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Albert Gregory Waller
Born (1890-10-15)15 October 1890
Galway, Ireland
Died 1967 (aged 76–77)
Beechmount, Rathkeale, County Limerick, Ireland
Allegiance United Kingdom
Service/branch British Army
Royal Air Force
Years of service 1914–1919
1940–1943
Rank Captain
Unit Army Service Corps
No. 55 Squadron RFC
No. 18 Squadron RFC/RAF
Battles/wars World War I
 • Western Front
World War II
Awards Military Cross

Albert Gregory Waller was an amazing pilot from Ireland. He was a "flying ace" during the First World War, which means he shot down many enemy planes. He achieved eleven victories in the air! He also served in the military again during the Second World War.

Who Was Albert Gregory Waller?

Albert Gregory Waller was born in Galway, Ireland, on October 15, 1890. He was the youngest of nine children. His father, Francis Albert Waller, managed a company called Banagher Maltings.

Serving in World War I

Albert Waller joined the Army Service Corps on September 7, 1914. His brother, William, also became a pilot. Albert was promoted to captain in 1915.

He then joined the Royal Flying Corps to become a pilot. He earned his pilot's license in December 1916. In February 1917, he officially became a flying officer.

Becoming a Flying Ace

Waller first served in No. 55 Squadron RFC. Later, in early 1918, he moved to No. 18 Squadron RFC. He became a flight commander there.

Flying a two-seater Airco DH.4 plane, Waller achieved eleven aerial victories. These victories happened between March and May 1918. He shared three of these wins with other pilots. His last victory helped his observer, Basil Blackett, also become a flying ace.

Overall, Waller destroyed three enemy aircraft. He also forced eight other planes to crash out of control.

Military Cross Award

Waller was given the Military Cross medal for his bravery. This award was announced on September 16, 1918.

His award citation said he showed great courage. He led fifteen successful bombing raids. He also completed many low-flying missions and photo flights. He destroyed five enemy machines. His leadership and hard work made his flight squadron very successful.

In October 1918, he was made an acting major. After the war ended, he was recognized for his valuable service. He left the military in February 1919.

Albert Waller's Air Combat Record

Combat record
No. Date/Time Aircraft/
Serial No.
Opponent Result Location Notes
1 6 March 1918
@ 1125
DH.4
(A7798)
Albatros D.V Out of control Carvin Observer: Sergeant M. B. Kilroy.
2 10 March 1918
@ 1215
DH.4
(A7770)
Albatros D.V Out of control Carvin—Fromelles Observer: Sergeant M. B. Kilroy.
3 15 March 1918
@ 1245
DH.4
(A8076)
Pfalz D.III Out of control Avelin Observer: Lieutenant J. M. Brisbane.
4 12 April 1918
@ 1025
D.H.4 Pfalz D.III Destroyed in flames Estaires Observer: Second Lieutenant J. Waugh. Shared with Lieutenant F. J. Morgan & Sergeant M. B. Kilroy, Second Lieutenant Herbert Gould & Captain M. S. E. Archibald and Lieutenant Alfred Atkey & Sergeant H. Hammond.
5 Pfalz D.III Out of control
6 14 May 1918
@ 1800
DH.4
(A8000)
Fokker D.VII Destroyed Merville Observer: Captain F. T. R. Kempster.
7 16 May 1918
@ 1350
DH.4
(A8041)
Fokker Dr.I Out of control Neuf-Berquin Observer: Captain F. T. R. Kempster.
8 19 May 1918
@ 1200
DH.4 Albatros D.V Out of control Douai Observer: Second Lieutenant Ayres. Shared with Second Lieutenants A. Green & F. Loly and Second Lieutenant G. Darville & Lieutenant E. Collis.
9 25 May 1918
@ 1130
DH.4 Albatros D.V Out of control Courrières Observer: Second Lieutenant Ayres.
10 30 May 1918
@ 2030–2050
D.H.4
(A8018)
Fokker D.VII Destroyed in flames Bac Saint-Maur Observer: Second Lieutenant Basil Blackett.
11 Fokker D.VII Out of control

Serving in World War II

Albert Waller returned to serve in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve during World War II. He became a pilot officer in December 1940. He was promoted to flying officer a year later. Due to health reasons, he left the service in November 1943. He was given the honorary rank of flight lieutenant.

Albert Waller's Family Life

In 1920, Albert Waller married Marjorie Harrison. They got married in Cirencester, England. Together, they had four children.

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