One of the last surviving Czech airmen to fly in the RAF during WW2 is granted wish to fly a Spitfire one more time aged 93
General Emil Bocek took off on his "dream" flight from Biggin Hill Airport in Kent
ONE of the last surviving Czech airmen to serve in the RAF during the Second World War has taken to the skies above Britain once again.
General Emil Bocek, 93, said it was his "dream" to take the controls of a twin-seater Supermarine Spitfire one last time.
He was granted his wish at Biggin Hill Airport in Kent where his 20-minute flight revived memories of his time flying the machines during wartime.
As he landed, a beaming Gen Bocek gave a triumphant thumbs-up from the cockpit and afterwards told reporters: "It was very good. I loved it. It was perfect."
Asked whether it brought back memories, he replied: "Yes, after 70 years it was very good." Before disembarking, Gen Bocek was presented with a gold medal.
Gen Bocek joined the RAF as a mechanic as a teenager in September 1940. Three years later, he was sent to Canada for training, and from October 1944 he served as a pilot with the RAF's 310 Squadron.
He carried out 26 operational flights before leaving the air force in 1946. However, he still continues to fly in his homeland despite his advancing years.
Gen Bocek flew into Biggin Hill on Thursday morning in a Czech Air Force CASA aircraft, accompanied by figures including the Archbishop of Prague Dominik Duka whose father served in the RAF.
Among others who attended were the grandchildren of another Czech wartime RAF pilot, Squadron Leader Tony Liskutin.
His grandson Marek Liskutin, 41, said: "The whole event is really beyond what we expected. We're really pleased to be here."
Earlier, a service of dedication was held at St George's RAF Chapel of Remembrance in memory of the fallen Czech Second World War pilots.