Tributes have been paid to long-serving former Birmingham Mail photographer Neil Donald who has died at the age of 93.
Born in Glasgow, Donald lied about his age to join the RAF in 1940 and flew 30 missions over Germany as a radio operator in Lancaster bombers during the Second World War.
He joined the newspaper in 1948, then known as the Evening Mail, before retiring in 1984. He died on 15 September and is survived by wife Sue.
Former colleague Roland Rowley said: “Not only was Neil a brilliant photographer but he was a tremendous friend.
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“He was a loving, family man who will also be remembered for his kindness and sense of humour.”
Fred Bromwich, vice chairman of the Birmingham Press Club said Donald was known for his “Wing Commander-style moustache and dapper style of dress”.
Fellow ex Mail photographer Paul Delmar added: “Neil always had real style. I knew him as ‘The Gent’ and as a golf legend.”
Donald never claimed his war medals but was able to display them after his step-grandchild Edward (pictured above with Donald) applied for them on his behalf .
The funeral service will be Lodge Hill Crematorium, Birmingham, on Friday 23 September at 10.30 am, followed by a wake at Harborne Golf Club.
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