The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. P H Willcocks

Peter Hamilton Willcocks, of South Croydon, was born on 11th April 1920 in Wandsworth, the son of George Hamilton Willcocks and Elsie Gertrude Willcocks.

He was educated at Selhurst Grammar School. He worked for the County of London Electricity Supply Company and joined the Iraq Petrol Company one week before the war started.

He had joined the RAFVR in September 1938 as an Airman u/t Pilot.

Called up on 1st September 1939 he completed his flying training at 11 FTS, converted to Spifires and joined 610 Squadron at Biggin Hill on 27th July 1940.

He moved to 66 Squadron at Kenley on 10th September. Willcocks made a forced-landing one mile south-east of Gravesend on the 14th due to engine failure, writing the aircraft off.

On the 29th he made a forced-landing after a combat with enemy fighters, slightly wounded. On 11th October Willcocks crashed near Newhook, as he approached Eastchurch in bad visibility, he was unhurt.

He was killed on 28th November 1940 when he collided with P/O HR Allen over Edenbridge and crashed in Spitfire P7491.

Willcocks was 20 years old.

He was cremated at South London Crematorium, Mitcham.