Flight Sergeant (Air Gunner)
Albert Adderley DFM

Biography

Albert Adderley was born in Wellington, Shropshire on 10 June 1920, the son of Harry and Edith Adderley. He had one younger full sister, Dora, and six elder half siblings, James, William, Joseph, Annie, Ernest and Edith Beech from his mother’s first marriage to William Beech who died in WW1. 

Albert flew a tour of duty with 115 Squadron from RAF Marham, Norfolk in Wellington Bombers. He took part in a bombing raid on Brest harbour in France on the 24th of July 1941 in attempt to damage or destroy three German Battleships including the Scharnhorst. Flight Sergeant Adderley was the rear gunner of a Wellington. Just outside the flak barrage area, his aircraft was attacked by a German Me.109 fighter 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. For his action and courage, Flight Sergeant Adderley was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal. His station commander commented “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 esprit de corps of the Air Gunners of his flight. Strongly recommended for the immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.” 

Albert was transferred to 1483 Flight early in 1942. Following his death in the crash of T2802 he was buried in his hometown.