Air Gunner with DFM....any info?

[Dave B]

Hi all,
I found this young Air Gunners grave in my local cemetery and I was wondering if anyone had any information on how this man was killed/died?

544454 Flight Sergeant A.Adderly DFM 24.5.42

Any info or help would be greatly appreciated.

Regards

Dave

[malcolmjameswilson]

Hello Dave:

ADDERLEY, Albert. 544454 Flight Sergeant, No.115 Sqn. (Immediate). London Gazette 2/9/1941. Sorties 43, Flying Hours 280. Air Gunner.

On the day of 24th july, 1941 Flight Sergeant Adderley was the rear gunner of a Wellington Mk.IC aircraft detailed for an attack on Brest. Just outside the flak barrrage area, his aircraft was attacked by an Me.109 which opened fire at 600 yards range, hitting the armour of the rear turret. Flight Sergeant Adderley returned fire at 300 yards, giving him a long burst to within 50 yards. The enemy aircraft turned off to port and, after one more burst, crashed into the sea out of control. Despite the heavy flak barrage and difficult conditions prevailing Flight Sergeant Adderley displayed the highest possible courage in the face of the enemy attack. Flight Sergeant Adderley has, in all his operational flights, set a very fine example to the other Air Gunners of the unit of courage and devotion to duty. 26th July, 1941.

Remarks by Station Commander.
Flight Sergeant Adderley has now carried out 43 operational flights and has always shown the greatest keenness to get at the enemy. His enthusiasm and courage has done much to raise the espirit de corps of the Air Gunners of his flight. Strongly recommeded for the immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.

With kind regards – Malcolm.

[malcolmjameswilson]

Hello Again:

Flight Sergeant Albert Adderley was killed on exercise on 24th May, 1942, while flying as Air Gunner in a Wellington IC of No.1483 Target Towing & Gunnery Flight. Whilst taking evasive action the aircraft's main wing spar failed, causing the starboard wing to break away. It crashed at Stanton, Suffolk, killing all nine crew members.

Hope this helps. With kind regards - Malcolm.

[Dave B]

Malcolm, thank you so much for this fantastic information...I can't thank you enough.

Such a shame to survive all of those Ops only to get killed in training, so young too.


Many thanks again Malcolm!

Dave