Alfred Lammer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alfred Lammer
DFC and Bar
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|---|---|
| Birth name | Alfred Ritter von Lammer |
| Born | 28 November 1909 Linz, Austria |
| Died | 4 October 2000 (aged 90) Southwark, London |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1940–1945 |
| Rank | Squadron Leader |
| Service number | 81940 |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | DFC and Bar |
| Other work | Photographer |
Squadron Leader Alfred Lammer (born November 28, 1909 – died October 4, 2000) was a brave pilot. He was born in Austria but flew for the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II. He earned the DFC and a Bar (an extra award for bravery).
Alfred Lammer was part of the famous Battle of Britain. This was a major air battle in 1940. He was listed as "stateless" by the RAF. This meant he didn't officially belong to any country at that time. Later in his life, he became a well-known photographer and teacher.
Contents
Early Life in Austria
Alfred Lammer was born in Linz, Austria. His father was a retired railway worker. His mother ran a travel shop and a bank. Growing up near Zell am See, he became very good at rock climbing and skiing.
He studied at universities in Munich and Innsbruck. In 1934, he moved to London. He worked for the Austrian Travel Bureau. Later, he started taking photos. This hobby became his career.
Flying in World War II
When World War II began in September 1939, Alfred Lammer was still considered "stateless." He officially became a British citizen in May 1941.
He wanted to join the RAF. After passing his medical tests, he became an Air Gunner in March 1940. He trained in Loughborough and Penrhos. Then he joined No. 254 Squadron. He also flew with 206 Squadron, helping to protect ships.
In July 1940, Lammer joined 141 Squadron. He later retrained as a Navigator. In November 1941, he joined No. 409 (RCAF) Squadron. In February 1942, he moved to No. 255 Squadron.
His squadron flew to Gibraltar and then to Algiers. On December 6, he helped shoot down three enemy planes. On December 15 and 17, his team destroyed two more enemy planes. For his bravery, Alfred Lammer received the DFC on February 16, 1943.
After his flying missions, he returned to the UK. He became a Squadron Leader in charge of Radar and Navigation. He received a Bar to his DFC on October 29, 1943. This was another award for his continued bravery. He spent the rest of the war teaching other pilots.
Life After the War
After the war, Alfred Lammer went back to photography. He worked for Studio Briggs. In 1946, he started working for himself. He also taught photography at the Guildford School of Art and the Central School of Arts and Crafts in London.
In the late 1950s, he was the main photographer for the Design Council. He kept teaching at Guildford School of Art. He retired in 1976. Even after retiring, he continued taking photos. He especially loved photographing flowers and stained glass. He even helped with books by stained glass artist John Baker.
Honours and Awards
- February 16, 1943 – Alfred Lammer was awarded the DFC.
As an observer, Flight Lieutenant Lammer has done great work. He helped destroy 4 enemy aircraft. He has shown an excellent example.
– London Gazette
- October 29, 1943 – Alfred Lammer was awarded a Bar to his DFC.
See also
- List of World War II aces from Austria
- List of Battle of Britain pilots
- Non-British personnel in the RAF during the Battle of Britain
