War veteran sees fifth generation born

A WAR veteran who is the last remaining member of his squadron has become a great-great-grandfather at the age of 92.

Harry Russ, of Eastergate, Bexhill, was born in Poplar, in the East End of London in May 1917.

He started making his living aged 11, when, as a young entrepreneur, he pulled a trolley around houses, collected sack bags of dirty clothes to take to the washhouse.

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He did so well at this that he made a bigger trolley, took more bags, and began charging the washhouse commission.

On other mornings in the week, Harry did a paper round and milk round before school began.

In 1939, shortly after registering for the Air Force, Harry married Violet Fisher in Poplar Registry Office.

He became a Test Engineer in 163 Mosquito Squadron, 8th Path Finder Force, Bomber Command in 1940, serving until 1946. His job was to go up with pilots and check engines were airworthy.

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Harry, now the last surviving member of the squadron, said: "I flew in nearly every type of aircraft there was. Spitfires, Hurricanes, Lancasters, Halifaxes. I even flew in a Westland Lysander."

Harry has been an active member of Egerton Park and Polegrove Bowling Clubs for over twenty five years.

In May he celebrated his 92nd birthday by visiting the Duxford Imperial War Museum to see a Mosquito.

He and Violet will celebrate their platinum wedding anniversary in October.

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The couple now have two daughters, five grandchildren, six great grandchildren and now one great great grandson.

Baby Harry Goodwin was born on May 12, to Harry's great granddaughter Jade Goodwin and her partner Tom, who live in Dartford. He weighed 5lb 12oz.

Harry said: "I'm very chuffed. We've got a lovely family. Everyone comes to visit, though some are in Norfolk and some in Cambrige. They come each month.

"The fact that they're going to call him Harry after me is wonderful."

Harry finished his autobiography, entitled An Entrepreneur, a few years ago. For more information, or to buy a copy, call him on 845271.

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