By the outbreak of the Second World War, Albert had joined the Royal Air Force, training as a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. He was eventually posted to No. 55 Squadron, a light bomber unit flying the Baltimore IIIA in the North African and Mediterranean theatre.
That summer the Allies were pushing north through Sicily, following the invasion launched on 9 July. No. 55 Squadron’s task was to support the advance with bombing raids against enemy positions. On 25 July 1943, he was part of the crew of a Martin Baltimore IIIA FA305, on their first operation with the Squadron.
Albert’s aircraft, flying in formation on a mission to attack Novera, was seen to explode in the air, probably after being hit by anti-aircraft fire. It broke apart in flames before crashing to the ground near Cassabile, south of Catania. Although two parachutes were seen to open, all four crew members were killed. Two other aircraft in the formation were also damaged by flying debris, but managed to return safely.
Albert’s remains were buried in a collective grave with nine fellow airmen in Catania War Cemetery, Sicily.
