Lt Cdr Tony Fane

Old Westbournian Tony Fane (1936-41), a naval pilot who flew Sea Furies during the Korean War, has died at the age of 96.  You can read his full obituary in The Telegraph.

Tony Fane, Old Westbournian
Tony Fane FAA: he was in Singapore when the Japanese surrendered and recalled, returning to the UK in 1946 with magazines filled with sherry at Gibraltar

Lieutenant Commander Tony Fane is survived by a son and two daughters, one of whom is our Latin Teacher, Mrs Edworthy.

Tony Fane's granddaughter, Mrs Barton, wrote to school to say: "His great grandson is coming to play football at Westbourne House from Twyford School in an U8’s match on Thursday."

In 1950-51, Fane flew the Hawker Sea Fury, the last propeller-driven fighter to serve with the Royal Navy, from the carriers Ocean, Theseus and Glory, serving in 807 and 804 Naval Air Squadrons.

He wrote: “Every day we were under pressure, and we had to be on top of our game at all times. A silly mistake, a lapse in concentration, a flak shell with your name on it, could very quickly lead to disaster."

Fane taking off from a carrier in his Sea Fury
Fane taking off from a carrier in his Sea Fury

Tony Fane, born October 11 1927, died September 1 2024.