Bomber Command hero John Collier survived 63 dangerous War missions . He was awarded three top medals and was considered for a Victoria Cross . Later joined mission planning team and helped organise Dambusters raid . After leaving RAF , Mr Collier lived a humble life and rarely spoke of service . Loved ones learned extent of his bravery after finding memoir when he died in 2000 , aged 83 .
Bomber Command hero John Collier survived 63 dangerous WWII missions . He was awarded three top medals and was considered for a Victoria Cross . Later joined mission planning team and helped organise Dambusters raid . After leaving RAF , Mr Collier lived a humble life and rarely spoke of service . Loved ones learned extent of his bravery after finding memoir when he died in 2000 , aged 83 .