Sid Handsaker, born in Jesmond, had learnt how to fly before learning how to work a clutch in a car but never anticipated such a decorated career path.

When World War II broke Mr Handsaker, now 91, immediately set his sights on joining the airforce.

"I'd never dreamt of anything else," he said. "I guess you could call me headstrong, stubborn or stupid."

He applied as a wireless operator air gunner, believing his education wasn't up to standard for a pilot, but his commander thought he had the ability and changed his papers.

"I'd never been up in the air in my life," Mr Handsaker said. "As it turned out though I was flying planes before I got my driving licence."

He was sent to England in March 1944 and served in the 451 Squadron for the next nine months.

His job was to provide flying protection for bombers attacking the German submarine base on the archipelago of Heligoland.

"I loved flying the Spitfires, it was the perfect plane to fly.

"They were very manoeuverable and the power was unbelievable. They chewed through a gallon a minute."

With great reluctance Mr Handsaker had to give up flying when he returned to Australia as he was unable to afford the fees to retrain in twin-engine aircraft.

He is now one of only three surviving Spitfire pilots in the country and is living at Shortland, not far from where he grew up.

After suffering a heart attack in 2000 Mr Handsaker published his book, The Ancient Airman, to keep his story alive.

His anecdotes about the Spitfires have helped Hunter artist John Bradley create 14 original works depicting the aircraft in battle.

The artwork will be displayed alongside other pieces featuring air battles from World War I and the Vietnam and Afghanistan wars at Morpeth Gallery to mark Anzac Day.

The exhibition will run until Sunday.

Mr Handsaker will attend a Spitfire Association ceremony in Sydney on Thursday to remember fallen comrades.