The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. H F Montgomery

Herbert Francis Montgomery was born on 16th December 1912 in Chorleywood, Hertfordshire, the son of Herbert Francis Montgomery and Madeline Montgomery.

His father had served in the Salonica campaign with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.

He was awarded Aero certificate 13595 at the Hampshire Aero Club on 5th February 1936, his occupation was recorded as 'Hotel Manager, Southbourne Cliffs, Bournemouth'.

He joined the RAFVR in February 1938 as an Airman u/t Pilot. Called up on 1st September 1939, he completed his training at 11 FTS Shawbury on No. 18 Course, which ran from 31st January to 29th June 1940.

He had married Eunice Dorothy Mainwaring in October 1939 in Wallasey, Cheshire.

Montgomery arrived at 6 OTU Sutton Bridge on 6th July 1940. After converting to Hurricanes he joined 43 Squadron at Northolt on 3rd August.

He failed to return from an interception of a He111 forty miles south of Beachy Head on 14th August. His Hurricane, L1739, crashed into the sea.

Montgomery was 26. His body was recovered and he is buried in Senneville-sur-Fécamp churchyard, France.

Above image courtesy of bcresearcher.