The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. G A Walker

George Arthur Walker was born on 4th June 1917 in Benton, Northumberland. He joined the RAFVR about July 1939 as an Airman u/t Pilot.

Called up on 1st September 1939, he completed his training at 9 FTS Hullavington on No. 19 Course, which ran from 13th May to 17th August 1940.

He arrived at 6 OTU Sutton Bridge on 18th August. After converting to Hurricanes Walker was posted to 232 Squadron at Sumburgh on 14th September.

He was one of twelve pilots who flew Hurricanes off HMS Ark Royal on 3rd April 1941, bound for Malta. Walker joined 261 Squadron there.

During a patrol on 7th May Walker, in Hurricane V7548, collided with Sgt. HH Jennings in Hurricane V7365. Walker escaped with slight injuries but Jennings was killed.

When 261 was disbanded later in May, Walker went to the Middle East. He was commissioned in September 1941 and released from the RAF in 1946 but later rejoined.

Walker retired on 4th June 1972 as a Squadron Leader.

He died in February 1999 in Huntingdon.