The Airmen's Stories - F/Lt. W J Carr
William Joseph Carr was born on 3rd March 1913, the son of John Carr (1891-1918) and Maude Carr (nee Davies 1891-1976). The family originated in Stoke-on-Trent.
His father was killed on 27th September 1918 serving with 1st/6th Bn. North Staffordshire Regiment, he lies in
Bellicourt British Cemetery.
WJ Carr went to Morning Lane LCC Elementary School.
Carr joined the RAF as an Aircraft Apprentice on 27th August 1929 and passed out on 19th August 1931 as a Fitter Aero Engines.
He later applied for pilot training and was a Sergeant-Pilot when he was granted a Permanent Commission on 24th February 1938. Four days later Carr was posted to the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment at Martlesham Heath.
He was posted to 235 Squadron on 2nd June 1940 and damaged a Do17 on 1st July.
Above: this photo was uncaptioned but there is a strong likliehood of it showing L to R: Sgt. T Dawson, P/O DC Howe, F/lt. WJ Carr, who flew together in 235 Squadron.
Image courtesy of David Ross.
By 22nd October 1940 Carr was back at the A&AEE. He was awarded the AFC (gazetted 1st July 1941). Carr remained with the A&AEE and was involved in five major aircraft accidents before the one in which he lost his life on 26th August 1942.
He was one of four men killed when Warwick BY214 crashed 2 miles southwest of Shrewton, Wiltshire, after fabric detached from the port mainplane. Also lost were:
Mr. ER Staniland, civilian employed A&AEE
Cpl. R Leigh
Cpl. FW Shenton
Carr was 29. He is buried at St Paul's churchyard, Mill Hill, Middlesex.
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