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The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. A F Beechey

 

Alfred Francis Beechey was born on 14th February 1912 in Southend. He was awarded Aero Certificate 16307 on 17th September 1938 at Southend Flying Club. His occupation at the time was 'Post Office engineer'.

He joined the Aircraft Crew Section of the RAFVR in April 1939 as an Airman u/t WOp/AG. He was called up on 1st September 1939 and after completing his training joined 141 Squadron as an Air Gunner. Although holding a civil licence he may have been considered too old for pilot training by the standards of the time.

 

 

He served with the squadron throughout the Battle of Britain.

Beechey was posted away from 141 on 2nd August 1941 to 410 (RCAF) Squadron, newly-formed at Ayr.

He was commissioned from Flight Sergeant in December 1941 and posted to Bomber Command in 1942. He was awarded the DFC (gazetted 12th January 1943) while Gunnery Leader with 101 Squadron, operating in Lancasters from Holme-on-Spalding Moor, Yorkshire.

 

 

Beechey was released from the RAF in 1946 but rejoined in 1947 as a Flying Officer in the Aircraft Control Branch.

The date of his leaving the RAF has not been traced.

He died on 22nd July 1994 in Grimsby.

 

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