THERE was a fitting end to a Hereford resident’s search for his famous relative’s aeroplane.

Leslie Causer, aged 84, had always been interested in family history – particularly the story surrounding his cousin Walter Handley.

In 1933 Wal had bought a Gypsymoth which he flew extensively before joining the Air Transport Auxiliary, launched by the Air Ministry, to fly medical supplies.

During that time Walter flew around 40 different types of aircraft until, on November 15 1941, he picked up a notorious American Bell Aerocobra.

He climbed the aircraft to 800ft when it burst into flames and crashed, killing him aged just 32.

Les managed to find the present owner of the aeroplane called Ben Cox who was an aircraft engineer at Coventry Airport.

Les arranged a get-together of eight relatives of Wal and they met at Shobdon Airfield last month, where Ben flew to join them.

Les said: “Ben then took in turn all those who wanted a flight. I took the last flight. I was happy.

“I am also very happy to find out about the aircraft that came from a very famous man.” His aim had always been to see the aircraft that had survived for so many years.