The Airmen's Stories - S/Ldr. W W Loxton

Wilfred William Loxton was born on 20th January 1909 and educated at the British Boys School, Melton Mowbray. He joined the RAF on 20th January 1925 as an Aircraft Apprentice and passed out in December 1927 as a Rigger.

He applied for pilot training, was duly selected and began his initial training course at 5 FTS Sealand in April 1930.

With his training completed, Loxton joined 32 Squadron at Kenley in February 1931 as a Sergeant-Pilot. He was granted a permanent commission in April 1935 and posted to 43 Squadron at Tangmere on 14th July.

He moved to 822 (Fleet Spotter-Reconnaissance) Squadron on 21st January 1936, based at Manston and on the carrier HMS Furious.

He married Moira Pattullo on 10th August 1938 at St. Martins, Chelsfield.

On 28th January 1939 Loxton was posted to 5 FTS Sealand as an instructor. On 20th May 1940 he was posted from No. 1 FTS to 6 OTU Sutton Bridge for a conversion course and on 5th June he went to 151 Squadron as a supernumerary.

Loxton took command 25 Squadron at North Weald on 13th June. On 3rd September his Blenheim was attacked in daylight in error by a Hurricane of 46 Squadron flown by F/Lt. AC Rabagliati. Loxton returned to North Weald, damaged but with no casualties.

On 24th September 1940 he was posted to 15 FTS Lossiemouth as an instructor. On 19th November he was posted from 15 FTS to 33 FTS Carbury in Canada for flying training duties.

Loxton returned to the UK in September 1943 and was awarded the AFC (gazetted 1st January 1945).

He stayed in the RAF postwar, retiring on 31st May 1957 as a Wing Commander.

Loxton died on 2nd November 1992.