He died trying to nurse his stricken Beaufighter towards land, as his navigator, Sgt Ted Walsh, could not swim.

BBC: Powys WWII pilots Russel Hamer and Jack Hamar honoured

Wing Commander Ken Gatward, who lived in Essex, first flew his Bristol Beaufighter down the Champs-Elysees in the operation to boost French morale.

BBC: Daring World War II pilot Ken Gatward's medals auctioned

In a Bristol Beaufighter of RAF Coastal Command, Wing Cdr Gatward and his crew flew over the main streets of the capital at the level of third-floor windows.

BBC: Daring World War II pilot Ken Gatward's medals auctioned