The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. J Weber

Jack Weber was born on 5th October 1917 in Hove and joined the RAFVR on 3rd July 1939 as an Airman u/t Pilot. He began his weekend training at 13 E&RFTS White Waltham.

He was called up at the outbreak of war and completed his initial training at 10 EFTS Yatesbury. He moved on to 3 FTS South Cerney for No. 35 Course which ran from 26th May to 23rd August 1940.

Weber arrived at 6 OTU Sutton Bridge on 31st August. After he had converted to Hurricanes he was posted to No. 1 Squadron at Wittering on 21st September.

Weber joined 145 Squadron at Tangmere on 13th October. He was shot down on 6th November and belly landed Hurricane R4177 at Duxmore Farm near Havenstreet, Isle of Wight. He was unhurt.

From 26th November to 24th December 1940 Weber was at CFS Upavon for an instructors course on Masters and Tutors. Commissioned in January 1942, Weber had returned to 145 Squadron and went with it to the Middle East in February. In July it was in the Western Desert.

On the 15th 145 squadron was acting as top cover for Kittyhawk fighter-bombers. It was attacked by Me109s and Weber was shot down. He baled out and broke his arm on landing.

He was released from the RAF in November 1945 as a Flight Lieutenant.

Weber died in May 1988 in Hampshire.