Amery was born in 1909 and after leaving school began his working life at Dunlops. During this time, he also took the opportunity to learn how to fly in his spare time. At the outbreak of the Second World War, Amery was employed in West Africa. Although he promptly applied for release from his duties to join the war effort, it was not until March 1940 that he received permission to return to England.

Joining the Royal Air Force

Upon his return, Amery enlisted with the Royal Air Force as a sergeant. He quickly distinguished himself and earned his pilot’s “wings.” In 1941, his skill and dedication were recognised with a commission as a Pilot Officer assigned to 115 Squadron.

Operational Missions

Amery took part in many operational missions over enemy territory. His final sortie took place during the night of 15^th June 1941. He was the captain of an aircraft within a thirteen-aircraft formation tasked with bombing targets over Cologne and Dunkirk. His aircraft departed at 23:29, and upon reaching the target, the crew released their bombs from an altitude of 13,000 feet, aiming at the town area amid intense anti-aircraft fire and searchlights. The crew observed only a few flashes and were unable to confirm the results of their attack. The mission concluded with their safe return to base at 04:32 on 16^th June.

Tragic Accident

Following several operational missions over Germany, Amery’s service came to a tragic end on Tuesday 17^th June 1941. During a test flight of Wellington Bomber IC R1517 [KO-Z], the aircraft climbed steadily to 500 feet before turning through 180 degrees and suddenly diving into the ground at Sporle, near Swaffham. Of those on board, only one crew member survived the crash.  At the time of his death Amery was 31 years old and is buried at Marham Cemetery, Norfolk.

Son of William Lavington Evans & Constance Ella Northup Evans.

A copy of this story is available to download here.

Revised: October 2025