The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. C Parkinson

Cecil Parkinson of Coundon, Coventry was born on 21st September 1914, the son of George Edwin and Mary Hannah Parkinson. He was educated at Coventry Junior Technical School then taken on as a printers apprentice.

He was a pre-war member of the RAFVR and was called to full-time service on 1st September 1939.

After completing his training at 8 FTS Montrose Parkinson converted to Hurricanes and joined 238 Squadron at Middle Wallop in June 1940.

On 11th July Parkinson shared in the destruction of a Me110 of 9./ZG76 with F/O DC McCaw of 238 and P/O HJ Mann of No. 1 Squadron. The enemy aircraft made a forced-landing at Grange Heath, Lulworth.

Two days later Parkinson shared in destroying a Do17 which crashed into the sea off Chesil Beach.

At some time he had become engaged to Gwen Johnson.

On 20th July 1940 he was shot down in flames in combat over the Channel fifteen miles south of Swanage in Hurricane P3766.

Parkinson baled out and was picked up by HMS Acheron but died of his injuries the next day, aged 25.

He is buried in St. Michaels churchyard, Stoke, Coventry.