Joseph Berry (aviator)
| Joseph Berry | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Joseph Berry |
| Nickname(s) | Joe |
| Born |
28 February 1920 Quarrington, Teesdale, County Durham |
| Died | 2 October 1944 (aged 24) Veendam, Netherlands |
| Buried | Scheemda Protestant Cemetery, Netherlands |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1940–1944 |
| Rank | Squadron Leader |
| Unit |
No. 256 Squadron RAF No. 153 Squadron RAF No. 255 Squadron RAF No. 501 Squadron RAF. |
|
Channel Front North African Campaign |
Second World War |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross and 2 Bars |
Squadron Leader Joseph Berry, DFC ** (28 February 1920 – 2 October 1944) shot down 591⁄2 V-1 missiles ("flying bombs") during World War II, more than any other fighter pilot.
Berry was born in Quarrington, Teesdale, County Durham and attended Dukes Grammar School in Alnwick, Northumberland. He lived at 55 Ramsey St, Quarrington, Teesdale (12 miles east of Crook, Co Durham). Later he moved to Hampeth near Alnwick, Northumberland where from 1931 to 1936 he attended the Duke Grammar School. Leaving school in 1936 as a 16-year-old Joe moved into lodgings in Carlton, Nottingham for his work in the Inland Revenue, two years later he met Joyce, his future wife, who was working at the same branch.
He joined the RAF Volunteer Reserve on 8 August 1940 as aircraftman 2nd class with service number 1177137.
In 1942, after completing pilot training, he was appointed to the rank of Sergeant and posted to a night fighter unit, No. 256 Squadron RAF and flew Boulton Paul Defiants, followed by twin-engined Bristol Beaufighters. Berry was married after being commissioned as an officer on 14 March 1942. He was promoted to Flying Officer on 1 October 1942.
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