The funeral of a late war hero who escaped captors after his plane was shot down took place in Amersham this week.

Thomas Henry Tate - known as Tom - died peacefully in his sleep at Catherine Court care home in High Wycombe on January 19 at the age of 98.

The Humanist ceremony, which was conducted by Ros Curtis, took place on Wednesday afternoon at The Chilterns Crematorium, The Hampden Chapel on Whielden Lane.

The event was attended by representatives from the RAF, the R.A.F.A, the Aircrew Association and The British Legion – as well as friends and family.

A tribute to the 98-year-old said: “To Tom and to men like him we all owe a huge debt of gratitude which should never be forgotten.

“The value and meaning of life is to live it fully and to live it well, and I think we can all agree that Tom did just that.”

“Some go through life leaving little mark behind them. Tom was not one of those, he has touched the lives of many, some of whom never knew him and his life is an inspiration to those who have learned about him.”

Aged just 21, Tom volunteered immediately for the RAF when the Second World War broke out in 1939.

He went off to Flight School to be trained as a radio operator and emerged as a flying officer.

He lived in Prestwood with his wife Jo for over ten years and – having moved to Kent – returned to south Bucks to live in Chalfont St. Giles when he retired at the age of 60.

Tom occupied himself with two great passions, gardening and golf. He was a knowledgeable and fanatical gardener and kept a beautiful garden - winning best kept garden in Chalfont twice – and was a member of Little Chalfont Golf Club.