The Airmen's Stories - P/O G G Bailey

Graham George Bailey of Henleaze, Gloucestershire, was born in October 1916, the son of Sydney Bailey (1884-1966) and Alice Maud Bailey (nee Sullivan 1885-1959).

He attended Bristol Grammar School and was then employed by the Norwich Union Insurance Company.

Bailey joined the RAFVR in July 1938 as an Airman u/t Pilot.

He was called up on 1st September 1939 and, with training completed, he went to 5 OTU on the 17th August. This was followed by postings to 257 Squadron on 8th September, 43 Squadron on the 10th, 79 Squadron on the 13th and 56 Squadron on 15th October.

Posted to Malta, Bailey flew off HMS Ark Royal on 27th April 1941. He joined the newly-formed 185 Squadron at Hal Far on 12th May. He shared in shooting down a SM79 on 27th July.

On 9th November 1941 two Hurricanes from 185 Squadron went out to patrol over a returning naval force. They intercepted a force of enemy torpedo-bombers attempting to attack the ships.

Bailey, in Hurricane IIB BD835, did not come back and is thought to have been hit by return fire. He may have destroyed one of the bombers before he was himself shot down.

He was 25 years old and is commemorated on the Malta Memorial.

He is also commemorated on a family grave at grave Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol (below).