LAST time he took to the skies he was engaged in death-defying dogfights with the Luftwaffe. But this time veteran Frank Damerell enjoyed a more relaxing journey across the stunning landscape of Hampshire and the south.

The Second World War veteran fulfilled the dream of a lifetime when he took the controls of an aeroplane for the first time in 72 years.

The great-grandfather, from Chandler’s Ford, set off from Lower Upham Airfield, near Bishop’s Waltham, for an hourlong round trip to his former home of Bosham in West Sussex at speeds of up to 100mph.

His family organised the weekend trip in partnership with Solent Flight for his 90th birthday to relive his days in the Royal Canadian Air Force from 1942-45.

Enrolling at 18, he eventually became a navigator in the iconic De Havilland DH-98 Mosquito aircraft involved in perilous night fights and patrols over German-occupied Europe.

The pensioner beamed from ear-to-ear as he climbed into the cockpit of an Ikarus C42 light aircraft wearing a blue shirt with the Royal Canadian emblem.

And despite some initial turbulence the greatgrandfather calmly guided the plane as if he was in his teens again, taking over from pilot Patrick O’Toole who was in charge of takeoff and landing.

Afterwards Frank told the Daily Echo: “It was thoroughly enjoyable and a great experience.

“It was a little bit strange taking the controls but I quickly got used to it although it was quite bumpy with the strong wind.

“It’s got it out of my system and while I was up there I did realise I was no longer 18 again.

“The only unfortunate thing is I don’t believe this aircraft was meant for aerobatics which I used to enjoy.

“And I had hoped to waggle my wings while passing over friends’ homes in Bosham.”

During the war he was responsible for operating the aircraft radar and radio alongside his pilot.

Once they narrowly escaped being brought down when straying close to the German-occupied French port of Dieppe.

He added: “It had its moments but you got used to it.

“I might not have a lot of money but I’ve got a great treasure chest of memories.”

Afterwards his only son Phil, 67, said: “It’s a wonderful day to see my dad get up into the skies again.”

Frank, who was born in New York to British parents, crossed to Canada to enrol in 1942.

He was initially stationed in England in 1944 before a posting in Amiens in northern France.

After demobbing he married late wife Nancy in 1946 and went on to become an illumination engineer.

The great-grandfather-of-two now turns to the sedentary pursuit of making lemon meringue pie and other desserts in his retirement.