War veteran and firefighter lived 'fulfilled life'

Mr Taylor flew many operations with his crew in their "greatly loved" Lancaster bombers

Family, friends, and former colleagues have gathered to share stories of a 102-year-old war veteran and firefighter, who lived an "incredibly fulfilled life".

The funeral service of Ivor Taylor, who was born in Barton Hill, Bristol, was held at Westerleigh Crematorium on Monday.

He volunteered for military service in the early days of the World War Two and was eventually promoted to Flying Officer, serving in a Lancaster Bomber Squadron.

After demobilization, Mr Taylor joined the Bristol Fire Brigade and soon climbed the ladder to the rank of station officer, spanning almost 30 years in the fire service.

Mr Taylor was posted to Malta where he served on Baltimore Light bombers for more than 30 operations

In 1941, Mr Taylor applied to be an air gunner in the Royal Air Force (RAF), but was eventually selected to train as a pilot.

After leaving the RAF, Mr Taylor joined the fire brigade served many years in several fire stations around Bristol.

In a eulogy read out by his granddaughter at the funeral, Mr Taylor was described as a "passionate" musician, an avid gardener, and a brave man.

On his 94th birthday, Mr Taylor flew a bomber for the final time, saying "once you learn, you never forget"

"His career in the fire service spanned a remarkable 27 years," she said.

"He is from an era of fireman who were affectionately known as ‘firebreathers’ due to the fact that they often ran into fire without any apparatus or protective gear."

Following his retirement from the fire service, Mr Taylor then worked for eight years as a fire officer at the Bristol Royal Infirmary until he fully retired.

He then "dedicated his time to playing golf and volunteering" at the Staple Hill branch of the Royal British Legion, where he was an active member for more than 35 years.

Mr Taylor served many years as Station Officer in what is now Avon Fire and Rescue Service

Mr Taylor's granddaughter added: "Ivor lived an active and independent life until the phenomenal age of 98, when he decided it was time to move into a care home.

"He spent his final years in Collingwood Care Home being looked after by the amazing care staff there, whom he was incredibly fond of."

Steve Britton, the vicar who led the service, said the occasion was a "celebration of a life well lived, for his community and for his country".

"I think it's the best that we can do, to try and emulate Ivor and live an exciting, useful life," he added.