| Albert Gregory Waller | |
|---|---|
| Born | 15 October 1890 Galway, Ireland |
| Died | 1967 Unknown |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | Aviation |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | No. 206 Squadron RAF |
| Awards | Military Cross |
Captain Albert Gregory Waller MC was an Irish-born World War I flying ace credited with 11 confirmed victories. He would return to Britain's military service during World War II.
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Waller was born on 15 October 1890 to Frances Otway and Francis Albert Waller at Shannon Grove, Banagher, County Tipperary, Ireland.[1] Waller resided at his family's ancestral seat at Beechmount, Rathkeale, County of Limerick, Ireland.[2]
In 1920, Waller married Marjorie Harrison at Cirencester, Gloucestershire, England.[3] They would have four children.[4]
Albert Gregory Waller died in 1967.[5]
During World War I, Waller was posted to 206 Squadron while it was still No. 6 Naval Squadron of the Royal Naval Air Service; he was assigned as an Airco DH.4 bomber pilot in France. While flying bombing missions, he and his observer often had to defend themselves against enemy fighter planes. Waller was credited with 11 aerial victories between 6 March and 30 May 1918 during these engagements, though he shared three of those wins with other air crews that contained such luminaries as Herbert Gould and Alfred Atkey. Waller's final victorious sortie brought his observer, Basil Blackett, to acedom. Overall, Waller destroyed three enemy planes (including one shared triumph) and drove down eight others down out of control while accomplishing his missions.[6] His courage won him a Military Cross, which was not gazetted until 18 September 1918. As his award citation stated:[7]
"...He has led 15 successful bombing raids, 22 low-bombing and reconnaissance flights and eight successful photographic flights. In addition, he has destroyed five enemy machines. As a Flight Commander he has shown initiative and enterprise both in the air and on the ground, and the excellent work done by the flight under his command is entirely due to his fine example and untiring energy.[8]
On 6 January 1921, Captain A. G. Waller resigned from the British Empire's Indian Army.[9]
Waller returned to service in the Administrative and Special Duties Branch of the Royal Air Force as World War II erupted. On 12 December 1940, he was commissioned as a probationary Pilot Officer.[10] He was discharged for ill health on 8 November 1943, retaining the honorary rank of Flight Lieutenant.[11]
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