‘Dickie’ Bird started flying night-fighters in November 1940, initially on the Blenheim and later on the Havoc ‘Turbinlite’. The latter had a searchlight in the nose to illuminate an enemy aircraft before Hurricanes, flying in close formation with Bird’s aircraft, then mounted an attack. Later, Bird transferred to the Mosquito to fly intruder patrols at night over enemy airfields to catch aircraft taking off and landing. If there was no ‘trade’, he attacked railway rolling stock and motor transport. He was awarded a DFC for his time on the Mosquito. He retired to the family farm in Cumbria.

To read the full obituary click HERE