A MODEST war hero who played his part in the Battle of Britain and D-Day was remembered for showing how “ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things”.

Sgt Stan Hartill, who died aged 97, serviced Spitfires during his service with the Royal Air Force.

He was originally an airframe fitter with 609 Squadron West Riding, the first Spitfire squadron to shoot down 100 enemy planes.

He went on to work in the Rolls Royce factory at Wolverhampton which made the Meteor engine for the Cromwell tank. He responded to a call for volunteers to join the new RAF Servicing Commando and was assigned to 3205 Squadron.

His unit landed on Juno Beach the day after D-Day and Stan worked to have an airfield ready at St Croix Sur Mer, where the first Spitfires landed the next morning.

RAF liaison officer Wing Commander Jeff Metcalfe recalled at Stan’s funeral yesterday: “Stan took great pleasure in saying all 36 Spitfires were refuelled, rearmed and in the air again in 30 minutes.”

Wing Commander Metcalfe added: “In this, the centenary year of the Royal Air Force, we are encouraged to commemorate, celebrate and inspire. We need look no further than Sgt Stan Hartill for all that. He and men like him have made the Royal Air Force what it is today.

“Tally-ho, Stan, tally-ho.”

The Rev Peter Furber, conducting at the funeral at Bournemouth Crematorium, said: “Stan was regarded as a true gentleman. He was outgoing, thoughtful and kind.

“Stan was always happy to give back to the RAF and his country by helping the RAF Benevolent with its campaign appeals on television.

“He was always happy to spend time with young people explaining to them about the war.”

Family friend the Rev Roger Carr-Jones said: “Stan did not seek glory, but glory sought him out.

“Stan recognised that he was a lucky one. He had survived war. Others had not but Stan never forgot them.”

He said Stan was happy to share his stories over a cup of tea but never boasted.

“Stan was a true example of humility and a reminder that doing your duty despite the risks really matters,” he added.

“Stan was indeed a hero, not simply due to his exploits in the war, but in his showing to us that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things when asked.

“We now commit Stan to the stars, his heavenly home.”

Mourners took their leave to the sound of Vera Lynn singing We’ll Meet Again.