In May 1944, Mr Gregory became a prisoner of war after his Lancaster was shot down over Germany. On his first bombing raid he took part in, 42 out of the 350 planes were lost. Cockfield resident Norman Gregory has died aged 100įollowing his pilot training, Norman was trained to fly Tiger Moth biplanes, Wellingtons, Halifaxes and Lancasters. There, he became one of the 'bomber boys' of Bomber Command. In 1940, he went to St John's College in York to train as a teacher. At one point, Norman had clocked up 200 miles in 24 hours without sleeping.Īlways looking to challenge himself, he then cycled to Land's End in Scotland shortly afterwards. His love of cycling began in 1939, when he made an epic road trip to John O'Groats. He was always a quick word ready full of wit."īorn in Blyth in Northumberland, Norman was eight when his family moved to Suffolk. He was described as 'fighting fit and full of wit' once. "He would be remembered as the icon of Cockfield. Norman Gregory and Norman Kelly, who together formed the Cockfield Normans duo. When I started doing it as well we teamed up. Mr Kelly, church warden at St Peter's Church, said of his beloved friend: "He had been a cyclist all the time he has been here. Together with fellow Cockfield resident Norman Kelly, he was one half of the cycling duo the Cockfield Normans and helped raise thousands for the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust. Norman was a prisoner of war in World War Two, before becoming a teacher at local schools. Norman Gregory spoke at the Bomber Command memorial event in London earlier this year Mr Gregory, who celebrated his 100th birthday, earlier this year, died on Monday. Norman Gregory was regarded as the 'icon of Cockfield' due to regularly being spotted on his bicycle in the village. A World War Two veteran, who was known for his cycling prowess, has died aged 100.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |