Tributes paid to Second World War pilot

Leslie Weaver of Newtown Road, who was one of Sir Arthur ‘Bomber' Harris' Bomber Command crew, lost his battle with leukaemia on Friday, aged 89.
Mr Weaver carried out around 20 bombing missions in a Avro Lancaster under heavy fire over Germany during his service in the Second World War.
After the war Mr Weaver, formerly of 619 Squadron Bomber Command, joined the Canadian RAF as a pilot trainer and retired as a Wing Commander.
Unbelievably, 65 years later he returned to the cockpit, flying over West Berkshire at the controls of a Tiger Moth biplane aircraft two years ago.
Mr Weaver’s widow, Norma, aged 78, paid tribute to her husband, who leaves behind six children, two step-children as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“He had a wonderful life,” Mrs Weaver said.
“He had a great sense of humour and had a passion for the Bomber Command.
“He battles his illness like he battled in the war. He was a fighter from day one.
“I loved him to bits. He was a great man.”
MP for Newbury, Richard Benyon also paid tribute to Mr Weaver, who earlier this year unveiled a new war memorial in London.
“He never lost that indomitable spirit that helped him through the intensity of those flights and he was a noble voice for a fitting tribute to be paid for those who made such a sacrifice,” Mr Benyon said.
“It was wonderful that, despite his failing health, he made it to the unveiling by the Queen this summer, of the memorial to his comrades who did not return.
“You never had a dull conversation with Leslie. He would challenge you and had a sharp wit but he had a humanity that perhaps you only get if you have been through what he and so many young men experienced seventy years ago.
“He was part of the lifeblood of Newbury. He will be long remembered and much missed.”
In his spare time Mr Weaver was also a member of St Nicolas Church, Newbury, Bomber Command Association's Thames Valley branch, Newbury Conservative Club and Newbury Probus Club.