War veteran Reg Ferriss - the only survivor when his Wellington bomber crashed - has been named Billericay's Citizen of the Year.
The former squadron leader's eyes filled with tears when he was presented with a framed, signed print of a ground crew getting Wellington bombers ready for action.
Reg, 80, of Norsey Road, Billericay, said: "I shall cherish the picture. I can almost smell the oil, the fuel and hear the sounds."
He was honoured by the Mayflower Rotary Club for his tireless work for the community.
Speaking of the award, he said: "I was most surprised because I just toddle on doing a little bit now and then. It was an honour receiving this award and I feel the Mayflower rotarians really did me proud."
Reg was the rear gunner in a Wellington bomber when it crashed while returning from a bombing mission in France.
Every January, Reg goes alone to the war memorial in his town and lays a wreath at 11.20pm - the exact moment his colleagues died.
The former teacher's deeds include overseeing the sale of poppies as a Royal British Legion branch president, chairing the Billericay School's curriculum committee and serving as president of the town's Air Training Corps squadron.
Published Tuesday, June 3, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article