Shropshire war hero dies, aged 91
Tributes have been paid to a Shropshire World War Two airman who has died aged 91. Tributes have been paid to a Shropshire World War Two airman who has died aged 91. Don Nelson, of Trimpley Court, Ellesmere, died on March 20 in the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital after having a stroke in his home. Mr Nelson was a bomber navigator for the RAF during the war. He was twice awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, which recognised acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty. He was a member of No 37 Squadron RAF and also spent time in the Middle East. In total he completed 70 bombing operations some of which were with the Pathfinders squadron. Mr Nelson was a member of the Ellesmere Branch of the Royal Air Force Association. He was today described as a "loyal" and "popular" man.
Tributes have been paid to a Shropshire World War Two hero who has died aged 91.
Don Nelson, of Trimpley Court, Ellesmere, died on March 20 in the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital after having a stroke in his home. Mr Nelson was a bomber navigator for the RAF during the war.
He was twice awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, which recognised acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty.
He was a member of No 37 Squadron RAF and also spent time in the Middle East. In total he completed 70 bombing operations some of which were with the Pathfinders squadron.
Mr Nelson was a member of the Ellesmere Branch of the Royal Air Force Association.
He was today described as a "loyal" and "popular" man.
Mike Williamson, chairman of the Ellesmere branch of the association, said: "We were all very saddened to hear of his death. We thought he was indestructible.
"He was a very active and loyal member of the association and was always going round shaking his collection tin raising money. He held the role as vice-president.
"He was a popular and well-liked man who loved debating.
"The fact that he got a double DFC was a massive achievement.
"He was also involved in the Bomber Command Memorial which recognises those who lost their lives during the war."
Mr Williamson added that Ron was a widower of 25 years and had two sons and a daughter.
Janet, his daughter, added: "He did a tremendous job in the war.
"From the response I have been getting from people in Ellesmere, it is clear he was a highly respected and loyal member of the community."
Mr Nelson's funeral is taking place at Emstrey Crematorium in Shrewsbury today at 2pm.
Squadron Leader Neil Hope, spokesman for RAF Shawbury, said the airbase was due to send personnel to Mr Nelson's funeral.
He said Station Warrant Officer Tim Dempsey, Flight Sergeant Andy Hunt, and Station Commander Warren "Bunny" James were due to attend.
"Mr Nelson won the DFC twice and there were lots of DFCs issued during the war," he said. "They really deserved them."
By James Pugh
