A BRAVE Second World War airman has been reunited with his old squadron - after more than 60 years.

Colin Denwood, 84, served as a wireless operator on Lancaster bombers with 207 Squadron, which now trains pilots at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, near York.

During a visit to the base, Mr Denwood, from Whitehaven, showed trainees formerly secret copies of his flight logs and in return they gave him a trip down memory lane in the squadron's history room.

Pilots also gave him a chance to sit in a Tucano aircraft.

Mr Denwood told them of the appalling losses suffered in 1944 when his squadron - which suffered the fourth heaviest casualties in Bomber Command - saw 161 aircrew fail to return in only three months.

Mr Denwood said despite facing imminent death every night, creature comforts made up for adversity. To keep up energy levels while flying, his crew was allowed items that to civilians were rationed.

"Before take-off we dined on bacon and eggs and then again on landing," he said.

"Also during the flight, we were given chocolate. Now that was a real treat. My favourite was Fry's chocolate crème. I used to put the bars next to the radio's trailing aerial and because the temperature outside was so cold it would freeze to give an ice cream-like consistency."

Mr Denwood, who held the rank of sergeant during his time with the RAF, was treated to lunch in the officers' mess.