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Group Captain Arthur Donaldson also survived a plane crash off Gibraltar that resulted in 17 deaths, and a bout of malaria during a stint in the Far East.

The amazing resilience of an indestructible Spitfire ace who lost his fingers can be revealed after his bravery medals sold for over £18,000.

Group Captain Arthur Donaldson, of 263 Squadron, a hero of the defence of Malta, withstood being hit by flak which blew off his helmet.

The airman also had two digits on his left hand severed during a dogfight which landed on his lap.

But he still somehow brought his aircraft home despite his gruesome injury as blood gushed all over the cockpit.

He later survived a plane crash off Gibraltar that resulted in 17 deaths, and a bout of malaria during a stint in the Far East.