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NOTTINGHAM

7 November 2011 Last updated at 14:05 GMT

World War II airman laid to rest with hisbomber crew in France

The daughter of a late World War II Nottinghamshire airman has paid tribute to

the French village where he was laid to rest with his fallen comrades.

Herbert John Spiller, of Bingham, was the navigator of a Halifax bomber shot down

by a Luftwaffe night fighter over northern France in October 1942.

Spiller, who escaped back to Britain, died in August aged 90.

In October his ashes were interred alongside his friends who died in the battle at

Nant-le-Grand.

His daughter, Laura Grey, said she was carrying out his final wish.

'Extraordinary tribute'

Warrant Officer Spiller's aeroplane was shot down over occupied France whilst on a

mission to Italy.

With the help of villagers who fed him, disguised him and dressed his wounds, he

made his way to Paris where he met up with the French Resistance.

He never forgot his rescue and returned to France with his family in 1965 to thank

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those who had enabled his escape.

Mr Spiller, who received the distinguished flying medal, made it clear to his daughter

at a 1992 ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the crash in Nant-le-Grand that

he wanted to be reunited with his crew in the village's civilian cemetery when he

died.

Relations of the crew and the children of those who took Mr Spiller into their home

on the night of the crash attended the ceremony in France on 22 October.

"I had an idea that they would put on a show but when we got out of the car there

were 25 flag bearers, a military band and all of the village - it was just awesome

really," said his daughter.

"It was an extraordinary tribute not just to my father but to the crew and all the RAF

that helped the French return to freedom.

"I'm thrilled that we've done what he wanted. He couldn't have had a better show."

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