A man for all missions August 11, 2013 Racing royalty: Tony Gaze during his racing days. Photo: Denis Gregory Tony Gaze, who died last week aged 93, became Australia's first formula one driver when he raced in the 1952 Belgian Grand Prix. More laudably, this remarkable man was a Spitfire ace in World War II who in 485 sorties over Europe was responsible for 12.5 aerial combat victories against the Germans. His courage was rewarded with three Distinguished Flying Crosses. He was shot down over enemy-occupied France, but made his way to England via Spain and Gibraltar. Towards the end of hostilities, he became the first Australian to shoot down an enemy jet fighter. Later, he was the first Australian to fly a jet fighter, the Meteor. After his wartime exploits, racing an F1 car, which he did in four grands prix, must have been a doddle. Tony Gaze with fellow formula one drivers Jack Brabham, Mark Webber and Alan Jones in 2011. Above everything, he was a gentleman with an endearing modesty. They don't make them like him very often.