The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. A E Gregory

Albert Edward Gregory was born in Derby on 9th May 1917 and joined the RAFVR there in April 1939 as an Airman u/t WOp/AG. Called up on 1st September, he was posted to Aldergrove in October for an air gunnery course.

In December Gregory joined 141 Squadron at Grangemouth to fly in Blenheims. When 141 began to convert to Defiants in April 1940 he was too tall for the turret so joined 219 Squadron, which still had Blenheims.

With the advent of radar-equipped Beaufighters from September 1940, Gregory retrained as a Radio Observer. He assisted in the destruction of a He111 in March 1941.

In May he went to No. 2 Radio School at Yatesbury for a wireless operators course.

Gregory joined 23 Squadron at Ford in December 1941. He flew from Tangmere in Boston IIIs on intruder patrols over France, Belgium and Holland, bombing and strafing airfields, marshalling yards and other targets.

On 2nd April 1942 he damaged two Do17's.

In July 1942 Gregory went on a Gunnery Leaders course at CGS Sutton Bridge, which he completed in August and he was then commissioned. He did not rejoin 23 Squadron but went to 605 Squadron at Ford, again on intruder duties.

He was posted away to 275 (ASR) Squadron at Valley in March 1943 and was awarded the DFC (gazetted 13th July 1943).

Gregory later served with 278 (ASR) Squadron and was released from the RAF in November 1945 as a Flight Lieutenant.

He rejoined in July 1947, did a radio refresher course and in February 1948 he was posted to 52 Squadron at Changi, Singapore. The squadron was engaged in anti-terrorist operations, supporting the Army in Malaya.

In late 1950 Gregory returned to the UK and became a signals instructor.

He retired from the RAF in May 1955.

Gregory died on 12th November 2010.