Luftwaffe ace takes a spin in a Spitfire - aged 95

A fighter pilot has fulfilled a lifelong dream of flying in a Spitfire - at the age of 95.

Hugo Broch was among the most celebrated pilots in the Luftwaffe during World War II and is credited with downing 81 enemy planes on the Eastern Front between 1943 and 1945.

He racked up his victories at the controls of a German Messerschmitt 109 fighter plane, but always harboured a desire to take a spin in an iconic British Spitfire.

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He got his chance while in the UK as a special guest at the Chalke Valley History Festival in Wiltshire.

After looking at the vintage Messerschmitts on display, Broch was taken to Biggin Hill airfield in Bromley and invited to climb into the rear seat of a working Spitfire. He was then taken on a flight over the Kentish countryside where his Luftwaffe comrades once tangled with RAF pilots during the Battle of Britain.

The pilot was delighted to have fulfilled his dream.

"The Spitfire is a good machine - wonderful," he said. "I have once again experienced what flying is and how beautiful flying is."