Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The original 1939-45 War Flying Log Book appertaining to Flight Sergeant W. G. Gregory, A.F.M., Royal Air Force, who died on active service in August 1943, comprising R.A.F. (Form 1767) Observer’s and Air Gunner’s Flying Log Book, with opening endorsement, ‘Previous Log Book destroyed in Blenheim V. 5929. Burnt out at Khartoum, 20 June 1941’, followed by summary of previous hours flown from May 1940 to June 1941, and then covering the period June 1941 to August 1943, with ‘Central Depository, Royal Air Force’ and ‘Death Presumed’ stamps, in good condition £150-200

William George Gregory qualified as a Wireless Operator at R.A.F. Yatesbury in February 1940, and as an Air Gunner in April of the same year, but it was in the latter trade that he commenced his operational career that summer, when he was posted to No. 21 Squadron, a Blenheim unit operating out of Watton, Norfolk. And he remained similarly employed until ordered to West Africa in early 1941, so a period of operations that would have encompassed No. 21’s anti-shipping strikes in the Channel and North Sea.

On transferring to West Africa, he joined the Ferry Pool at Takoradi, in which capacity he served until allocated to an Aircraft Delivery Unit in February 1942, and he was similarly employed at the time of his death in the Middle East on 29 September 1943.

He was awarded the A.F.M. (London Gazette 1 January 1944 refers), the recommendation stating:

‘This airman has been employed on the West African reinforcement route since January 1941 and is one of the original operators of the pioneer crews on the route. He has flown as a Leading Convoy Wireless Operator on all routes covered by the unit and has proved himself to be keen and conscientious.’

The son of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Gregory of Upper Holloway, London, he was 24 years of age, and is buried in Ramleh War Cemetery; with copied portrait image.