The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. A Berry

Alan Berry from Longsight, Manchester was born on 1st January 1917 in Prestwich, the son of Walter and Jane Berry.

He joined the RAF in September 1939. He later volunteered for training as an Air Gunner. He was with 264 Squadron at the start of the Battle of Britain.

He married May Edwards in July 1940.

264 suffered heavy losses over Dunkirk and switched to a night-fighting role. It was sent south to Hornchurch on 21st August 1940 to resume daytime operations.

On 24th August the squadron was refuelling at Manston when a force of enemy bombers was reported. Before the Defiants could form up, three were shot down by the Me109 fighter escort from JG3.

Berry's aircraft, L7027, was one of the victims and he and his pilot, F/O IG Shaw, were reported Missing'.

Berry is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Panel 12.

Above image courtesy of Dean Sumner.