1st Lt. / Captain

Method Cyril Billy

Chaplain

Aug. 1943 - Oct. 1944

384th Bombardment Group (Heavy)

Serial Nr O-504885

Served under three Base Commanders - Budd Peaslee, Julius Lacey, Dale Smith. Transferred to the 92nd Bomb Group, RAF Podington in Oct. 1944.

Born Michael Billy, son of Joseph and Elizabeth Billy in Plains Township, Pennsylvania on 12th December 1910. He graduated from St. Francis Seminary in 1929, when he began his religious studies and received the religious name of Method. He professed his religious vows in 1930, and was ordained a Catholic Priest in July, 1935.

In 1942, Father Method enlisted in the US Army Air Corp, where he served until wars end as Chaplain. Method Billy arrived at RAF Grafton Underwood to serve with the 384th Bomb Group in August 1943, leaving the Group in October 1944. He was held in high esteem by those he served, and became affectionaly known as 'Brother' Billy.

A member of the Chaplain Corp, this role was varied. Alongside all religious events, irrespective of the denomination involved, it was also their responsibility to delivery Character Guidance Lectures and also Venereal Disease Talks.

Of most importance undoubtedly was their counselling to the many young servicemen under their remit. In the words of one...

"Standing just beside the end of the runway, where we made that final check of instruments before releasing the brakes, stood a minster. I don't know what denomination he represented, but it was an inspiration to me to see him there. And then we were on our way..."

Research courtesy of Keith Andrews on behalf of 384^th Bombardment Group Museum.

With kind thanks to the 384th Bomb Group website (384thbombgroup.com) for permission in using material from their records in the making of this story. It holds a wealth of information, documents and photographs of their activities during World War 2.