Alan Hartley RIP

Kyt · Apr 7, 2008

WW2 RAF hero dies - Chorley Today

A WAR hero from Chorley has died at the age of 82.
Alan Hartley was the last member of World War Two RAF 158 Squadron.

As an RAF air gunner he had one of the most dangerous jobs in the war effort as he flew on bombing raids over Germany in Lancaster and Halifax bombers and was the main target of enemy fire.

Daughter Pamela Martin paid tribute to her father, who joined the Royal Air Force as soon as he turned 18.

She said: "His older brother was in the RAF and he was his hero. He volunteered as soon as he could.

"He used to have to sit on top of his parachute but if they were hit, they would have no chance.

"It was the gunners that the Germans aimed for. He was pretty lucky to survive.

"He told us of one time when his plane was on fire and the pilot had to
dive to put the fire out.

"When he returned to the base after raids, there were lists he would read to find out who had returned and who had died."
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Antipodean Andy · Apr 9, 2008

RIP to a good man. Lancs and Halifaxes are mentioned. I wonder if he did two tours or 158 converted?

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