The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. A N Feary

Alan Norman Feary was born in Derby on 18th April 1912, the son of Thomas and Maud Victoria Feary.

He was educated at Derby Municipal Secondary School and worked in the Borough Treasurer's Department. He joined the RAFVR in July 1936 and did his flying training at Burnaston aerodrome.

Awarded his flying badge on 18th November 1938, Feary was called up on 1st September 1939. He was posted to 9 FTS, Hullavington for advanced training in December.

On 6th April 1940 Feary went to 5 OTU, Aston Down, where he converted to Blenheims before joining 600 Squadron at Manston on 4th May. He was then posted to 609 Squadron at Northolt on 11th June 1940.

Feary shared in the destruction of a Ju88 on 18th July, destroyed a Me109 on 12th August and destroyed a Ju87 and damaged a Me110 on the 13th. The next day Feary shot down a Ju88, which had just bombed Middle Wallop, killing some airmen who were trying to close the doors of one hangar. The bomb went through the roof and blew the doors off, which fell on the airmen, crushing them. Feary, already airborne, shot the enemy aircraft down about thirty seconds later. It crashed five miles away.

On 25th August he destroyed a Me110 and damaged another, on 7th September he claimed a probable Me109 and a damaged Ju88, on 24th September he destroyed a Do17 and the next day damaged another.

Feary was killed on 7th October 1940 when he was shot down in a surprise attack by Me109s over Weymouth. He baled out but was too low. His Spitfire, N3238, crashed at Watercombe Farm, south of Warmwell.

Feary is buried in Holy Trinity churchyard, Warmwell.