Albert Gregory facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Albert Edward Gregory
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|---|---|
| Birth name | Albert Edward Gregory |
| Died | 12 November 2010 |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Air Force |
| Rank | Flight Lieutenant |
| Unit |
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| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | |
Flight Lieutenant Albert Edward Gregory (1917-2010) was a brave airman who served in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II. He was an Air Gunner and played an important part in the Battle of Britain, a famous air battle where Britain defended itself against attacks. He was one of the special group of pilots and aircrew known as "The Few" because they fought so bravely. For his courage, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and the Air Efficiency Award (AE).
Contents
Albert Gregory's Early Life
Albert Gregory was born in 1917. Before he joined the RAF, he worked in a butcher's shop. Later, he became a delivery man for a Co-op store. These jobs were very different from flying in military aircraft!
Joining the Royal Air Force
Albert joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) to serve his country. He became an Air Gunner. An air gunner's job was to operate machine guns on an aircraft to defend it from enemy planes. It was a very dangerous but important role.
A Brave Air Gunner in Action
Albert Gregory started his RAF career as an air gunner with No. 141 Squadron RAF. He flew in a type of plane called a Blenheim. This squadron later changed to using Defiant aircraft.
Too Tall for the Turret
However, Albert was too tall to fit into the gun turret of the Defiant plane. Because of this, he had to transfer to a different squadron. He moved to No. 219 Squadron RAF.
Fighting in the Battle of Britain
With No. 219 Squadron RAF, Albert served throughout the famous Battle of Britain. This was a major air battle in 1940 where the RAF defended the United Kingdom against attacks by the German air force. Albert flew in Beaufighter planes during this critical time.
Later Missions and Rescue Work
After the Battle of Britain, Albert served with No. 23 Squadron RAF. Here, he flew in Boston III planes on "intruder patrols." These missions involved flying over enemy-occupied areas like France, Belgium, and Holland. Their tasks included bombing enemy targets and "strafing" (shooting at) ground targets.
Later, Albert spent time with two different Air-Sea Rescue Squadrons: No. 275 Squadron RAF and No. 278 Squadron RAF. These squadrons were vital for rescuing pilots and aircrew who had crashed into the sea.
Awarded for Bravery
In 1942, Albert Gregory was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). This award is given to officers in the Royal Air Force for acts of "exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy in the air."
Why He Received the DFC
The award recognized his long and excellent service as an air gunner. He had been flying at night for nearly three years. The official statement said that Albert had shown "great courage, skill and devotion to duty" throughout his time flying missions.
Remembering "The Few"
Albert Gregory was one of the remaining members of "The Few". This is the name given to the small number of Allied aircrew who fought in the Battle of Britain. He attended many events to remember the Battle of Britain. This included the unveiling of the Battle of Britain Monument in London.
A Humble Hero
Despite his bravery and the recognition he received, Albert was always very humble. He often wondered why people were so interested in him. He would always say:
I was just doing my job.
His Final Years
Albert Gregory passed away on 12 November 2010. He died after a short illness.
