Dambuster dies after freak accident.

A veteran of the RAF Dambusters' 617 Squadron has died after a freak car accident outside of his home.

David Cookson, 86, of Chatton Wynd, Gosforth, was critically ill after his coat jammed in the door of a friend's car as the vehicle was driving away.

Mr Cookson was dragged just a yard along the road but fell and hit his head on the pavement. He died at Newcastle General Hospital on Sunday, a week after the accident.

Friends today paid tribute to the widower, describing him as a gentleman.

George Laverick, 78, of Park Road, Gosforth, had known Mr Cookson for more than 40 years.

He said: "This is a tragic accident and David will be sorely missed. David was a gentleman and a jolly fellow. He was friendly to everyone. David loved planes.

"Even after he retired he would often go up to Newcastle Airport and see what was flying around. He knew every plane in the sky just by the sound.

"He spoke quite a bit about Guy Gibson, leader of 617 Squadron.

"He said he was a very decent person and a great leader. He treated everyone the same no matter what their rank."

Mr Cookson serviced the Lancaster bombers used by Wing Commander Guy Gibson and 617 Squadron in 1943.

Before the war he had worked for a funeral director in Jesmond.

He married his sweetheart Nancy in 1944. She died two years ago aged 81.