The Airmen's Stories - P/O E G Titley

Edward George Titley was born on 7th August 1911 in Carlton, Nottingham, the son of Edward Addison Titley and Harriett Reynolds Titley.

He was educated at Uppingham School and Pembroke College, Cambridge. An enthusiastic cricketer, he represented the university at two first-class matches in June 1932.

Titley graduated in 1933 and went into the City, becoming a Lloyds underwriter in 1934. He married Dorothy Whipp, of Northam, Devon in June 1934.

In November 1938 Titley joined the RAFVR as an Airman u/t Pilot. Called up on 1st September 1939, he completed his training at No.11 Course at Cranwell in June 1940 (below) and joined 609 Squadron at Middle Wallop on 20th October 1940.

Titley injured his ears serving with the squadron and was declared unfit for any further high-altitude flying.

He became an instructor at CFS.

He was killed on 17th July 1943 as a Squadron Leader with 5 (Coastal) OTU when Beaufort JM514 spun in and was destroyed by fire at Ryefield, NW Moira, County Down.

F/Sgt. JW Hoba RCAF was also killed.

Titley was 31. He is buried in St Margaret's churchyard, Northam.