A FIGHTER pilot has been honoured for his outstanding braveryduring the Second World War.

William Reid, who was born in Baillieston in 1921, was awarded the Victoria Cross while a pilot in the Royal Air Force Bomber Command.

Lord Provost Bob Winter has now unveiled a plaque to the Glasgow hero, who died in 2001, at Baillieston library.

Flight Lieutenant Reid captained a Lancaster bomber ordered to attack Dusseldorf in November 1943. On the way, the plane's windscreen was shattered by fire from a Messerschmitt badly damaging the gun turrets and cockpit.

The Coatbridge Higher Grade School pupil suffered multiple injuries but continued on his mission. His plane was attacked for a second time with the result that the navigator was killed and the wireless operator fatally wounded.

Mr Reid pressed on to his target and released his bombs, then managed to bring his crippled aircraft back safely.

Mr Winter said: "William Reid's story is the stuff of legend."