The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. A G Curley

Albert George Curley of Bushey, Hertfordshire was born on 30th September 1907 in Ballincollig, County Cork, Ireland.

His father, John Curley (born 1874), was stationed there with the 6th Dragoons. He had fought in the South African campaigns and would later serve in WW1 in Egypt and post-WW1 with the Auxiliary Division, Royal Irish Constabulary in Ireland before being demobilised in 1922. He died in 1941 aged 67.

Albert Curley joined the RAFVR about May 1939 as an Airman u/t Aircrew. Called up on 1st September 1939, he completed his training as an Air Gunner and was serving with 141 Squadron in June 1940.

Above: Curley (middle row, fifth from left) at No.1 Air Observers Navigation School, Prestwick, December 1939.

Above: this photograph was inscribed 'To Mother & Dad with love from Albert, 23/6/40'.

The squadron went south in July and Curley was in one of the nine Defiants attacked by Me109's of III/JG51 off Dover on 19th July.

His aircraft, L6995, was shot down into the Channel. The pilot, P/O RA Howley (from Newfoundland) and Curley were both reported lost.

Curley was 33 years old and is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial, panel 13.

Above images courtesy of Elizabeth Callow Wirth (niece) via Simon Callow.

Above image courtesy of Dean Sumner