Albert Gregory Waller facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Albert Gregory Waller
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|---|---|
| Born | 15 October 1890 Galway, Ireland |
| Died | 1967 (aged 76–77) Beechmount, Rathkeale, County Limerick, Ireland |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
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.
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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
| 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.
