W/C Adrian "Warby" Warburton DSo and Bar, DFC and two Bars, American DFC

Antipodean Andy · Dec 12, 2007

He's been mentioned in the most higly decorated thread but was just doing some reading about him in relation to Marylands in the Med and noted the circumstances of his loss...and discovery 58 years later!

Adrian Warburton - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Wiki article touches on an incredible number of amazing things not least his adventures flying and "acquiring" aircaft.

Warburton was the pilot of one of two Lockheed F-5B reconnaissance aircraft (a version of the Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter) that took off together from Mount Farm on the morning of 12 April 1944 to photograph targets in Germany. The aircraft separated approximately 100 miles north of Munich to carry out their respective tasks; it was planned that they would meet and fly on to a USAAF airfield in Sardinia. He failed to arrive at the rendezvous point and was not seen again.

Years of speculation about his fate came to an end in 2002, when his remains were found in the cockpit of his plane, buried about two metres deep in a field near the Bavarian village of Egling an der Paar, 34 miles west of Munich. According to witnesses, the plane fell there on 12 April 1944, around 11:45. One of propellers had bullet holes in it, which suggests that Warburton had been shot down. Parts of the wreck can be seen in the Malta Aviation Museum.

spidge · Dec 13, 2007

Their bravery still astounds me!

liverpool annie · Apr 6, 2009

I came across this ... and realised I had the book Warburtons War ! I don't think I've even read it ... but I will now ! makes fascinating reading ! ...

29.5.03

I attended the funeral of this hero of PR since I first heard of him thru' my research into WW2 PR.in 1999. I live on the site of the former photosection of PRU N0.1.RAF Benson and have known about since 1967
I resolved to research and did so when I found a strip of film marked 'Secret' in 1999. I then discovered that even the villagers in this locality amongst whom these personnel lived and served did not know of the name of a single Pilot of Coastal Command and the PRU's and that Benson had been the 'headquarters' of PR. Seizing the opportunity, I assisted local researchers, who set up a Millennium exhibition re: after which a booklet was published with an article about the impact of the RAF on our village of Ewelme. I have since given small exhibitions and helped with another at the Henley Rowing Museum, determined that these brave men should get the credit they deserve amongst the greater public to whom they are anonymous and have campaigned for adequate museum space ever since, having viewed present displays. Fortunately, I was able to persuade Carlton TV, whom I invited here in 1999, to make a documentary about RAF Benson and WW2 PR since I had seen none, by using my research. The resulting documentary was called "Above and Beyond" but only shown in this area and on the Discovery Channel.Having heard about the search for 'Warby' since 2001, I waited patiently for a positive identification only to be told that the proposed recovery of plane parts was in jeopardy so I notified my local MP and the highest in the land. All pleas for help in the recovery to National Museums and broadsheet newspapers failed, except for the Mirror, whose journalist, Steve Moyse drove 1000 miles in floods and ice to recover it in January. Thankfully, I also persuaded a local aviation historical society who offered to 'store and conserve the parts. I was determined that this very British hero should get the honour he justly deserves amongst the greater public who knew nothing of him in contrast to his fellow students. at St Edward.s Oxon, Sir Douglas Bader and Capt. Guy Gibson.
I was told that they should go to Malta but pointed out the fact that the island already had a commemorative display whilst we in the UK had nothing and was where due credit shuld be given and that no matter how many memorials, unless the legend is well known, Warburton would again sink into obscurity and the PRU's with him. Disappointed with the attitude of the BBC, to whom I had written. I then wrote of their apathy to certain Ministers etc. and am delighted that they are to make a documentary of 'the most valuable Pilot of the RAF' and are filming as I write and am trying to further convince them of the need for a comprehensive documentary of the PRU's to follow those about Bletchley Station ('X') etc. they produced since it was Comm. Winterbotham, who was instrumental in establishing both these Units and insisted on their close co operation and apart from what Gen Von Fritsch had to say.
It is most sad that Mr Spooner, 'Warby's biographer died a few months before identification and that myths and libels still exist.A televised documentary of the excavation would have answered the queries I see in this forum and elsewhere. The man who initiated the search after reading Mr Spooner's book was Frank Dorber, who after many obstacles placed in his path, sought the assistance of Prof. Huber, the German archaelogist and the USAAF.That 'Warby' was found, ending this enduring mystery, is due to his initiative and persistence. A German historian who knew of the site and it was known since 1944 was frustrated by being told many times that the RAF had no P38's, whilst it was known since Mr Spooner's book published in 1987 and by others that Warburton was RAF liaison officer with the 7th PRG at Mount farm and the plane's engine serial no. also known. He was also assisted by Herr Herman Laage of the German War graves Commission whose unstinting services have been used by many.The important plane parts, engine etc. are retained by the Americans and Germans. are being and will be exhibited there. I thought it a complete travesty that those who could and should, did not and thanks to Herr Laage and the others with whom I begged, pleaded, faxed, phoned and Emailed, the British public may get to learn of 'the Pilot who knew no fear and of the PRU's who flew alone in their 'petrol bowsers' and suffered 50% fatalities at one stage.
Durnbach, not far from the Tegernsee was most beautiful and Warby could not have rested in a lovelier place.We had a wreath made in locally in the shape of a RAF roundel and heaved it by plane and train, part of the dedication written was:We of younger generations, Salute you.
Until a comprehensive docmentary is televised and shown nationwide and museum space found, I predict he will again fade into obscurity and the PRU's with him. Thanks to Mr Spooner, Frank Dorber, Her Laage, Mr Alan Brown and Steven Moyse we have this 'priceless treasure' as described by the Ridgeway Association.If only we can persuade the Public Museums to think likewise. I hope you will join me in this campaign and support the work of publicising our 'cinderella service' , Coastal Command which Mr Spooner, through writing Warby's biography and initiating the 'Project Constant Endeavour' worked tirelessly to support until his demise.Then perhaps, the public at large will know that there really was another great Command whose Pilots fought as bravely and served as gallantly in their own fields.
Sincerely,
Anne Winter Williams
Anne Winter Williams
30th May 2003, 18:15
30.5.03

A Museum in Berinsfield? This is news to all of us in the vicinity.
I wonder whether it is usual practise for the hearse to be kept outside the church which was the case at Gmund on the 14th as some found it unusual?
Herr Laage of the German War Graves Commission expressed a wish to me to have Herr Manfredd Rommel, the son of the Reichsmarschal to be present in view of the fact that apparently there were two aborted attempts by Warby to 'kidnap' his father!
Rommel the younger was Mayor of Stuttgart and seemed a very nice person indeed. To have someone of our generation would have been wonderful. However, the President of the German Fighter Pilots Association was present and even our guest house host attended the R.Catholic church with its onion tower.Everyone we spoke to was most kind, helpful and courteous and I will be going back to see Egling and to Durnbach to place some flowers next year and enjoy the delights of the Tegernsee.It is very easy to get to by train from Munich. On the 15th some fighters raked the sky and I wondered whether the grave was being covered over at the time. It would have been so appropriate the previous day when we stood in a hailstorm beside it. The RAF pall bearers had rain trickling down their noses and the Union Jack was wringing wet. I wondered how the piper managed to keep his bagpipes dry? WE hoped there would have been a break to allow the worst of the weather to pass and that the most senior members attending would not catch cold as we did, for his widow is 91 and Mr Vowles who served with him in his late 80's.It had been dry whilst we were in the church and was very difficult for photographers, I remarked that even the heavens were crying!//There were also German Veterans present. After all these years, it showed the respect and devotion 'Warby' still has.A pity then, that there was no memorial service at St Clement Danes where many more British veterans and others could attend.My husband thanked the young RAF pall bearers who did so well in the storm. I hope they will read Mr Spooner's book. It is also good to know that some of the younger generation of Germans look upto British Pilots as their heroes too for Warby and his like gave their lives for the freedom of all of us in Europe and thereby earn our undying gratitude.
Anne W.Williams
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Adrian Warburton (known as Warby) was to become one of the most highly decorated pilots of WW2 and the RAF’s greatest wartime reconnaissance pilot

A true maverick and fearless in the air, he shot down nine aircraft and won fame in Malta for his Photo Reconnaissance images taken before the attack by the Royal Navy on the Italian fleet in the port of Taranto. It was during one of these sorties that Warby flow twice round the harbour at very low-level, calling out the names of the ships as he pasted them and still he went around a third time in spite of all the heavy flak to get the right photos. On this return, it was found that around the tail wheel of his Maryland aircraft was the aerial wire from a battleship. He also undertook missions for the landings in Sicily and North Africa.

On this return to the Europe, he was posted as a liaison officer to the 7th US Photo-Reconnaissance Group; Warby, against orders, departed on 12th April 1944 in a USAAF Lightning F5B Serial number 42-67325 (reconnaissance version of the P38) aircraft on an unusual and still unknown mission. Both the plane and the pilot disappeared without trace.

On the 19th August 2002, excavation start at Egling near Dunzelbach, were reports had stated that an American P38 had crashed on the 12th April 1944. Some human remains were found and after checking the unearthed engine serial numbers with authorises in the USA. It was confirmed that the remains were that of Warby.

On the 14th May 2003 Wing Commander Adrian Warburton DSO & Bar, DFC & 2 Bars, DFC (USA) was given a full military funeral at St Agidius Church, Gmund and laid to rest at the War Cemetery at Durnbach.

Adrian Warburton being carried by members of the RAF

liverpool annie · Apr 6, 2009

Wing Commander Adrian "Warby" Warburton (10 March 1918 in Middlesbrough - 12 April 1944 over Germany) was a Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot during World War II. He became legendary in the RAF for his role in the defence of Malta. His gallantry was recognised by the award of the Distinguished Service Order and Bar, the Distinguished Flying Cross and two Bars and an American Distinguished Flying Cross.

The son of a naval officer, Warburton was christened on board a submarine in Grand Harbour, Valetta, Malta. He attended St Edward's School in Oxford, where two other famous airmen, Guy Gibson and Douglas Bader, were also educated.

Warburton was commissioned in the Royal Air Force in 1939. On completing flying training, he was posted to 608 Squadron, flying Blackburn Bothas on North Sea patrols. Warburton's criticism of the obsolete plane led to his commanding officer having him transferred to Malta as an observer, not a pilot. He joined 431 Flight, an RAF detachment flying reconnaissance sorties over the Mediterranean in twin-engined Martin Maryland recon/light bombers. Within four days of arrival, he had his pilot status reinstated.

Fearless and unorthodox, "Warby" participated in an increasing number of daring sorties. On 30 October 1940, Warburton and his two crewmen shot down an Italian Z.506B seaplane. Three days later, they nearly fell victim to an attack by four Italian aircraft. Warburton was hit by a spent bullet which caused no serious injury, but did render him unconscious. Sergeant Frank Bastard took control and managed to keep the aircraft flying (for which he received the Distinguished Flying Medal) until Warburton had recovered sufficiently.

He was soon back in the air, and on 10 November, 431 Flight spotted a major concentration of Italian battleships and cruisers in Taranto, Admiral Cunningham then deciding on an audacious night attack by Fleet Air Arm Swordfish. Warburton flew a reconnaissance mission on 11 November prior to the attack. Circling the harbour several times, when the cameras failed, Warburton flew so low, his observer was able to read off the names of the battleships as they flew past. Guided by this intelligence, the Fleet Air Arm launched its devastating attack that night. In April 1941, he crash-landed in Malta after being mistakenly shot by an RAF Hurricane. Warburton was rested later that year, but returned to operational flying in 1942, with further missions over Italy and North Africa.

With 431 Flight now expanded into No. 69 Squadron in January 1941, Warburton steadily developed a reputation within the RAF as its leading reconnaissance pilot, locating numerous enemy convoys supplying the Axis forces in North Africa, providing vital information to the Allied anti-shipping forces in the Mediterranean interdicting Rommel's supplies. His superiors therefore turned a blind eye to many of "Warby"s eccentricities. On 14 April 1941, the Maryland was mistaken for a Ju 88 by a Hurricane flown by F/O Innes Westmacott, and Warburton had to force-land the damaged aircraft.

Although the Maryland's guns were for defence, he and his crew were frequently involved in air combat, claiming five air victories and three enemy aircraft destroyed on the ground or afloat on the water. He crashed twice, but each time walked away.

At the end of September 1941, Warburton and his crew were rested. In December 1941 Warburton, while on detachment in Egypt, managed to 'acquire' a Bristol Beaufighter. Stripping the aircraft of all guns and armour, he equipped it with cameras and took the airplane back to Malta. He flew the plane for about a year until it was destroyed in a raid. His second tour finished in mid-March 1942.

Given command of 69 Squadron in August 1942 and flying the Supermarine Spitfire PR IV, Warburton was shot down over by a Bf 109 over Bone in Tunisia, being imprisoned by the French on suspicion of being a spy. The local French admiral had him flown to Gibraltar where "Warby" 'borrowed' a Spitfire and returned to Malta, shooting down a Junkers Ju 88 en route.

He was then involved in the vital pre-invasion reconnaissance of the landing beaches in Sicily in 1943. Now commanding 683 Squadron, he co-ordinated the photographic work with the local American forces, who were amazed at the much-decorated officer attired in dirty grey flannels, an oil-stained tunic and topped by a mop of long unkempt blond hair.

In October 1943, Warburton was given command of a new photo-reconnaissance wing of four squadrons. However, following a car accident in late 1943, he was hospitalised for several weeks and subsequently returned to the UK.

By the beginning of 1944, he had been promoted to the rank of Wing Commander and his gallantry recognised by the award of the Distinguished Service Order and Bar, the Distinguished Flying Cross and two Bars, and an American Distinguished Flying Cross.

On 1 April 1944, he was posted as the RAF Liaison Officer to the 7th Photographic Reconnaissance Group, US 8th Army Air Force, then based at RAF Mount Farm in Oxfordshire.

Warburton was the pilot of one of two Lockheed F-5B reconnaissance aircraft (a version of the Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter) that took off together from Mount Farm on the morning of 12 April 1944 to photograph targets in Germany. The aircraft separated approximately 100 miles north of Munich to carry out their respective tasks; it was planned that they would meet and fly on to a USAAF airfield in Sardinia. He failed to arrive at the rendezvous point and was not seen again.

Years of speculation about his fate came to an end in 2002, when his remains were found in the cockpit of his plane, buried about two metres deep in a field near the Bavarian village of Egling an der Paar, 34 miles west of Munich. According to witnesses, the plane fell there on 12 April 1944, around 11:45. One of propellers had bullet holes in it, which suggests that Warburton had been shot down. Parts of the wreck can be seen in the Malta Aviation Museum.

A memorial was held on 14 May 2003 in the Pfarrkirche St Agidius, Gmünd, followed by burial at the Durnbach Commonwealth War Cemetery. The ceremony was attended by his widow, Eileen (known as Betty) and Jack Vowles, a former colleague who had served with "Warby" in Malta in the early 1940s.
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Adrian Warburton: Facts, Discussion Forum, and Encyclopedia Article

It was also interesting to read what Jack Vowles had to say ..... !

Stroud News and Journal - Fitting end for war hero

Antipodean Andy · Apr 9, 2009

You deserve a slapping, Annie. How could you forget!

liverpool annie · Apr 9, 2009

Too many books .... so little time !!

Maybe I should take Kyt's suggestion and stay off here and read instead !!!!!

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