218 Sqbn - 1940 - Gregory - KIA - 551303 - Mystery

[Iain Torrance]

Happy New Year to all on the forum

Although I’ve not posted anything recently on the site my research on the Fairey Battle squadrons in France continues, many thanks to all those who continue to help and support.

However, “mysteries” keep surfacing and here’s one I’d appreciate thoughts on. It concerns Kenneth George Gregory – WO/AG - 551303 - Son of John and Emily Jane Gregory, of Bude, Cornwall, KIA when shot down 11 May 1940 – P2203 - at Troisvierges in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Pilot: Charles Dockrill.

He was flying wityh 218 Squadron based at Auberive, the crash site being some distance from Base. Yet I have this account from an Armourer with 218 Squadron.

'One of my best mates, Greg Gregory, who came from North Devon, was a gunner on a Fairey Battle and I remember how one day his plane was coming in to land and we looked up to see a German fighter launch an attack. It shot up Greg's plane and it just fell out of the sky in flames.

'We looked up to see Greg standing up in the rear cockpit. There was nothing he could do to get out and he just stood there with both thumbs up until the plane hit the ground and blew up.'

Reference sources:

http://www.thisisexeter.co.uk/RAF-armourer-postman/story-12876686-detail/story.html

http://martingoodman.com/soyouwanttobeawriter/2008/12/going-down-in-fairey-battle.html

So how could Harry Dolling have witnessed the crash (and note the “we looked up” in the text)….!! ?? Also the plane that was flying with Gregory’s plane was also shot down – pilot Murray – with all the crew POWs.

Lastly see also my posting on Godfrey…one mystery resolved.

Regards

Iain

[Steve Smith]

Hi Iain,

I may have some information for you, please contact me off board.

Regards

Steve

[Steve Smith]

Hi Iain,

Tried emailing you, but it keeps bouncing back?

Cheers

Steve