Daughter visits exhibition for her WW1 hero father

The daughter of a World War One pilot has visited an exhibition dedicated to her father for the first time.

Flight Commander Claude Ridley took charge at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome in Essex - where the exhibition is being held - in 1916 at the age of just 20.

On display are various artefacts, such as a waxwork model of Ridley and his sword, including information on his life.

Ninety-two year-old Eleanor Longmire said memories of her father were "relatively few" because he was at war for so long.

She added: "Much of the time he seemed rather a distant father – I didn't see a lot of my parents, most of my time was spent with my nanny.

"But I do remember when we lived in Lewes, a really happy memory of walking up the Downs with him, sitting on his shoulders as he told me a story about foxes."

Ridley's grandson Nick Kitto - who owns four original paintings commemorating Ridley by military artist Howard Gerrard - also attended the exhibition.

It is expected the works will go on display at the aerodrome at some point in the future.

Ridley is buried near the aerodrome and was awarded the Military Cross for his Zeppelin raids over Britain.

Stow Maries aerodrome is widely recognised as the best-preserved World War One aerodrome in Europe.

Formerly the base for 37 Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps, the site is now an accredited museum and was tasked with protecting the country from Zeppelins.

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