Flt Lt Geoffrey Wellum DFC 1921-2018

Born in Walthamstow, Essex on August 14 1921, Geoffrey Wellum joined the RAF on a short service commission in August 1939. With training completed, he went to 92 Squadron at Northolt on May 21 1940.

On September 11, he claimed a He 111 destroyed and on the 27th he shared in the destruction of a Ju 88. In early August 1941 he was posted away to 52 OTU, Aston Down as an instructor. He was awarded the DFC (5.8.41), being then credited with at least three enemy aircraft destroyed and several others damaged.

In March 1942, he was posted to 65 Squadron at Debden as a Flight Commander. He was posted to Malta in August and led eight Spitfires off HMS Furious to Luqa.

After returning to the UK, he became a test pilot at Gloster Aircraft, testing Typhoons. He later became a gunnery instructor, continuing this duty until the end of the war.

He retired from the RAF on June 30 1961, as a Flight Lieutenant, retaining the rank of Squadron Leader.