The founder of a society dedicated to preserving historic aircraft has died.

Lewis Deal, MBE, established the Aircraft Preservation Group back in 1977 and led its evolution to become the distinguished Medway Aircraft Preservation Society Ltd (MAPSL) in 1989, which has Her Majesty The Queen as its patron.

Mr Deal was the society’s managing director from its inception until his retirement in 2016.

He had been one of the first people to realise the importance of preserving vintage aircraft for the enjoyment and education of future generations, and the society he began is now recognised as one of the foremost volunteer restoration groups in the country.

Based at Rochester Airport and supported by the neighbouring aviation company BAE Systems, the MAPSL has restored many high-profile aircraft to pristine condition, including several Spitfires and Hurricanes, a Fairey Battle bomber, a Short Sherpa, a Douglas Dakota and a Boulton Paul Defiant fighter.

Camilla has made several visits to the society, first as Duchess of Cornwall and more recently as Queen.

Mr Deal was born in 1932 and attended Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School in Rochester before doing three years’ National Service with the RAF, during which time he gained flying experience on Lancasters and Lincolns.

His interest in aviation sprung from his experience of being bombed out of his family home in Sevenoaks in September 1940.

He then lived in Barham Downs, near Canterbury, which proved to be at the centre of “Bomb Alley” and he found he was also later on the flight path of many V1 flying bombs.

In 1965, he joined an aviation archaeology and recovery group and gained a deep knowledge of aircraft design as a result of his participation in several excavations.

He then joined the Medway Branch of the Royal Aeronautical Society and was soon invited to become project leader for the new Aircraft Preservation Group.

He also became a trustee of the Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Trust in 1993, later becoming its chairman.

He was a founder member of the North Kent Aviation Museums Steering Group and was a frequent broadcaster and author of articles on aviation.

Mr Deal was made an MBE for his services to the aviation industry in 2002, and MAPSL was given the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2010.

A spokesman for MAPSL, Robin Brooks, said: “All that MAPSL has achieved would not have been possible without Lewis’s forethought and drive. The aircraft restoration industry will be much the poorer without him.

“He will never be forgotten.”

Upon news of his passing several tributes were posted online.

One said: “Such sad news. A true gentleman will be missed. Condolences to the family.”

Another added: “Rest in Peace Lewis. It was a real privilege to have known you.”

Mr Deal, who was 92, was taken into hospital in April, where unfortunately, he picked up an infection.

He was allowed home, but was re-admitted a few days later, where he stayed until his death on Sunday, April 27.

The exact cause of death has yet to be determined.

Mr Deal’s wife predeceased him, but he is survived by their son and daughter.

Details of the funeral are yet to be announced.