York Battle of Britain veteran Terry Clark dies just hours before VE Day

Terry Clark, of Wheldrake, near York, flew in 219 Squadron and celebrated his 101st birthday earlier this year.

He died yesterday evening in a care home from natural causes as the country prepared to mark VE Day.

His close long term friend, aviation artist Steve Teasdale, said: "He was a true gentleman and a wonderful man.

"If you think of the word gentleman, that was him. 

"Even in his nineties, if he was on the bus, he would give up his seat for what he would call 'an old lady' ".

"It's mixed emotions currently. We have got the flags and bunting out, we are here grieving and yet we are celebrating at the moment.

"It's very difficult. All I can think about is Terry.

"He was the very epitomy of what we are celebrating today on VE Day."

Major Chris Chapman, branch secretary of the British Legion's York branch, said: "It is sad to hear we have lost one of the Few, and perhaps even sadder that in the current circumstances we are not able to attend his funeral to pay our respects. 

"Our thoughts are with his familY".

• 'A joy to behold' - family's tribute after death of war hero Terry Clark

A flag is flying at half mast in honour of Mr Clark at the national Battle of Britain memorial, arranged by the RAF Association. 

Terry received the Distinguished Flying Medal and Battle of Britain medal and clasp for his bravery and service as an air gunner protecting York and the surrounding airfields during the battle after joining 219 Squadron, a Blenheim fighter unit based at Catterick, and he later served as a radar operator.

Terry wrote in a book about his experiences.

He wrote: “Whenever I attend a signing session and people thank me for what I have done, I just say: ‘Well, we were just doing our job.’ It is very nice for people to appreciate what we had done. I always feel sorry for the bomber boys though. They suffered terrific hardships...

• 'He said he was just a young man doing his job'

“I feel that what we have done was worthwhile. I would not have missed it for the world. It was a wonderful experience the whole time in the RAF. It’s not pride, it’s satisfaction. Every sailor, soldier, airman did their bit. They should all be thanked.”