The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. P K Walley

Peter Kenneth Walley was born in Barnes on November 29th 1919 and became an apprentice toolmaker. He joined the Auxiliary Air Force in March 1938 as an Aircrafthand/Air Gunner. In August he transferred to 615 Squadron and by the time he was called up at the outbreak of war he had been selected for pilot training.

Walley did his intermediate and advanced training at 3 FTS South Cerney and 5 FTS Sealand. He completed his training on July 11th and, after converting to Hurricanes, rejoined 615 Squadron, then at Kenley, on August 6th 1940.

He shared in probably destroying a Me109 on August 16th. Two days later Walley was shot down and killed by Me109’s of JG 3. He was 20 and is buried in St Luke's churchyard, Whyteleafe, Surrey.

There is a memorial plaque to Walley at Merton Technical College as it is believed that he steered his crashing aircraft away from housing in the area.