Daring Wellington bomber pilot, entrepreneur, family man and a very fine gentleman. That is how is how war veteran Philip Bruce Minnitt is being fondly remembered following his death at the age of 96.

Mr Minnitt, who was known as Bruce, was buried at St Peter's Church in Newton on Trent on Friday, February 14.

His coffin, draped in a Union flag, was carried past a guard of honour from RAF Cranwell into the packed service.

Known as Bruce, Mr Minnitt, who was born in Laneham and lived in Newton on Trent, learned to fly in Canada during the Second World War and saw active service in Italy, India and the Far East.

Bruce Minnitt

Grandson Julian gave the eulogy and spoke of Mr Minnitt's wartime adventures, including his plane being shot up by two German Messerschmitt 109 fighters, forcing him to crash land but save his crew.

In another incident, he crashed a plane in which he was supposed to be flying nurses back from India.

The congregation also heard about the time Mr Minnitt gave his brother a uniform so he could teach him to fly his aircraft while he played cards in the back, and another occasion when he flew so low over the sea that bathers had to duck into the water.

When he was reprimanded, he said he would not have been caught had he not made the pass a second time.

Bruce Minnitt

Julian said: "He was a true gent from a bygone age of chivalry. He always had a friendly voice for everyone and particularly if they were ladies, it would be a very friendly voice, always with a wry smile and a dry wit."

After the war, Mr Minnitt, who is survived by Babs, his wife of 75 years, ran haulage and farming businesses.

Bruce Minnitt's service at the church in Newton on Trent

He was captain and president of Torksey Golf Club, a parish councillor and school governor and in 2010 became the first person to be awarded the freedom of the parish.

His son Simon said: "My father was an extraordinary person who did extraordinary things."

Mr Minnitt died on February 2 from heart failure.

The Reverend Joan Vickers, who conducted the funeral, said: "I remember Bruce as a very fine gentleman of advancing years with a twinkle in his eyes and a great sense of humour.

"He was a wonderful man. His life was one of joyful service to his country, his community and his God, but in his heart he was a family man, a good comrade and a friend."

Two aircraft from RAF Cranwell flew overhead as mourners gathered in the churchyard for the burial after the service.