A war hero commended for his bravery during the Second World War has died aged 93.

Harold Arthur Corbin, from Hove, was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (CGM) for his service with No 248 squadron attacking enemy ships and submarines near France.

He was one of only 183 servicemen to be awarded the gallantry medal by King George VI.

He died on April 8.

Mr Corbin was born on November 14, 1923, in Brighton and joined the RAF four days after his 17th birthday in 1940. He completed his pilot training in Pensacola, Florida, before returning to the UK to fly fighter planes.

In 1944 he was posted to No 248 squadron where he was flying Mosquito aircraft. Warrant Officer Corbin returned his crew to base safely on one engine after his aircraft was badly damaged after coming under enemy fire on three separate occasions.

On August 14, 1944, while attacking enemy ships at Bordeaux, his Mosquito was severely damaged forcing him to bale out over Brittany and evade capture. He was awarded the CGM for this action.

The recommendation dated August 24, 1944, read: “Warrant Officer Corbin has not only acted with determination and courage, but he has also shown amazing skill in flying badly damaged aircraft on three different occasions.

“I cannot too strongly recommend this warrant officer for the immediate award of the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal.”

King George VI presented Mr Corbin with the medal at Buckingham Palace on February 28, 1946.

According to his family, despite not sharing much about his wartime experience as a veteran, he took great pride in being a CGM recipient.

He later moved to Australia for seven years where he was a teacher, before moving back to Brighton to teach in primary schools.

After the death of his first wife Cassie, he married Maggie in 1969 who he met at the New Venture Theatre in Brighton.

In his latter years he enjoyed holidays to Tenerife in winter and playing boules. Describing her uncle, Mary Evanson said: “He was very funny with a dry wit. He always had a ready quote or comment. He was very entertaining.”

As well as his widow he leaves three children, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.