Air Commodore Christopher Paul, CB, DFC, MA, C.Eng, FRAeS, Belgian Croix de Guerre, Czech MC, who has died at the good age of 95, had an illustrious service career,

But was also well-loved resident of Old Alresford, devotingmuch of his time to support village life.

Born in Nottingham, he joined The Reserve of Air Force Officers in 1927 whilst a member of the Cambridge University Air Squadron.

He resisted family pressure to enter the Navy, joining the RAF in 1929. Later, after Fleet Air Arm conversion training, he spent several years flying off decks in a variety of biplanes on the carriers Courageous and Furious

He was with 90 Squadron flying Blenheims until 1939, when he was posted to Rheims as part of HQ Advanced Air Striking Force..

Based near a champagne factory and wishing to cultivate cordial relations with the owner, he became proficient in matters not immediately concerned with flying.

In 1940, he took over 150 Squadron Bomber Command, flying Wellingtons. Targets included oil tanks at Rotterdam, Hamm marshalling yards and Wilhelmshaven naval base.

A short period as an instructor was followed by administrative duties as he rose in rank. But shortage of experienced pilots allowed him to return to operational flying.

He took command of 98 Squadron, flying Mitchell light bombers, flying 39 missions during the battle for Normandy, for which he was awarded his DFC.

Later based in Germany as part of the occupying forces, he and some colleagues discovered gliding.

They later founded the RAF Gliding and Soaring Association, an event recorded thus in the archives: "The RAF G S A was founded by R.C. Forbes, D.D. Manlin, R.P. Hanks, T. Page and C. Paul in a taxi on the way to a Chinese restaurant. Also at the birth was a policemen who tried to step in on the grounds of overloading the cab, and the driver who pressed on regardless."

After a spell at a US air base, he achieved his life's ambition in 1954 when he became Commandant of The Central Flying School, after which he was made CB. In 1958, after a posting to Aden, he retired from the RAF. He became Secretary General of the Air League in 1971.

He contributed to Air Pictorial with articles and latest reports on a variety of light aircraft, taking the total of aircraft he had flown throughout to 270.

He later enjoyed many years with the Popular Flying Association, subsequently becoming president.

Flying was his passion and he inspired others to aim for his highest standards. He lived a full and happy life and was famed for his charm and the twinkle in his eye.

He had married Rosemary Lane in 1937 and they had two sons and a daughter. She died in 1975 and in 1987 he married Molly Samuels. He died on January 11th, having lived in Old Alresford for over 40 years.

He loved his village and took a great interest in its affairs, serving on the parish council, of which he was chairman for a number of years.

Christopher Paul's local involvement was tremendous. He served on the Old Alresford Amenities Committee, helping with the annual fireworks and bonfire, on the village Fair Committee, where he ran the bottle stall for many years and until its closure he was chairman of the governors of Old Alresford Primary School.

Indeed, he worked long and hard to try to prevent the closure of the school. Another task he took on was mowing the grass in the churchyard.

Air Commodore Paul was for some years president of the Alresford branch RAFA. He and Dr Chris Brill went off on a sponsored cycle ride some years ago to raise money for it.

The private cremation service at Basingstoke was conducted by Dr Brill. There will be a thanksgiving service in St Mary's Church, Old Alresford, on April 19th at 2 pm