Sussex funeral for WWII Battle of Britain flying ace

Wing Cdr Bob Doe with his aircraft during World War II

The funeral of a Battle of Britain fighter ace has taken place in East Sussex.

Wing Commander Bob Doe, of Crowborough, is credited with destroying at least 14 enemy aircraft while serving with the RAF.

The 89-year-old died in hospital of pneumonia on 21 February.

Surrey-born Wing Cdr Doe was a Spitfire pilot during the battle. A bugler played the Last Post during the service at All Saints Church, Crowborough.

Wing Cdr Doe was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for his heroics in the sky and the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for his inspirational leadership.

'Churchill's few'

He was shot down in 1940 and a year later suffered facial injuries and a broken arm when his plane crashed.

A bugler played the Last Post during the service at All Saints Church, Crowborough.

After he retired from the RAF he worked at a family-owned garage business in Rusthall, Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

Aviation expert Robin Brooks said: "Bob Doe was one of Churchill's few.

"He was a special breed of pilot, of young men who clambered into an aircraft - a Hurricane or a Spitfire - and went to war.

"We must always remember those guys because they fought for us in this country against oppression and tyranny."