The Airmen's Stories - F/O A L Edy

Allen Laird Edy from St. Andrews, north of Winnipeg, Canada was born on 7th May 1916, the son of John Curtis Harrington Edy (1885-1972) and Minnie Louise Edy (nee Hulbig 1887-1962).

He was educated at St. Johns Technical High School.

Edy arrived in England in June 1938 and joined the RAF on 31st October 1938 on a short service commission.

He arrived at No. 1 RAF Depot Uxbridge on 14th January 1939 for a short induction course, after which he went to 5 FTS Sealand for No. 39 Course, which ran from 30th January to 2nd September 1939.

Edy was attached to 613 Squadron at Odiham from 22 Group Pool on 6th October 1939 and taken on as a full member on 7th November. The squadron was equipped with Lysanders and so critical was the situation that they were used in a light bombing role plus dropping supplies to cut-off units around Calais.

When the call came in August 1940 for more pilots for Fighter Command Edy volunteered and went to 7 OTU Hawarden to convert to Spitfires. He afterwards joined 602 Squadron at Westhampnett on 8th September 1940.

He claimed a Do17 destroyed on the 15th and probably destroyed a He 111 on the 26th.

Edy was awarded the DFC (gazetted 5th November 1940) for his services with 613 Squadron with the AASF in France.

The citation read:

On 25th May 1940, Pilot Officer Edy was a member of a formation of aircraft detailed to carry out a dive-bombing attack on a heavy battery near Calais.  He pressed home his attack in the face of severe anti-aircraft fire with the utmost courage.  His bombs were observed to fall inside the target area, and it was later reported that the battery had been moved.  On 27th May 1940, this officer took part in low flying bombing and supply dropping sorties over the Calais garrison area and although his single front gun failed, the raid was carried out at a very low altitude.  By the skilful manipulation of his aircraft Pilot Officer Edy not only evaded the enemy anti-aircraft defences, but enabled his air gunner to put two machine gun posts out of action.  He remained over the target, drawing the enemy fire to himself, until the supply dropping aircraft no longer required support.  Pilot Officer Edy has shown a complete disregard of personal danger and has set a fine example by his keenness and magnificent spirit.

Edy was shot down by Me109s near Folkestone on 12th December 1940 and crash-landed at Shorncliffe, unhurt, in Spitfire X4658.

He was posted to 315 (Polish) Squadron when it was formed at Acklington on 21st January 1941. He moved to 457 (RAAF) Squadron when it was formed at Baginton on 16th June 1941.

Edy was killed on 5th December 1941 when his Spitfire IIA P7502 caught fire over Ramsey, Isle of Man. He baled out but was too low and his parachute failed to open.

He is buried in St Andrew's churchyard, Andreas, Isle of Man.

Edy was 25 years old.

Above image courtesy of Hamish K