A Seond World War veteran and one of the North East's oldest police officers passed away last week, only a few days after his 102nd birthday. 

Northumbria Constabulary’s Eric Maville, one of their oldest former police officers, sadly passed away recently, following a long an exciting career in the RAF and the police force. 

Kirkcudbright-born Eric left school just before turning 15 to join the Home Guard at the start of the Second World War. 

Eric, described by his son as  “modest, practical, fair, and no-nonsense”, had a full life, brimming with exciting and unique experiences - many of which can be attributed to his career in the police and RAF. 

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He leaves behind 93-year-old Cynthia, his son Andrew, and his daughter Lesley.

About his father, Andrew said: “He was very reserved until you got to know him – and very loyal to his friends and family.

“In recent years, with failing health, he never complained about his lot – and all the nurses and carers who looked after him remarked on how lovely he was. He would always perk up and joke with the nurses who came to care for him.

“He will be greatly missed by us all.”

In his teenage years, Eric served in the Home Guard, and later became an RAF Air Gunner on bombers, flying in a four-engined Halifax for 76 Squadron and during 1943 flew in 30 missions, including eight perilous trips over Berlin.

That same year, the brave airman took part in the raid on the V2 Flying Bomb research facility in Peenemunde, Germany, in which 40 planes were shot down by enemy aircraft.

For his heroic efforts, Eric was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM), by King George VI at Buckingham Palace in early 1944, before leaving active service to train others.

The Northern Echo: Eric is survived by his wife Cynthia, and children Andrew and Lesley.Eric is survived by his wife Cynthia, and children Andrew and Lesley. (Image: Northumbria Police)

Around this time, he married his first wife, Margaret, who sadly died of tuberculosis not long after the war ended.

After leaving the RAF, Eric joined Northumberland County Constabulary, renamed Northumberland Constabulary in 1969, and then Northumbria Police in 1974.

Serving across Morpeth, Shilbottle and Amble, the distinguished PC was in 1953 invited to represent the Force in London to line the Coronation Parade route of Queen Elizabeth II.

Soon after the late Queen's coronation, Eric was remarried to Cynthia, who survives him.

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Then in 1956 he was seconded as a Sergeant in the UK contingent of the Cyprus Police independence in 1960.

When he returned to the North East, he worked across Berwick, Acklington, and Whitley Bay, where he stayed until 1977 when he retired as a Sergeant, although he often acted as Inspector.

This retirement didn't last, as Eric successfully applied to join Newcastle Airport Police, working there until he really retired in 1985.

Eric and Cynthia spent much of the next years in Cyprus, where Eric, at 70, was introduced to windsurfing as a hobby.

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Eventually returning to the UK, they settled back in North Tyneside.

Prior to his passing, Eric was to become the oldest member of the Northumbria Branch of the National Association for Retired Police Officers.

Northumbria Police have expressed their thanks to Eric, for all he did during his life to serve and protect his country.