The Airmen's Stories - P/O N J Wheeler

Norman John Wheeler was born on 10th February 1914 and joined 600 Squadron Auxiliary Air Force at Hendon as an Aircrafthand. He later trained as a Radio Operator on Wapitis and became an Air Gunner on Harts and Demons, serving until August 1939 when he remustered as an Airman u/t Pilot and began pilot training with the squadron.

Called to full-time service on 24th August, Wheeler went to 5 EFTS Hanworth on 21st October 1939 and moved on to 3 FTS South Cerney for No. 33 Course, from 25th March 11th July 1940.

He was commissioned and rejoined 600 Squadron, then at Manston, on 13th July. He went on a short R/T procedure course at Uxbridge on 26th July and was sent to 5 OTU Aston Down on 3rd August to convert to Blenheims.

Wheeler returned to 600 on 18th August but on the 27th was transferred to 615 Squadron at Kenley. He returned to 5 OTU on 5th September 1940, this time to convert to Hurricanes. He rejoined 615 on the 28th.

Wheeler went to 607 Squadron at Turnhouse on 9th October and remained with it until 9th November when he again rejoined 615.

He was posted away on 22nd February 1941 to be an instructor at 52 OTU Debden.

Wheeler was awarded the AFC (gazetted 11th June 1942).

In September 1942 he joined 504 Squadron at Ballyhalbert and was serving with it until 13th January 1943.

He went to 129 Squadron at Ibsley on 26th March and moved to 116 Squadron on 1st August 1943, a radar calibration unit at Heston.

Wheeler was posted as a test pilot to 20 MU Aston Down on 20th October 1943, moved to 6 MU Brize Norton on 10th November, remaining there on test duties until 2nd April 1944, when he moved to 33 MU Lyneham.

He left there on 4th October 1945 and was released from the RAF soon afterwards as a Flight Lieutenant.

Wheeler died in May 1992 in Bromsgrove.