Bob Doe - Spitfire Ace RIP

I'm sure some of you will have heard of Bob Doe.

I have just found out that he Passed away on Saturday 20th February 2010 after a long and unpleasant illness.

I got to know Bob about 20 years ago and spent many lunchtimes playing pool in the Oak public house in Rusthall, near Tunbridge Wells in Kent. Bob owned and ran the garage that used to be right next door to the Oak. In a very strange quirk of fate or call it what you will, I went to Tunbridge Wells on Saturday 20th Feb and for no real reason drove to Rusthall on the way home for the first time in what must be 5 years. And drove past the site that was Bobs old garage and is now houses. Very weird in hindsight.

While most people knew what Bob did and just how good Bob was, he never spoke about it openly, or to that point privately back then. But thankfully later in life he put his accounts into print and has appeared on many WW2 programmes with reference to the "Battle of Britain" on the like of Discovery Channel and such like.

Bob was a fascinating man and one I am extremely proud to say that I knew. I enjoyed those many games of pool and a drink (he a loved Barley Wine or 2) with "Dead Eye Bob".

One of "The Few" who put his life on the line to give us all the things we hold dear and sacred today.

Bob Doe

Gone but never forgotten. Rest in peace Bob.





For those who didn't know of Bob, here are a few details.

www.thesoutheastecho.co.uk/Doe.htm

[BIG"E"]

Well said.

[stiggy]

As well, nice post..

[SUBARMAN]

I knew of Bob over the years, being a plane enthusiast, and was pleased that both the BBC and ITV had a piece on him this week on their local news programmes.

What an open and honest man, with great humility!!

You are priviledged indeed to have know him personally, Steve.

R.I.P. Bob Doe

I missed all of this on the local news progs. Laura knew some time ago that he was not well and kept me informed of his plight.

I am proud to say I knew him, he was a lovely man.

Bob did tell me the story about the crash landing when he hit his face in the windscreen.

It was pretty grim.

As the Spit crash landed and he shot forward and hit the screen, the metal frame caught him (now I can't remember which way round, but you'll get the idea) either in the middle of the forhead and basically tore his face off like a glove down to the neck or the other way (from neck up to forhead).

And he was back flying within a year, what a man.

[Skullfudge]

I like to watch any WWII documentaries and have watch many on "The Few".

I just read these posts then hit google images with Bob Doe and recognised him instantly from many tv programmes.

He has always struck me as one of the most modest people I have ever listened to and to think he only lived a few miles away .

I would have loved to sat down with him for an evening in a pub and just listened to him tell stories with that great british voice he had....bless him.

RIP matey.

It's his funeral today too.

He really was a wonderful man. A true gent and as you say, such a distinctive voice.

I was always interested in listening to the little he had to say about his exploits, as previously stated he never really liked to talk too much back then. He was just a truly fascinating man. And sadly missed.

Rest in peace Bob.

[Skullfudge]

A little clip of your old mate Worzel