The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. G N Wilkes

Geoffrey Norman Wilkes of Horley, Surrey was born on 5th March 1919, the son of Sidney Alfred Wilkes and Georgina Edith Susanna Wilkes (nee Fleming).

He was educated at Tooting Bec Grammar School before going to work for the Milk Marketing Board.

Wilkes joined the RAFVR on 19th February 1938 as an Airman u/t Pilot and did his weekend flying at 19 E&RFTS Gatwick.

Called to full-time service on 2nd September 1939, Wilkes reported to the London Training Centre. On 10th November he went to No. 1 ITW Cambridge and on 30th December moved on to 12 FTS Grantham.

After completing the course he was posted to 6 OTU Sutton Bridge on 26th May 1940 to convert to Hurricanes.

Wilkes was posted to 213 Squadron at Wittering on 8th June. He failed to return from combat with enemy aircraft off Bognor on 12th August 1940 in Hurricane P2854.

Wilkes was 21. He is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Panel 21.

Above image courtesy of Dean Sumner.