SQUADRON Leader Herbert Sharman, who served with distinction in World War Two, has died peacefully in Poole aged 100.

The centenarian, who flew as a navigator in the RAF, passed away on New Year's Eve.

Mr Sharman, who won the Air Force Cross for his daring wartime exploits, served on twin-engine Blenheim light bombers.

He also flew VIPs including legendary Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill and Anthony Eden, who was the foreign secretary at the time.

During the Battle of Britain Mr Sharman served in 248 Squadron and he regularly flew reconnaissance sorties over the North Sea and along the Scandinavian coast.

In an interview with the Daily Echo two years ago, the former airman coolly recalled: "When we were attacked we usually tried to escape. The Blenheim wasn't any match for the German fighter. All we could do was get out of there as quickly as possible.

"We would dive down as far as possible to make it difficult for the German pilot to aim at you. He had to watch out for hitting the water as well as trying to hit us.

"We were very vulnerable up there. We knew how to take care of ourselves up to a point, although our losses were horrific. I was very, very fortunate to come through the war unscathed. Around 90 per cent of my squadron were killed. It was terrible, an awful experience.

"It was a very dangerous time. I was no hero. I was scared stiff. I just did what I had to do - it was my job and I did it as best I could."

He is survived by his sister, his son and two grandchildren.

His funeral service took place on January 9 at Poole Crematorium.