Tri-Service
WATCH: Lost Medals Veteran Treated To Lancaster Flypast
A veteran who thought he'd lost his medals has been treated to a special flypast by the last airworthy Lancaster bomber in the UK .
Donald Nicholson made headlines recently when he lost his medals, prompting a week-long nationwide search involving around 80 volunteers and RAF personnel, with some wielding metal detectors.
They were eventually found in a gutter by a dog walker, who handed them into police - with Mr Nicholson saying he's now "on top of the bloody world".
The 93-year-old was on his way to the unveiling of the Bomber Command memorial in Lincoln when he lost his medals, and said he was devastated not to be wearing them for the ceremony, which involved flypasts from current and historic military aircraft.
But now he's been treated to a special flypast at the site of the International Bomber Command Centre, which is due to open to the public in 2016 - and this time could wear his medals with pride.
Speaking at the flypast, the former former flight engineer from Sunderland, who flew 31 bombing missions, said:
"It's all come together with a magical finish - I'm proud as punch. You cannot make it up. I have to nip myself to realise it's all happening."
It was performed by Lancaster bomber 'Thumper MK III', which was recently grounded after an engine fire, missing most of the display season.
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight aircraft, based at RAF Coningsby, was passed fit to fly on Monday.
Video courtesy of the International Bomber Command Centre. Cover photo courtesy of Alan Wilson via Flickr.
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