Veteran reunited with crash plane

George Shepherd recognised the aircraft he flew on 66 years ago

A World War II veteran has been reunited with the aircraft he was shot down in while flying over Russia.

George Shepherd, 91, was a corporal and aircraft technician on board the Hampden Bomber which was shot down in 1942.

Three members of the aircraft's crew were killed and Mr Shepherd, who lives in Arnside, Cumbria, and the pilot were the only two who survived the crash.

He said visiting the aeroplane at RAF Cosford in Shropshire was moving.

"I recognised the plane alright," he said.

He remembered where he was sitting on the plane and the moment it was hit.

The Hampden Bomber is being restored

He said: "I can see where the rear gunner and the wireless operator was, and I was further forward."

He added: "The navigator was conversing with the pilot, telling him what was happening and giving him instructions when the fighters were attacking him."

After it was shot down the Hampden Bomber remained undiscovered until 1989.

It is now being restored at the Royal Air Force Museum in Cosford.