IT was always going to be the highlight of celebrations marking the vital role played by a former Hampshire airfield 100 years ago.

But an aerial dogfight involving replica First World War aircraft is set to draw even bigger crowds after organisers agreed to stage it in memory of former Spitfire pilot Doug Gregory.

Doug, 92, of New Road, Blackfield, died last month after being injured in a hit-and-run accident near his home.

He was a founder member of the Great War Display Team and marked the centenary of the old East Boldre airfield by taking to the skies in a 1917-style biplane he had built himself.

The team is returning on Monday to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of the year the Royal Flying Corps started using the site.

Daily Echo: Doug Gregory during his Second World War dog-fighting days.

Last night it was confirmed that the pre-arranged dogfight would now be held in Doug’s memory.
Michael Husband, one of the organisers, said: “He was a good friend to the airfield and flew here in 2010.

"He would have been guest of honour at Monday’s event because of the great support he gave us.”

Julian Lewis, Tory MP for New Forest East, added: “It’s very important to remember Doug in this way.

“For the people who knew him the most it will be a chance for them to show their affection for him and the team he flew with.”

Daily Echo:

As reported in the Daily Echo, Doug had been to buy his morning paper and was crossing Hampton Lane, Blackfield, when he was knocked down.

He suffered serious head injuries and died in Southampton General Hospital almost two weeks later.

Police have interviewed a female motorist in connection with the accident but no-one has been charged.

Doug was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross after surviving almost 70 combat missions over Nazi-occupied Europe during the Second World War.

He left the RAF in 1946 and later became a teacher.

The former airfield at East Boldre always held a special place in his affections.

Originally a civilian flying school, it was taken over by the Royal Flying Corps during the First World War to help meet the ever-increasing demand for pilots.

Nine planes, all replicas of aircraft flown by British and German pilots during the 1914-18 conflict, are due to take part in the dogfight.

It is scheduled to take place early on Monday afternoon but exact timings have yet to be confirmed.