FORMER Lancaster Bomber pilot, George Serrels of Poole, has died aged 94.

Born in Aldershot in Hampshire, George was one of three siblings and was educated at Heatherlands School and Bournemouth Municipal College.

Enlisting with the RAF in 1941, he trained in South Africa and was commissioned three years later in 1944.

George flew a Lancaster Bomber and held the rank of Flying Officer as part of Bomber Command No.166 Squadron, which was formed in Bircham Newton in Norfolk.

During his flying career, he gained the nickname of Lucky George after taking part in over 50 sorties, most of which were in Berlin in Germany.

His son, Quentin, said that George never lost a member of his crew, was never hit by another fighter plane, or hit from the ground.

George was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in recognition of the numerous operations that he took part in against the enemy to celebrate his 'utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty.'

He met his future wife, Rosa Slater, while she was working in the operation rooms and together the happy couple welcomed Geraldine, Quentin, Hilary, Lesley and Christina.

After being demobbed, the couple lived in Brampton Road, Oakdale in Poole.

Quentin said that George worked at Gas Cylinders in Poole, which was the location of Poole's worst air raid of World War Two which had occurred in March 1941.

It is believed that a lone German bomber was targeting the railway viaducts that cross the Bourne Valley in Branksome, but instead scored a direct hit on the adjacent staff canteen at the Bourne Valley Gas Works, killing 33 members of staff.

George died on Tuesday, November 22 with his funeral taking place at 10.30am today at Poole Crematorium with donations going to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.