AS a bomber rear gunner Elijah Welsh's survival prospects were not good.

Tailend Charlies, as they were called, were particularly vulnerable if they were caught in the sights of German fighters.

And the major bombing campaigns on German cities in the later part of the Second World War, including the controversial fire bombing of Dresden in 1945, claimed hundreds of RAF aircraft.

But Mr Welsh, of Quarrington Hill, near Durham City, survived 34 sorties as part of a Lancaster of 101 Squadron, Bomber Command.

Sixy years later, Mr Welsh is the oldest survivor in his village who saw action during the Second World War.

The 60th anniversary of the bombing of Dresden has again raised controversy about the heavy bombing of cities.

But Mr Welsh said: "Every time we went out, we went out to repay them for what they had done to us.

"It was a very interesting job if you could clear your mind of what might happen.

"I saw all kinds of things that you wouldn't see otherwise.

"You always thought it would be some other crew that would be hit, you didn't think it would be you.''

Mr Welsh claimed one kill, shooting down a Messchersmitt ME 109 fighter during a mission to the German capital Berlin in December 1943.

"I can't remember much about it. As long as they went down when you got them in your sights, that was fine.''

The crew's Lancaster was damaged on another raid, but Mr Welsh said the pilot, who was only 20, was skilful and managed to get the plane to safety.

"You just kept your fingers crossed and hoped the pilot didn't get panicky.

"It was in your mind that you might be shot down but on a bombing run you didn't have time to be frightened.''

Mr Welsh, who joined the RAF in 1939 and married his wife, Vera, during the war, returned to civvy street to work in accounts. He received medals including the Distinguished Flying Medal for his service.

Mrs Welsh said: "It's a miracle he is sitting there. You never hear him talk about it.''