The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. W G Owen

William Gethin Owen was born on 23rd June 1910 in Birmingham. His father is listed in the 1911 census as an Electrician (railway carriage works) and in the 1939 register as a Foreman Electrician.

WG Owen gave his address for the 1939 electoral register as 84 Rushmore Road, Moseley, Birmingham. He joined the RAFVR in April 1939, as an Airman u/t Observer. Called up on 1st September, he completed a gunnery course at 3 B&GS and joined 235 Squadron at North Coates on 23rd March 1940, serving with it in the Battle of Britain.

Owen's flight of 235 Squadron was posted to Aldergrove on 19th November 1940. There it combined with a flight of 236 Squadron to reform 272 Squadron on the 21st. Owen flew his first operational sortie with 272 on the 24th.

He was awarded the DFC (gazetted 20th July 1945) as a Flight Lieutenant with 48 Squadron.

He was released from the RAF in 1946 as a Flight Lieutenant.

Owen died on 2nd December 1987 at Little Silver, Monmouth County, New Jersey, USA.