The 70th anniversary of a Lancaster bomber crew man’s first qualifying raid has been marked by the Royal British Legion.

Bill Webb, a born-and-bred Islander, was a flight engineer for three years in Bomber Command and completed his tour with 31 missions.

The 92-year-old, who lives in Minster, was given a memento on Monday, 70 years to the day that he did his first raid in 1944.

He was presented with a book about Bomber Command by chairman of the Sheerness Legion branch Ian Goodwin.

He said: “I became friends with Bill a few years ago as I have an interest in aviation.

“He has given me a number of personal items including photographs, his dog tag, various manuals and his flying log which makes interesting reading.

“He is quiet and unassuming – typical of heroes of his generation – but can remember in detail his war service.

“He rarely talks about it but I am honoured and it is a privilege to call him one of my friends.”