A FORMER Christchurch town clerk, who received the Freedom of the Borough as a parting gift, has died at the age of 96.

John Macfadyen was born in Accrington, Lancashire, where his father Walter ran a painting and decorating business. While studying law at Manchester University his mother died at the age of 43.

John was articled to the town clerk of Accrington, marking the start of almost half a century of local government service. He enjoyed hill walking and cricket, playing for Accrington. His mountaineering activities included two trips to the Alps.

When war was declared, John was called up. He asked to be in the RAF, volunteering for air crew, and was sent to Canada to train as a pilot. He returned on the Queen Mary, arriving home in December 1943.

His first posting was to Holmsley South near Bransgore and he arrived at Hinton Wood Admiral Station to join 58 Squadron; his first visit to Highcliffe where he lived for 59 years. Initial sorties were over the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay, searching for U-boats.

After many more missions, flying four engine Halifax bombers, and moving to Stornaway to fly to Norway, where the U-boats were now based, John was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for displaying “great skill and courage in air operations”.

After war ended John went back to Accrington before becoming deputy town clerk in Hove. He was appointed town clerk of Christchurch in November 1953, a post he held for almost a quarter of a century.

When made a Freeman, the citation read: “During the whole of his service to the borough, the quality of his administration and advice has been of the highest standard and his integrity beyond reproach.”

John remained active, helping the charity work of the Rotary Club of Christchurch, and he was a member of the Highcliffe and District Horticultural Society. He looked after his wife Edna while she was in failing health and, following her death in 2005, took up hill walking once more.

Paying tribute to his father, Niall Macfadyen said: “He loved a challenge and always had a project in mind.”

John’s funeral service will be held at the Highcliffe Methodist Church at 2 pm on Friday, June 22.