Second World War pilot who survived 70 missions over Nazi-occupied Europe dies at 92 after being knocked down in hit-and-run while out to buy a newspaper

A war hero pilot who survived almost 70 skirmishes above the skies of Nazi-occupied Europe has died after being knocked down in a hit-and-run near his home while popping out for a newspaper.

Doug Gregory, 92, was making his daily trip to the shops when he was struck outside a petrol station in Blackfield, Hampshire, by a car that failed to stop

The ex-serviceman was rushed to Southampton General Hospital by air ambulance after suffering a serious head injury but died two weeks later.

A hero: Doug Gregory. 92, only retired from his job as a stunt pilot two years ago. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross after surviving almost 70 missions over Nazi-occupied Europe

Fighter pilot: The 92-year-old had survived 70 missions against the Luftwaffe during the Second World War. He flew Beaufighters and Mosquitoes before testing aircraft, including models of Spitfires and Hurricanes

Mr Gregory, of Blackfield near Hythe, began flying during the Second World War and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross after surviving almost 70 combat missions over Nazi-occupied Europe.

He also survived a brain haemorrhage in 1947 and only retired from his job as a stunt pilot at the age of 90.

Recalling his wartime exploits many years later he said: 'I wasn't shot down but I was shot at. Luckily they missed - most of the time.'

Police say a female motorist driving a silver-coloured Nissan involved in the collision on March 30 later came forward and was interviewed under caution.

Part of the road was closed while police investigated the incident and they spent almost five hours at the scene, visiting nearby shops to view CCTV footage.

They also took with them a broken wing mirror found in the road for examination while Mr Gregory's wife and son accompanied him to hospital.

During his time in the RAF Mr Gregory flew Beaufighters and Mosquitoes before testing a wide range of aircraft, including new models of Spitfires and Hurricanes.

Knocked down: The war hero was making his daily trip to the shops and had just purchased a newspaper when he was struck. Officers are still investigating the collision but say no-one has been arrested or charged

Hit-and-run: Police at the scene where Mr Gregory was knocked down by a car. Officers say a female motorist driving a silver-coloured Nissan involved in the collision came forward and was interviewed under caution

Mr Gregory's love of flying continued after the war. He built a 1917-style bi-plane and joined the Great War Display Team, eventually becoming Britain's oldest stunt pilot until he decided to give up his role in 2013

He left the RAF in 1946 and became an art teacher at two Hampshire schools.

But Mr Gregory's love of flying continued. He built a 1917-style bi-plane and joined the Great War Display Team, eventually becoming Britain's oldest stunt pilot until he decided to give up his role at the age of 90 in 2013.

At the time the pensioner said: 'Flying has been my favourite thing all my life, especially aerobatics. I don't do any other kind of sport. Flying is quite enough to keep me going.'

Teacher: After leaving the RAF in 1946 Mr Gregory (left) became an art teacher at two Hampshire schools. Police said no-one had been arrested or charged in connection with the collision in Blackfield (right)

When he gave up his role as a stunt pilot in 2013 Mr Gregory insisted he would still continue to fly planes

He joined the Royal Air Force as early as he could, at the age of 18, and flew for seven decades.

In 2010 Mr Gregory and some of his fellow pilots took part in a dogfight over the New Forest to celebrate the centenary of the former Royal Fying Corps airfield at East Boldre.

A police spokesman today confirmed that officers were still investigating the accident.

He added that no-one had been arrested or charged in connection with the collision.