MORE than 300 pupils from a Sherfield-on-Loddon school paid tribute to a First World War hero who lived in the school grounds at a special fly-past.

The children were at RAF Odiham and Sherfield School on Monday afternoon to watch a BE2e World War One aircraft, which was flown by Captain Aidan Liddell VC MC RFC during the four-year conflict, fly past the school.

Capt Liddell lived with his family at Sherfield Manor, which is now Sherfield School, and whilst on a reconnaissance mission over Belgium in 1915, he momentarily lost consciousness after his aircraft was fired on by German troops.

In the attack, the pilot suffered severe wounds to his right leg but after he gained partial control over the aircraft, which dropped 3,000 feet, he managed to complete his mission and land the aircraft safely.

Sadly, after having his leg amputated following the incident, Capt Liddell died on August 31 after he developed septic poisoning in his wounds.

In recognition of his bravery, Capt Liddell was awarded a Victoria and Military Cross. He is buried in the Holy Ghost Cemetery, in South View, Basingstoke.

The aircraft will now be based at Bicester Heritage, a former RAF station that is now a unique business park dedicated to the use, preservation and restoration of historic vehicles and aircraft.

Sherfield School deputy headteacher Terry Peters said: “It was a great honour to be granted a fly-past of a First World War iconic aircraft.

“The whole school had learned of the heroism of the former resident at Sherfield, Captain Aidan Liddell, during various assemblies and special events to mark the centenary of the outbreak of World War One.

“To experience a practical demonstration of how vulnerable the aircraft seemed when it flew past enabled the pupils to see for themselves how precarious a flight Capt Liddell must have made, and how brave he had been to lead his passenger to safety and give his report while mortally wounded.

“The pupils have been motivated to research their own family histories and some will visit the battlefields next Easter to visit the cemeteries where their relatives are buried.”

On Tuesday, pupils from Year 9 visited RAF Odiham for a briefing about military aviation during the Great War as part of their studies.