Group Captain John Dalley RAF Luqa, Malta
Group Captain John Dalley was a Spitfire pilot assigned to 69 Squadron based at RAF LUQA in Malta. Their role was reconnaissance. If members of the resistance in Greece or Italy spotted German ships sheltering in coves, 69 Squadron were informed. They would then fly over the ships to make sure that the German crews saw them so that the activities of the resistance were protected. This work involved flying long distances and required high levels of skill. They often returned with empty fuel tanks. Malta was subject to bombing raids, and so sometimes the returning pilots had to land on a bombed airfield under fire. To avoid alerting the enemy, there had to be radio silence between the pilots and the base on take-off and landing.
John Dalley was later awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal and an O.B.E.
History
Item list and details
1. Photograph of John Dalley in uniform 2. Photograph of John Dalley in flying jacket 3. Written account of John Dalley's career 4. Page from John Dalley's funeral programme showing his medalsPerson the story/items relate to
Group Captain John DalleyPerson who shared the story/items
Nigel BriggsRelationship between the subject of the story and its contributor
Wife's uncleType of submission
Shared at Ahmadiyyah Mosque Hall, Warwickshire on 7 October 2023. The event was organised by Leamington History Group.Record ID
94405 | LEA049Usage metrics
