time and at his own expense. This man still serves the Royal Air Force almost 75 years since he first joined.”

Poignantly, also in attendance at the presentation were the daughters of Mr Petty’s former pilot.

Elizabeth Monsell and Ann Kristo, from Canada, have continued to stay in touch with Mr Petty over the years since their father’s death and were visiting Leeming to learn more about their his wartime experiences.

“Our father didn’t talk about the war at all, so we have learned everything from Doug,” said Ms Kristo.

“It feels amazing to finally visit RAF Leeming and be where our father was all those years ago.”