A former head of Priory School in Weston-super-Mare has released a new book about his experience in the Second World War.
Arthur Spencer's memoir provides a first-hand account of his 50 operations flown in the Nazi-occupied territories.
Before becoming a noted educator, he was part of Britain’s heroic war efforts.
The book is titled A Pathfinder in the Peenemünde Raid: 50 Operations over Nazi Occupied Territory.
It provides a first-hand account of flying 50 operations with Pathfinder Force, including operations in Peenemunde and Friedrichshafen.
In 1940, at the age of 19, right after completing his school examinations, Mr Spencer volunteered for aircrew service with the RAF.
He trained as a navigator in Canada and Florida, before further training in the UK.
After teaming with a pilot and other crew members, he joined 97 Squadron in December 1942, flying Lancasters.
Come April, his crew was reassigned to Pathfinder Force.
Their operations included the shuttle-service attack on Friedrichshafen and the offensive against Peenemünde.
By September, after completing two tours, he was assigned to the Mediterranean theatre, first in Libya and later Italy.
Here, he flew five additional operations, three in Halifaxes and two in Wellingtons, in support of the Yugoslav resistance.
Mr Spencer returned to the UK in December 1944, serving Transport Command and being seconded to BOAC.
His detailed accounts of his experiences make a fascinating read and provide invaluable insight into wartime operations.
Mr Spencer was born in Salisbury in February 1921 but relocated to Southampton early in life.
After the war, he followed his passion for the English language and literature and entered the teaching profession.
Before his appointment as the first head of Priory School in Weston-super-Mare in 1976, he spent many years as deputy head at Castle School in Thornbury.
His courage and dedication echo across the decades - from facing wartime dangers in his youth to nurturing the young minds of Weston-super-Mare as a dedicated educator.
The war hero now lives with his wife Eva of nearly 80 years in Clevedon.
A Pathfinder in the Peenemünde Raid: 50 Operations over Nazi Occupied Territory releases in May and is priced at £20
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