The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. A V Albertini

Anthony Victor Albertini was born in Baldwyns Park, Bexley on 29th September 1920. He attended the City of London School and went on to an apprenticeship in the printing industry.

He joined 600 Squadron of the Auxiliary Air Force in 1936, initially as ground crew at Hendon but he later trained as an Air Gunner. Albertini was called up on 24th August 1939 and completed his training at 5 EFTS and 3 FTS. He rejoined 600 Squadron in August 1940.

Above: Albertini was a gunner in his early days with 600.

On the night of 12th/13th November 1940 Blenheim L6626 crashed on landing at Catterick airfield after a night sortie. Albertini and his crew member (name currently not known) were unhurt.

Albertini was posted to 263 Squadron on 17th May 1941. On 6th November 1941 he was badly injured in his right eye after a clay pigeon shotgun was discharged in the flying control room.

He was admitted to hospital in Bath, while there a posting to 137 Squadron came through but his eye injury made him unfit for flying duties. Commissioned in May 1942, he continued serving as a flying controller at several stations including Coltishall.

In 1945/6 he was involved in setting up a flying control operation at Prague airport. For this he was awarded the Czech Military Medal for Merit (1st Class).

Albertini was released from the RAF in 1946 as a Flight Lieutenant. He died in 1992.