VIDEO: Morecambe war hero takes to skies again at 95
Jack enjoyed a flight over Morecambe Bay, and took the controls himself for part of the trip.Jack, from Morecambe, was a driver in the Royal Army Service Corps 11th armoured division when he took part in the D-Day landings in 1944.He later joined a parachute regiment.Jack returned to Normandy last year with his daughter Lynne Shelling through the Return to Normandy charity, which funds the trip for war veterans. During the trip he had been due to fly with Alex Ledger, the founder of Flying for Heroes and an accomplished acro paraglider pilot and paramotor instructor.Had this taken place he would have been the oldest veteran to fly in a microlight and would have broken a world record. Unfortunately weather conditions were poor and it didn’t happen.However, the family kept in touch with Alex and a plan was put in place for this to be attempted at a later date. And on Saturday, Jack finally flew from Bay Flying Club at Rossall air field in Cockerham.He was joined by ex-RAF serviceman and Paralympian Sean Rose, who is confined to a wheelchair following a skiing accident.Jack’s daughter Lynne Shelling said: “The weather was perfect on the day, but once again the odds were against us as the microlight needed for the world record was not available.“However, they were unfazed and dad was keen to fly, and he flew the plane under the watchful eye of Sean.“They had an hour in the air flying over Morecambe Bay and up towards Kendal.“Dad had an amazing time and when he landed he said ‘now that’s flying!’”Jack’s whole family supported him on the day, including his three grandsons, four great grandsons and great granddaughter.Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Philip Taylor, manager and recruitment officer for 299 Parachute regiment Royal Engineers Wakefield – where Jack is guest of honour every Remembrance Day – also went along to support Jack, along with other friends.“The last time dad got such an amazing airborne view was just before his last jump in the Parachute regiment,” Lynne said.“The day as a whole was fabulous and having his grandchildren and great grand children there made it extra special for dad. “We are handing down a legacy to them and future generations by keeping alive the importance of what men and women like dad did so we can enjoy our freedom today. He is mine and many others’ hero.”Lynne is hoping to return to Normandy with her father for the 75th anniversary or D-Day next year.