Death of bomber pilot who later joined western care

AN RAF bomber pilot, shot down over France during World War Two, has died at a nursing home in Westport.

Geoffrey Salisbury, who was honoured with an MBE and a Croix De Guerre, a military decoration of France, moved to Co. Mayo about 40 years ago where he dedicated himself to improving care methods for the intellectually disabled as an executive director of the then fledgling Western Care Association.

Mr.  Salisbury, who was in his 90s, died earlier this week at the Pilgrim's Rest Nursing Home in Westport.

He was predeceased by his wife, Kathleen, and a son Anthony. He is survived by a son, Jeremy, who is based in Dubai.

The funeral will take place on Saturday to Myna Cemetery, Kilmeena, following a service at Holy Trinity Church, Westport, at 1 pm.

In 1995, Mr. Salisbury published an account of his wartime exploits in a book - Yesterday's Flight Path.

The author was shot down over Rheims while commanding a Halifax bomber. He survived the jump and made contact with the Maquis (French Resistance). He worked with the Maquis until after D-Day as the invading Allies began gaining a foothold in western France.