FRIENDS and family have paid tribute to Second World War veteran George Barrett, who has died at the age of 86.

Mr Barrett, of York, was a flight engineer on a Halifax bomber during the war, and was shot down over Germany in 1943, where he was captured and spent two years in prison camps before being released at the end of the war.

Chris Poole, who was a lifelong friend of Mr Barrett, said: “He was a brave lad, but he didn’t like to talk about what had happened.

“We worked together on the linotype machines at the Gazette & Herald on Coney Street for years. He was a very nice chap, really a first-class guy. He used to like to go to Evensong at the Minster.

“He found great peace and calm there, I think,” said Mr Poole.

After the war, Mr Barrett returned to York, where he met his wife, Audrey, on a blind date in 1945. They married three years later at St Lawrence’s Church.

“Everybody loved him. We had a happy life together for 62 years, and have a wonderful family,” said Mrs Barrett.

“He was a keen gardener and enjoyed playing bowls until he had two strokes about 14 years ago. We have had some lovely cards and letters; he was very well thought of.”

Mr Barrett was also a supporter of the Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington, and helped them out many times over the years. Rachel Semlyen, a trustee, remembered Mr Barrett as a friend of the museum.

“He was a great supporter for many years and used to help us with printing, as that was his profession,” she said.

“He was always cheerful, and a lovely person. I am sorry to hear the news.”

Mr Barrett died peacefully at home on July 7, and is survived by his wife, Audrey, their children John, Lynda and Carole, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A funeral service was being held today, at 1pm at York Crematorium.

Mrs Barrett has requested donations in lieu of flowers should be made to the York Stroke Club.