UK Edition
A German Second World War pilot has made his maiden voyage in a Spitfire seven decades after he flew for the Luftwaffe.
Hugo Broch, 95, who last flew in 1960, took to the skies above Kent on Tuesday as a passenger in a British TR9 MJ627 Spitfire.
Born on January 6 1922, Broch is a former Messerschmitt 109 fighter pilot and Luftwaffe ace.
During his career, Broch flew 324 combat missions and shot down 81 enemy aircraft on the Eastern Front, including 18 Soviet Sturmoviks. His score included twelve double victories and three triple victories.
He received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross during the war - which was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.
He also won the German Cross in Gold and the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class.
Mr Broch said: "The Spitfire was greatly respected. With these mechanics you have a feeling of being free and being able to do what you want.
Speaking after the flight, he told the BBC: "The Spitfire is a good machine, wonderful, and he is a good pilot.
"I have again experienced what flying is like and how beautiful flying is.
"Wonderful, wonderful."
The flight took place at Biggin Hill Airport - the spiritual home of the Battle of Britain - in a Spitfire owned by flyaspitfire.com.