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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Anthony France

Second World War hero, 97, granted wish to be reunited with Spitfire

A 97-year-old Second World War hero has been granted his wish to be reunited with a Spitfire once again.

Alec Denham, known as “Ted”, is one of just a handful of veterans still alive to have flown the fighter aircraft that defeated Nazi Germany’s Luftwaffe in air attacks during the Battle of Britain.

Mr Denham, who has dementia, is being cared for at Honey Lane care home in Waltham Abbey, Essex.

Staff organised the VIP tour of Imperial War Museum, Duxford so he could hear the roar of a Rolls-Royce Merlin engine for what could be his final time. Mr Denham, who lied about his age to sign up at 17, said seeing the plane was “wonderful” and that he had a “great” day.

Lisa Gammalliere, the care home’s lifestyle coordinator, believes the sensory experience may bring him some relief. She said: “I literally had tears rolling from my eyes, seeing him in uniform and bringing back those memories for him, it’s just been absolutely overwhelming.

“It was a wonderful experience for Ted and we got to see the happy-go-lucky, and sometimes cheeky, character that stood him in good stead throughout the war.

“The smile on his face lit up the airfield — I feel privileged to have been part of it and to have been able to do something for a man who did so much for us all during the war.”

Honey Lane specialises in residential dementia care. Mrs Gammalliere added: “Although Ted has dementia he seems able to step out of it when we talk about the war or look through his extensive journals — he clearly loved every minute of being in service.

“Luckily, Ted’s family knows so much about his exploits we have lots to talk about.”

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