The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. P H Willcocks

Peter Hamilton Willcocks, of South Croydon, was educated at Selhurst Grammar School. He worked for the County of London Electricity Supply Company and joined the Iraq Petrol Company one week before the war started.

He had joined the RAFVR in September 1938 as an Airman u/t Pilot. Called up on September 1st 1939 he completed his flying training at 11 FTS, converted to Spifires and joined 610 Squadron at Biggin Hill on July 27th 1940.

He moved to 66 Squadron at Kenley on September 10th. Willcocks made a forced-landing one mile south-east of Gravesend on the 14th due to engine failure, writing the aircraft off. On the 29th he made a forced-landing after a combat with enemy fighters, slightly wounded. On October 11th Willcocks crashed near Newhook, as he approached Eastchurch in bad visibility, he was unhurt.

He was killed on November 28th 1940 when he collided with Pilot Officer HR Allen over Edenbridge and crashed in Spitfire P7491.

Willcocks was 20 years old.

He was cremated at South London Crematorium, Mitcham.