The Airmen's Stories - F/O C J D Andreae

Christopher John Drake Andreae was born in Chislehurst, Kent on 20th January 1917, the son of Frank George and Georgiana Andreae. He was educated at Shrewsbury School from 1930 to 1935, he then went to Caius College, Cambridge where he read Natural Science.

He was a member of the University Air Squadron and was commissioned into the RAFO in March 1937.

Above left: Andreae (centre) with his brother Henry (a Commander RN who survived the war) and their father Frank (wartime Auxiliary Fire Service).

Above images courtesy of Mark P Andreae.

Andeae was later commissioned into the RAFVR, in January 1938, and called up late in 1939. He completed his training at Cranwell and in May 1940 was commissioned as a Pilot Officer. He went to 6 OTU Sutton Bridge on 22nd June 1940 and joined 64 Squadron at Kenley on 20th July.

On 11th August he returned to base in Spitfire N3293 with damage caused by cannon fire from an enemy fighter engaged off Dover. Four days later Andreae failed to return from a combat with Me109s over the Channel. He was 23 years old.

He was never heard of again and is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial, Panel 5.

Above image courtesy of Dean Sumner