German air ace's tribute to Bath

Willi Schludecker flew bombing raids over Bath during World War II

A former Luftwaffe pilot has flown over the city he once bombed with a new-found friend after their initial attempt ended in a crash landing.

Willi Schludecker, 88, flew in the Cessna light aircraft over Bath with friend Chris Kilminster.

Mr Kilminster had organised a ceremony earlier this year in which Mr Schludecker publicly apologised for bombing the city during the Blitz.

At the time Mr Schludecker promised a flight over Bath to Mr Kilminster.

Their first attempt in August ended in a forced landing at Marshfield, with Mr Kilminster's first flight ending in minutes.

But Mr Kilminster, from Combe Down, in Bath, and Mr Schludecker had a more successful trip this time, with the same pilot, Richard Flohr-Swann.

Their 43-minute flight from Thruxton in Hampshire saw them circle Bath at a height of about 1,000ft (305m).

Mr Kilminster said: "I was very nervous at first because we crashed the first time. But it was fantastic, unforgettable."

The service at the Memorial Gardens at Oldfield Park in May was attended by 200 people, who witnessed a poignant apology from Mr Schludecker for his part in the Baedecker Raids of 1942.